Wellbeing...
Doctors in School Program
FAQ CSC’s Doctor in the School (DIS) Program
The Doctor in the School Program has recommenced at CSC, please read on to have all your FAQ answered
Who are the Doctors? Dr’s Louisa Hope and Richard Mayes. Both doctors have a special interest in the wellbeing and health of adolescence, and are dedicated to supporting the existing general practice clinics in the Castlemaine community.
Why do we have a Doctors in the School Program?
- To ensure that all young people in our school community have access to health care
- To provide a safe, confidential, and easily accessible environment
- To encourage the development of health independence through the teen years
- To provide assistance to our young people to identify and address any health problems early
- To build a trust and a healthy relationship in the medical profession, that will continue for a lifetime
- To complement the health promotion work of the School Nurse
Who can attend the Dr? Any student is allowed to come and see the doctor
Note: The appropriate person to give consent to treatment of children and young people will ordinarily be the parent or legal guardian. However, the concept of the “mature minor” enables young people under 16 years of age to consent to treatment if he or she is assessed to have sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable him or her to understand fully what is proposed and the consequences of it. Health professionals must make a judgment about a child’s ability to give valid consent to treatment. All young people will be strongly encouraged to communicate with their parents about any consultation they have and any treatment recommended.
Should students stop seeing their own family doctor and see the doctor at school? The preference is for students to continue to see their own GP at their usual clinic if at all possible as this doctor knows them well and it is far better if all the records are kept in one place to help provide continuity of care, however for some reason if this is difficult, the DIS program is available
What can the student come and see the doctor for? The services provided will be similar to those provided by GP’s in the community, however quite limited due to the constraints of the physical environment of the school. If ongoing care is needed the goal is to link the young person in with their usual GP or other appropriate health professional e.g. counsellor for mental health issues.
Is the appointment confidential? Information/ medical records are not shared with the school and are kept off site.
Health care providers such as doctors, nurses and counsellors are ethically bound to respect confidentiality and details will not be discussed with teachers or parents. The consultations are confidential unless there is concern about the safety of the student (risk of suicide or at risk of harm from others) or a danger to others.
When are the doctors at the school? The doctors attend the school every Thursday afternoon from 1-3.15pm. The doctors alternate each week.
How much is it? It is totally free, the students are bulk-billed
How do I make an appointment? Appointments can be made by the student themselves (self refer), or on their behalf and with their consent by the school nurse, the wellbeing team, parents and the teachers.
All bookings will be made through the school nurse (Alli Williams)
Mob: 0457516931, Email: Williams.alli.c@edumail.vic.gov.au or by just popping into the school nurse’s office.
Sun Smart
The Swimmers Were Not The Only Winners at the Swimming Sports.
Students at last Friday’s Swimming sports were encouraged to put the 5 sun smart steps in place.
So that not only were they in a chance to win a prize, but they also won by looking after their skin.
The winner of the most SunSmart person was awarded to Karli Showell, who had the 5 sunsmart principles in place. Karli won a Sunsmart pack.
New Face
My name is Angela Mitten and I am completing a Masters in Counselling with Monash University. I am undertaking my professional experience placement at Castlemaine Secondary College providing counselling services to students as part of the school wellbeing team. I moved to Castlemaine in 2001 and have a background in teaching. I’m now bringing that experience of working with young people into my role as counsellor. I am able to provide individual counselling sessions to students struggling with anxiety, depression, friendship issues, identity or body image issues for example. I will be available for appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you think that your child may benefit from some individual, free counselling please contact the Student Wellbeing Team.