New kids need health checks, says school nurse

(CNS): All students entering government or private schools for the first time in Cayman, are required to have health screenings, the school nurse said Wednesday. “This must be done before the new school year begins in September,” said Health Coordinator Joanna Rose –Wright reminded parents seeking to send children to school this September. The screening comprises assessment of growth and development, screening for vision and hearing; dental assessment; reviewing and administering necessary immunisations, and obtaining medical and surgical history and is offered free by public health to all students.

Officials said that for students entering schools in West Bay and the Eastern districts, health screenings will be done at the district health centres from 1 – 30 June and for all other students, health screenings will take place at John Gray and George Hicks Medical Centre from 6 July to 31 August 2011. Appointments can be made at the school the child will be attending.

Nurse Rose-Wright reminds parents and guardians that they need to accompany their children to the health screening and should bring the child’s immunization record.

“Vaccines will be offered to children whose immunisations are not up-to-date. A health screening certificate will then be issued which is to be taken to the child’s school,” she explained.

Parents may have their child’s health screenings done by a private doctor, as long as they ensure that he or she completes the school health screening forms provided by the Public Health Department.

The completed forms should be handed in at the John Gray’s Medical Centre between 6 July and 31 August, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Records completed by a private physician before or after these dates, can be dropped off at the Cayman Islands Hospital’s Public Health Clinic.

Once the record has been received, a health screening certificate will be issued which then must be taken to the school that the child is entering.

In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, appointments for school entry screening can be made by contacting Public Health Nurse Nelsie Jones at Faith Hospital on 948-2243.

Detailed information sheets for parents and guardians are available at the schools. For more information, please contact Nurse Rose-Wright at 244-2734 or 244-2648, or John Gray’s Medical Centre at 949-2501.