OUR SCHOOLS GET ON-SITE DOCTORS
Geelong part of state’s $43.8m pilot health program
STUDENTS at three Geelong secondary schools will have access to on-site doctors as part of a new $43.8 million pilot health program.
General practitioners will begin work at Geelong High, Newcomb Secondary and North Geelong Secondary this term as part of the statewide Doctors in Secondary Schools initiative.
Doctors and nurses will attend the campuses one day a week to help young people identify health problems early and reduce pressure on working parents.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said participating schools, students and their parents or carers would not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for the consultations.
Minister for Education James Merlino said the trial would ensure students receives the support, advice and treatment they needed.
“We know young people have some of the lowest GP attendance rates, meaning many are missing out on vital healthcare support,” he said.
“Students at North Geelong Secondary College, Geelong High School and Newcomb Secondary College will be able to see a GP on-site and get on top of health problems early, including mental health issues.”
North Geelong principal Nick Adamou said the program, which has been running for three weeks, was a welcome addition to the school’s wellbeing support team.
“For a community like my school community (access) is extremely important because sometimes parents or guardians may choose not to attend (a GP with their child) because of the cost of the appointment or the bus fare or time,” he said.
“We want to be there for our kids and make every effort possible to ensure their wellbeing.”
Mr Adamou said the clinic was in a “very discreet” place on site to ensure the students feel safe to inquire.
He said the program was proving to be outstanding. “The doctor is occupied and the wellbeing team at the school is extremely happy,” he said. “We would like to believe that every high school would have such a service in the years to come.”
The experienced, youthfriendly GPs and nurses, recruited by Western Victoria PHN, will work with student welfare teams to promote health and wellbeing within the school community.
Barwon Child, Youth & Family, responsible for the headspace Geelong program, will also work closely with participating schools to deliver the program.
More schools in the Western Victoria district will come on board in Term 1, 2018.