FAQ
When is the Medical Department open?
The Medical Department is open from 08.30- 19.30 Monday – Thursday and 08.30-18.30 on Fridays. There are two nursing sisters, Sr Debra Warburton and Sr Lindy Weston, who work each day on early and late shifts. There is a sister on call out of hours for health needs/emergencies.
What about extra-curricular activities?
The nursing staff cover all extra-curricular activities which take place at the School either by being present or on-call.
My child is going to be boarding at the School, will they be registered with a GP?
All our boarding students are registered with a GP practice in nearby Syston. The School Doctor is Dr Tim Jennings who visits the School twice a week, but if a child needs to be seen in between they are taken to the surgery.
We are also able to arrange dental, optician, orthodontic and hospital appointments as necessary.
We always keep parents /guardians fully informed of any changes in their child’s health.
I am a boarder - what if I am ill at night?
Firstly, you would tell the boarding housemistress / housemaster that you were ill. She/ he would then phone the nursing staff for advice. If it were necessary for a nurse to visit you, we would do so. Otherwise, advice is given over the phone to the experienced boarding staff who would then monitor you carefully overnight. If a child is expected to be ill for more than a couple of days then we advise their parent/guardian to collect them.
What is the role of the Medical Department?
The role includes providing the daily medical care for the school community, equipping and maintaining the First Aids bags which accompany staff to all sports fixtures, playing a part in the teaching of PSHCE and offering advice on medical matters. We support children with long-term and short-term medical needs and those who just need someone to talk to. We can refer children to see the School’s Independent Listener who is an experienced Counsellor.
What happens if I need to take medicines while I am at School?
The nursing staff are happy to administer any medication that may be required by a student. Your medicine must be handed into the medical department by your parent. It must be in its original packaging, clearly labelled with your name, dosage and the time to be taken. Your parent will need to sign our record giving us details of the reason for taking it and consent for us to administer it.
If it is not possible for a parent to do this in person a signed letter stating the above is acceptable.
Boarding students are given medication as required.
We ask that no student keeps ANY medicines with them whilst in School, unless by prior agreement with the medical department.
Will I receive vaccinations while I am at School?
All children in the Senior School are offered the influenza vaccine in the Autumn Term.
Boarders are given their Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio booster when they are 15 years old.
Girls are offered the cervical cancer vaccination in accordance with Area Health guidelines.
What happens if I am unwell and unable to do Games?
If you are unwell or injured, your parents will need to write a letter to the Medical Department giving the reason. We shall then write an ‘off games note’ for you to give to your sports teacher. You will still need to bring your sports kit as some lessons are indoors and you may, at least, be able to listen and learn from the lesson.
My child has had an upset stomach, when can they come back to School?
It is the School’s policy that if a child has had either diarrhoea and/or sickness, they must not return to School until 48 hours after the last bout of sickness/diarrhoea. This is in order to minimise the spread of infection.
Comments/views from students/staff about the Medical Department.
Caring, fun Sisters, always there for you.
Always ready to listen.
Organised and efficient.
Sister is like a second Mum.
It’s a homely, friendly place.
Always say the right thing, make you feel better.
You don’t have to be ill to go there. You can just call in.
Always seem to have the right answer.
They’re like a family.
Nothing is too much trouble.
Work closely and well with the boarding staff.
Have a good sense of humour, always positive.
