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At OIC Brighton, student health and wellbeing are central to creating an environment where young people can thrive. To offer insight into the care available on campus, we spoke with Claire, our College Nurse, who has been supporting students at the school since April 2025.
Claire brings a wealth of experience from her many years working in the NHS, and her role at OIC Brighton places her at the heart of everyday student life, providing both routine and essential medical support.
No two days in the Health Centre are alike. Claire sees students for everything from coughs, colds and digestive issues to toothache, acne or minor injuries. Some concerns are simple to resolve, while others require more specialist intervention.
“I can pretty much access anything,” she explains. From same‑day GP appointments and prescriptions for infections, to local dental and optical care, Claire is able to coordinate a full range of medical services quickly and efficiently. Students benefit from her strong links with local providers, including a trusted private dentist and NHS services in Hove, which offer access to mental health support, physiotherapy and more.
This flexibility ensures that no matter what students are facing, help is never far away.
The Health Centre can be busy, especially during early‑morning drop‑ins between 8 and 9:30am. For students who feel anxious or intimidated about seeking help, Claire offers quieter times or arranges to collect them personally so they can speak in a calmer environment.
At the start of each academic year, she meets every new student as part of their induction, introducing herself and explaining the support available. This early connection helps students feel more confident approaching her later in the year.
“Some students come straight to me when they have a bad result or are feeling overwhelmed. I want them to know that my door is open.”
Collaboration is key to ensuring students receive consistent care. Although medical matters must remain confidential where appropriate, Claire works closely with boarding staff, tutors and other teachers to keep communication clear and student‑centred.
She attends weekly meetings, shares relevant updates and provides guidance on how staff can support unwell students when she is not on site. After any period of illness, she follows up with both the student and staff to make sure recovery is on track.
“I’m probably the only person who communicates with every level of staff in the school,” she notes. This whole‑school visibility ensures that student needs never fall through the gaps.
As exams approach, Claire sees a shift in the types of concerns students bring to her. Stress and anxiety often manifest physically, and she encourages students to look out for signs such as disrupted sleep, poor hydration or low energy.
Her advice is simple but powerful: prioritise rest, eat well, drink enough water and take breaks.
“Young people push themselves very hard. Even ten minutes outside in the sunshine or a quiet moment to reset can make a big difference.”
She emphasises self‑preservation as a fundamental element of academic success. Students who look after themselves are far better equipped to meet the demands of a busy exam schedule.
Claire’s role extends far beyond treating symptoms. She ensures that students feel cared for, heard and supported throughout their time at OIC Brighton. Her ability to access local medical services quickly, build trusted relationships with staff and respond sensitively to student concerns makes the Health Centre an essential pillar of our wellbeing provision.
Above all, Claire’s message to students is clear: if you need help, you are never alone.
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