Doctor program returns to college
Horsham College and Lister House Medical Clinic, Horsham, in partnership with Western Victoria Primary Health Network are reintroducing a Doctors in Secondary Schools program.
The program provides primary health care services to secondary school students in 100 state government schools.
It aims to make health care more accessible to students, assist young people to identify and address any health problems early and reduce pressure on working parents and community-based GPS.
Horsham College assistant principal Louise Amor said the program would support students and families in accessing health care.
“We have been involved in this program since it was implemented, however, we have been without a doctor and nurse since the end of 2021,” she said.
“We are incredibly excited to have a local doctor and nurse who know our community work with us at the school.”
Lister House clinic registered nurse and nurse manager Sharon Hedt said the program would provide health care for students enrolled at Horsham College.
“Instead of students having to book an appointment with a general practitioner, taking time off school and needing a parent or guardian to take them to and from appointments, they can see someone at school,” she said.
“The service will be available on Thursdays and will be the same sort of treatment they would receive if they went to a GP clinic.”
Ms Hedt said Lister House leaders were excited to pilot the program with Horsham College in 2020 and to bring it back to the school community in 2023.
“We have a qualified team who will be attending the school, just for students during school hours,” she said.