Health Care
Wheaton student health services are provided by the Norton Medical Center (NMC). The NMC is associated with Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The center is located on the Wheaton campus on Taunton Avenue next to the bookstore. Norton Medical Center provides outpatient services Monday through Friday by appointment only. Some services and referrals are billable to students’ required health insurance, but routine care is provided without charge during Wheaton Hours, as part of the college’s service contract. Wheaton Hours are designated appointment slots reserved for Wheaton students.
Provider alternatives. Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro and the Mansfield Healther Center (in neighboring Mansfield) provide direct care when the Norton Medical Center is not open.
Emergency health care. For all emergencies, call Wheaton Public Safety (x3333) or Emergency Medical Services (dial 9-911 from campus phones).
Outreach. The Office of Health and Wellness, in cooperation with the Wheaton Counseling Center, the Office of Student Life, the Student Health Advisory Board and local public health agencies, provides regular programs on sexuality, stress, wellness, drug and alcohol abuse, and current health topics that are relevant to college students.
More information on student health services, including details on contacting the Office of Health and Wellness, is available at wheatoncollege.edu/StudentLife/Health/.
Confidentiality. Health service providers observe strict rules of confidentiality in the doctor-patient relationship. Under no circumstances are records ever shown or discussed with anyone without knowledge and written consent of the student. Medical records are kept on file to ensure continuity and quality health care. Only the health services staff has access to the contents of medical charts. This policy means that no one has access to information about medical or personal histories without signed authorization from the sender. This information remains confidential.
Students should be aware that if they have their own insurance policy (not Wheaton’s), treatment will be billed to that policy (which is not covered by Wheaton’s confidentiality regulations) and a statement for services provided may be sent to the policy owner.
Counseling. The Counseling Center provides support and counseling services to students as they deal with the inevitable problems, stress, difficulties in relationships and conflicts they will encounter in their young adult years. In order to meet the developmental needs of an increasingly diverse student body, the Center provides flexible and varied approaches to helping students, both on campus and with referrals to off-campus resources. The Center offers a variety of outreach programs ranging from lunchtime discussion groups to workshops focusing on specific themes. The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed mental health professionals and graduate interns in advanced training. Any concern that a student brings to the Center is treated with respect, caring and confidentiality.
Counseling services are confidential and free of charge to all Wheaton students.