School Nursing Team
The School Nursing team is made up of the
- School Nurse (Specialist Qualified 3rd part Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registrant – now masters level 11 post graduate degree)
- Community Staff Nurses (Registered Nurse on Part 1 of NMC – undergraduate degree)
- Community Health Assistants (not a nurse, may have SVQ qualifications in care related field)
Services provided
Universal Services for All School Age Children:
Child Health Surveillance Programme
- P1 eye tests by Health Assistant – (only for those who did not receive this preschool in nursery)
- Growth Measurements by Health Assistant– currently at Primary 1 and Parent health Questionnaire (this may change in the future dependant on Scottish Government obesity strategy and the Health Visitor assessment at 4-5 years preschool)
- Primary 7 health questionnaire – growth measurement may be added in the future linked to Scottish Government obesity prevention work
- Drop in Services – a drop in health zone for High School Pupils (either in school or community facility) who are seeking advice or support on sexual health and health related issues
Education of Staff and Pupils
- Staff training – CPD in-service days on health actions plans, anaphylaxis etc – will be usually be delivered by the staff nurse
- Healthcare Plans for pupils – education staff will be supported by staff nurses on the planning and education
Healthcare Needs of Children with Moderate to Complex Physical Nursing Needs:
- For children in Complex Needs Schools, nursing care needs will be delivered by the nursing team who are based in these designated schools
School Nurse Services for Children/Young People with Increased Needs:
10 key areas specialist school nurses will focus on:
- Emotional Health and Wellbeing
- Substance Misuse
- Child Protection
- Domestic Abuse
- Looked After Children
- Homelessness
- Youth Justice
- Young Carers
- Sexual Health
- Transitions
How to Refer
Children can be referred to the School Nurse by their school or their GP or other health care professional. Children and young people can also self-refer. They can do this by discussing this at drop ins or asking their teacher/ guidance teacher to refer them. Parents can refer by discussing with their GP or child’s teacher/ guidance teacher.
Further information
Our NHS Lothian School Nursing Service web pages:
St Andrew's Fox Covert 