Robbie Meredith, BBC News NI education and arts correspondent, reported that a mother with a 13-year-old son who has a severe heart condition is advocating for nurses to remain in special schools. The mother emphasized that having a nurse at school is crucial and life-saving for her son, Colin. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is conducting a review of nursing services in special schools, raising concerns about potential nurse removal from certain schools. Despite this, the Department of Health stated that ensuring safe access to education for all children remains a top priority.
Lesley Anderson, Colin’s mother, shared that Mitchell House school in east Belfast, where Colin is a student, has a school nurse essential for his needs. Colin has experienced three cardiac arrests in his young life, requiring frequent medical interventions at school. Ms. Anderson highlighted the importance of having a nurse on-site to address critical situations and administer necessary medications to students like Colin. She stressed the reassurance it provides families knowing that nurses are present in schools.
In a meeting with Stormont’s Education Committee, Roz McFeeters, principal of Hill Croft special school, noted that the potential removal of nurses from special schools would be unsustainable. Ms. McFeeters raised concerns about the disparity in nursing services across different trust areas and the challenges it poses for schools like Hill Croft. She expressed the school’s urgent need for a nurse to support the significant medical interventions required for many pupils daily. Likewise, Colin Ward, principal of Parkview School in Lisburn, emphasized the complexity of pupils’ needs and the necessity of retaining the school nurse.
As the review on nursing provision in special schools continues, concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks and gaps in healthcare services for children with special needs. Education Minister Paul Givan’s commitment to reforming special educational needs has been welcomed by school principals, recognizing the challenges special schools have faced. The Department of Health highlighted the importance of collaboration between health and education sectors to ensure children with additional healthcare needs receive the necessary support to thrive academically. Stakeholder engagement and data gathering are ongoing, with a final report expected for consideration by the end of May
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