Community Paediatrician to visit Foxton and Shannon Schools in new Health Initiative

31/08/2007 | Paediatrician to visit schools

It is hard for many children and families to get to the doctor, so MidCentral District Health Board is taking the doctor to the school children, in a new initiative for Shannon and Foxton primary school children.

It is hard for many children and families to get to the doctor, so MidCentral District Health Board is taking the doctor to the school children, in a new initiative for Shannon and Foxton primary school children.

Community paediatrician Dr Giles Bates says: “It is hard for many children and families to get to the doctor. The trusted Public Health Nurse can help to both identify health problems in school children and get the treatment they deserve.”

To build on this key relationship and improve access to health services, the Foxton and Shannon primary schools, together with the MidCentral DHB Public Health and Community Paediatrics Service have set up a local initiative. The aim is to help children get the health care they need, and so enable them to fully function in the classroom.

In the last week of Term 3, the Public Health Nurse and the Community Paediatrician, Dr Giles Bates, will offer health checks to all pupils at the Foxton, and Shannon schools who, on 1 June 2007, were between the ages of five years six months, and six years six months. The six schools involved are: Shannon, Foxton, Foxton Beach, Coley St, Oroua Downs and St Marys.

The health check will be linked with existing information such as the Vision and Hearing check, dental therapist assessment and six year educational assessment information.

This initiative has been led by the schools and community, prompted by concern about the many health problems that affect their children.

Ear infections, impetigo and school sores, head lice, asthma and other common illnesses can prove a misery for some children at school.

Foxton Beach School principal Ann Brouwers said: “We are very fortunate to be part of this initiative. Every day we see children with a range of health conditions that require treatment that can limit children reaching their full potential in the classroom.  If we can help children early on then this will lead to long term benefits.”

As well as helping this particular group of children, the health information will add to the overall assessment of the health needs of all children in the Foxton and Shannon region which is being led by the MidCentral Community Paediatric Service. 

CONTACT: Communications Unit: (06) 350-8945.