You have an emergency?

During office hours (08h30–16h00):
Phone 021 650 1020 for assistance from the Student Wellness Service (SWS) Hotline.
You can also visit the SWS Ivan Toms Building service point on Lower Campus.

All hours:
For any emergencies, phone 080 650 2222 (toll-free) for UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS).
For mental health emergencies, phone 0800 24 25 26 (toll-free) or text 31393 for a call-me-back (UCT Student Careline).

See also:

 

Emergency contacts

Our Emergency Contact Information section provides vital contact details and guidance for various urgent situations. Whether you need immediate medical assistance, mental health support, or other emergency services, this comprehensive resource ensures you have quick and easy access to the help you need, any time of the day.

Emergency Contacts Mental Health & Counselling Sexual & Reproductive Health Pharmacies & Poisons Units

24-hour Hospital Emergency Units

Hospital NameAddressAreaContact Number (Switchboard)Contact Number (Appointments)
Groote Schuur HospitalMain RoadObservatory021 404 9111021 404 5566
Life Claremont Hospital245 Main RoadClaremont021 670 4300
Vincent Pallotti HospitalAlexandra RoadPinelands021 506 5111
Kingsbury HospitalWilderness LaneClaremont021 670 4000
Rondebosch Medical Centre185 Klipfontein RoadMowbray021 685 8706

1 For any medical injuries on campus, please contact SWS to make arrangements and obtain approvals for the student to go to the Rondebosch Medical Centre.

Ambulance Services

State: 10177 or Private: ER24 084124

For further information, see:

Mental Health and Counselling

UCT Student Careline: Call 0800 24 25 26 or text 31393 (toll-free from a Telkom line / SMS call-back service).

  • 24/7 telephonic counselling, advice, referral, and general support for students facing mental health challenges or contemplating suicide.
  • Advises and refers students to both UCT resources and external mental health services.
  • Please use the Careline while waiting for appointments at the Student Wellness Service.
  • This service is provided by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).

SWS Crisis Line for Psychiatric Emergencies (after hours): 021 650 1271

Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36

For more, view the Emergency protocol for a student in a mental health crisis on campus.

Sexual Assault

UCT Office for Inclusivity & Change (OIC)
Tel: 021 650 3530 or 072 393 7824

UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS)
Tel: 021 650 2222/3 (24-hours)

Reproductive Health

The Marie Stopes Clinic
Tel: 0800 11 77 85 (toll-free)

  • Safe abortions
  • Contraceptives
  • Pregnancy care
  • HIV and STI testing
  • Women’s wellness & Pap smears

Emergency Contraception: The "morning after pill" is available at pharmacies, emergency hospital units or via Marie Stopes Telemedicine Services.

Pharmacies

Webb & Savoy
34 Cnr Main & Durban Roads, Mowbray
Tel: 021 689 8923
Mon–Sat: 08h00–21h00; Sun: 09h00–21h00

Rustenburg Pharmacy
Fountain Square, Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3997
Mon–Sat: 08h30–22h00; Sun: 09h00–22h00

Clicks Pharmacy
Fountain Square, 23 Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 689 8973
Mon–Sat: 08h30–19h30

Poisons Units

24-hour Emergency Number: 0861 555 777
Poisons Information Centre at Tygerberg Hospital