Bernard J. Durkan
Question:202 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to enhance the schools medical examination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21726/00]
Written Answers. - School Medical Services.
The provision of school medical services, as an integral component of child health services, is the statutory responsibility of the health boards.
As a result of the identification of the need for a review of child health services in the health strategy, "Shaping a Healthier Future", the chief executive officers of the health boards initiated a review of the services in question. This review resulted in the recent publication of the report "Best Health for Children".
The report recommends a core programme for child health surveillance for all primary schools involving screening of children at ages five to six years, seven to eight years and 11-12 years. Such screening will include measurement of growth – height and weight – testing of visual acuity and of hearing and general observation. The report also recommends selective medical examination of children with problems and that children with special needs should receive particular attention.
The implementation of the report is a matter for the health boards. The chief executive officers of the health boards have established a national conjoint child health committee and appointed national child health co-ordinators for the purpose of overseeing implementation of the recommendations of the report in the health boards. The co-ordinators have indicated that the North Western Health Board will pilot the new school health service programme in its region later this year and report the outcome of the evaluation to the co-ordinators. The pilot programme will commence later this year.