Keirsten Clark talks to two leading professionals in primary school healthcare: David Griffiths, Head of Primary from Nexus International School has been teaching in international schools for 13 years and Hjh. Suriyati Hj. Omar who is the resident Matron at the Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar.

Give us some information on your background within health for schools?

DG: School teachers and managers at Nexus go through a basic first aid course every few years. We also have a school nurse who is qualified with a diploma, advanced diploma or degree in nursing and registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board and has a valid practicing license.

HSHO: I am a State Registered Nurse from the King’s Lynn Hospital, England, with a Cardio Thoracic Cert. from the Brompton Hospital, London and a Child Care Certificate from Persatuan Asuhan Kanak Kanak Malaysia and have been working with Sime Darby Childcare Centre for 11 years.

What are the main challenges you face with children’s health in primary schools?

DG: Parents need to be constantly reminded to send their children into school with healthy snacks rather than sweets and fizzy drinks. Details are in the learner and parent handbook and we have a Cafeteria Committee who looks at this.

HSHO: We have to be ready as and when there is an outbreak for H1N1, Dengue Fever or vomiting to send a case to send to hospital for screening or we refer to our visiting doctor if less severe. Matrons have to be on the alert all the time. When students come in with prolonged illness, if they are diabetic or have allergies we take them to the hospital.

Are there any particular issues/problems which always seem to occur with children’s health?

DG: We have good pro-active systems in place to deal with the usual SE Asian health issues that schools face such as head lice, chicken pox, hand, foot and mouth. Our school nurse deals with these common issues with care and efficiency.

HSHO: Some students like to skip meals and live on junk food which leads to gastric. This we monitor among the junior students plus taking care of their cleanliness.

What can be done to combat these problems?

DG: Teaching children and parents about good hygiene practices. Parents are also given advice through regular information sessions and pamphlets.

HSHO: The Health Centre Matrons will work together with the House Matrons arranging talks on health subjects throughout school terms.

Where can parents get support for information about health care for their children?

DG: The school nurse who is well qualified to deal with any medical issues. In order to limit the transfer of contagious conditions we ask you not to send children who are unwell to school. If your child has an illness, please notify the school management and nurse.

HSHO: Info regarding students’ health care would be from the Health Centre or from our doctors.

How do you encourage children to look after themselves and take their health into their own hands?

DG: Personal, social and health education is an important subject in the primary curriculum and health issues are also taught in PE and Science. The Early Years Curriculum has a strand called Healthy Living that helps young children to learn about keeping healthy. We also run a programme that makes 10 minutes of exercise in the morning compulsory.

HSHO: We always give special attention to junior students. We brief on personal cleanliness, tidiness of rooms and advise them to seek their own House matrons for any medical advice or to go to the Health Centre which is open day.