Bernard J. Durkan
Question:411 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the frequency of school medical examinations; the degree to which follow up treatment is given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11390/03]
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. The 1999 report, Best Health for Children, commissioned by the chief executive officers of the health boards, comprises a review of child health services, including the school health service. The aims of the core programme for child health surveillance set out in the report are to ensure that all children have the opportunity to realise their full potential in terms of good health, well being and development; and to identify remedial disorders at the earliest possible date and to treat them in a timely fashion.
As far as school medical services are concerned, the report makes a number of recommendations, including a core programme for child health surveillance for all primary schools in close co-operation with parents and teachers and with selective medical examinations of children with problems. In addition, it emphasises the need for adequate training of key professionals, provision and maintenance of appropriate referral and timely and effective treatment services as essential components of the school health service.
Additional funding in the region of €1.015 million in 2001 and a further €1.052 million in 2002 has been allocated to the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority in order to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations set out in the report. This funding has facilitated the appointment of key individuals at local level to drive the implementation process and also the establishment of a number of demonstration projects, including the piloting of a school health services model in the North-Western Health Board, in line with the recommendations of the Best Health for Children report. The project commenced this year and will run until 2004, when it is due to be evaluated. A national conjoint child health committee, established by the chief executive officers of the health boards, is currently overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the recommendations.