Is for all children at school, from Primary 1 to whenever you leave school and is made up of 7 School Doctors and 10 School Nurses, all of whom are specially trained to deal with school age children and their health needs.  Your school will have one doctor and one nurse attached to it for you to use.  Anyone can use the School Health Service; here are some reasons why people chose to do so:

• To talk to a nurse or other health professional about health concerns; things like sexual health, eating and diet issues (ranging from anorexia to information about the best foods to eat to improve your achievements in sport), or to get health help while in school (eg help in taking medication).
• To receive confidential advice on how to deal with a problem (being pregnant, worrying about friendships, advice on undertaking a new relationship).
• To receive immunisations against a variety of diseases and illnesses (things like measles or TB).
• To have your height and weight checked.
• To access advice and information on contraception and receive condoms if required.

Public Health Nurses (Schools) work closely with your teachers to help improve your health and help you achieve the best you can at school and in life.  The School Health Service staff also train your teachers etc in dealing with medical issues of children at their schools (eg diabetes, epilepsy, asthma).  Everything you tell your Public Health Nurse (Schools) or Doctor will be kept secret and not be told to anyone unless you ask him or her to - or if they feel you are in danger, and then only when they have spoken to you.

Your School will have a special room where you can meet with the nurse or doctor and information about this will be displayed in your school, or you can ask your teacher or someone at the school office.

It is free to use your School Health Service and you will find it very useful as an alternative to going to your health centre.

Contact:
School Health Service
Community Paediatric Services
NHS Borders
Borders General Hospital              or speak to your school to find
Melrose                                         out when the School Health
TD6 9BS                                             Service visits.