When travelling to and from placements, just as when travelling about in your social and personal life,  there are some common sense guidelines to follow for your health and safety:

• Plan your journey so that you know in advance where you are going – know your route and, if you will be travelling by public transport, the times of trains, trams and buses and the use of appropriate masks (Google Maps or www.tfgm.com).
• Tell friends and housemates where you are going and importantly when you are due back. Equally let them know if your plans change. It is always safest to know that someone will notice if you do not arrive or return at the time you planned (You can download the UK’s leading personally safety app WalkSafe+ which allows you to share your journey with trusted friends/contacts).
• Let your placement supervisor and your group know if you are going to be absent or late.
• Avoid short cuts and keep to well lit areas – exercise judgement in using ill lit stairs and quiet lifts and don’t wait at deserted train or bus stops. If you have to wait, do so in well lit areas with plenty of people in view.
• Take useful telephone numbers with you: your Year Administrator; Community Placement Administrator; Programme Reception (See: Contacts); and the GP surgery or hospital you are travelling to (see 1Med). Enter these numbers into your mobile phone.
• Download the SafeZone app which is designed to keep you safe across campuses in the city.
• Don’t assume everyone knows who you are – always carry some identification.
• Only carry just enough money for expenses.
• Avoid displaying expensive gadgets (phones, tablets, etc.) and wearing high-value jewellery when travelling to and from placements.
• Don’t travel in your NHS workwear (provided by your Clinical Education Campus). Remember that NHS workwear is for the workplace only. Remember the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Sciences Professionalism Policy including Dress code.
• Always leave the environment if your instinct tells you to.

Please also read the University Occupational Health Service’s guidance on action to be taken in the event of needle sticks/sharps injuries and incidents involving human blood or other body fluids: Inoculation Injuries Prevention/Action and Advice for Health Care Workers.