School nursing
Service update
Due to the continuing staff shortages and demand on the service, we are experiencing significant challenges at this time.
We remain committed to supporting the health and well-being of all school age children and will be prioritising safeguarding work and contacts with children / young people with additional needs or specific requirements.
Please be assured that we are doing our very best to offer all our families alternative support via telephone and virtual contacts, where possible.
If advice or support is needed email dhc.snadmin.hub@nhs.net or call 01929 557 558 with your child’s details and a contact number.
If you are a parent/carer you can contact us for advice via text at ParentLine on 07312263131.
If you are a young person aged 11-19 you can contact us for advice via text at ChatHealth on 07480635511.
School nursing no longer delivers school age immunisations. These are now delivered by Dorset School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS).
Find out more about the service by calling 01425 891162, emailing dhc.immsenquiries@nhs.net or visiting their page on the website.
School nursing teams work with children, families, schools and other agencies to support the health and wellbeing of school-age children across Dorset. Every school in Dorset has a named school nurse, who maintains regular contact with their school to promote healthy lifestyles and offer practical advice, information and support.
The team has links with other health professionals including community paediatricians, health visitors, GPs and speech and language therapists.
School nursing teams have a public health role in working with school aged children and their families, aiming to promote health and wellbeing. We encourage healthier lifestyles and provide information, advice and support to children and their families.
The team is committed to safeguarding all children and young people and adheres to the pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership guidance.
The service sits within the Children and Young People’s Public Health Service 0 to 19, alongside health visiting. The teams work with children, families, school staff and other agencies to support the health and well-being of school-age children across Dorset.
When your child is ill or injured, it is very difficult to decide if/when to call your child's GP, NHS 111 or go to the accident and emergency department (A&E).
- If your child has a mild illness, you can access advice from a pharmacist. Find your local Pharmacy here
- If your GP is shut or you cannot get hold of your GP and you need advice on what to do you can contact NHS 111 for advice either online (for children over 5) or via telephone.
- If your child has an illness or injury that is NOT life threatening you can access an urgent treatment centre
- The NHS has advice on when you should take your child to A+E click here to find your nearest A&E
- If your child is feeling unwell, it can also be difficult to know whether you should send them in to school or not. Public Health Dorset Child illness and being in school Public Health Dorset - Dorset Council and Healthier together have some useful advice on when you should/shouldn’t send your child to school.
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Compliments, concerns and complaints
We welcome all feedback about our services, whether it is positive or critical. By telling us about
your experiences, you will help us to improve our services where needed, and allow us to shape the
care we provide around our patients' needs and expectations.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
Telephone: Freephone 0800 587 4997
E-mail: dhc.pals@nhs.net
Post:
Dorset HealthCare Complaints Team
Sentinel House
Nuffield Road
Poole
Dorset
BH17 0RB