School-Based Health Service initiative on-track

01/04/2011 | School-Based Health Service

Development of the new School-Based Health Service (SBHS) is progressing well with the service being rolled out to ten schools* across the MidCentral District Health Board region.

Five schools across the region are already enjoying the benefits of their School-Based Health Services which opened earlier this year.

Most of the services are provided by Public Health Service, Public Health Nurses, however three alternative education providers will have the service provided by Youth One Stop Shop, who are extending their youth health team to be part of this project.

The purpose of SBHS is to improve students’ access to primary health care and to ensure that appropriate and timely assessment, treatment and referrals are made in order to improve youth health and reduce inequalities. SBHS also allows teachers to focus more time on educational issues while nurses can address health needs and assist young people to navigate the health system. 

Project Coordinator, Marama McGrath-McDonald said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to foster and strengthen the relationships between the health and education sectors, using a coordinated approach.”

SBHS applies to decile 1 and 2 Secondary Schools, Alternative Education Providers and Teen Parent Units. There are three core elements to SBHS, including: A universal health check; proactive services, such as health promotion campaigns; and individual health services when these are sought by a student or as a result of a registered nurse contacting a student.  Like other programmes provided by MCH’s Public Health Service, this approach recognises the fundamental importance of families, schools and communities in nurturing healthy and vibrant young people.
 
Bruce McIntyre the principal at Manawatu College in Foxton said: “Anecdotal feedback from staff members and students about the new School-Based Health Service has been exceptionally positive. 

“Ease of access to a knowledgeable and approachable health nurse has been identified as the major benefit of the service for students.  In previous years students would not be able to access help for many of the issues they are now seeing the nurse about.

“Another major benefit to the college is the comprehensive health check that each of our Year 9’s has, or will receive, during the course of this year.  Already hearing and vision problems have been picked up by the check and those students have been referred on to specialist services.  Because students’ well-being is being supported more with the introduction of the new SBHS, their learning and school performance will be enhanced.”

* Schools:
Horowhenua - Manawatu College, Foxton; Waiopehu College, Levin; and Horowhenua Alternative Education Centre
Palmerston North - Whakatipuria Freyberg High School Teen Parent Unit; Highbury Whanau Centre Alternative Education, Kelvin Grove Alternative Education; and Manawatu Community High School
Tararua - Te Kura Kaupapa o Tamaki Nui a Rua; Dannevirke Alternative Education; and Pahiatua Alternative Education

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945