| Taunton School | Taunton Prep School | Pre- Prep | First Steps |
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MEDICAL CARE The School Medical Centre is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm during term-time, and there is always a doctor and nurse on call for night-time emergencies. The qualified medical staff, in addition to dealing with routine health matters, also fulfil an important counselling role. They are there to offer confidential support and advice to all pupils. ALL PUPILS Confidentiality All medical information will be held in confidence by the medical staff and will not be divulged without the permission of the pupil. Contact Details If parents have any concerns, Dr Tim Howes or Dr Hilda Gormley may be contacted at French Weir Health Centre, or by leaving a message at the School; contact details are:
BOARDING PUPILS Registration All boarding pupils are registered with Dr Tim Howes or Dr Hilda Gormley. French Weir Health Centre is a purpose-built centre fairly close to the School. If appropriate, pupils may be seen at the Health Centre where Specialist Clinics are available to them. Medical Cover 4 days a week a doctor holds a surgery and the nurses run up to 5 surgeries a day. Counselling and emergency treatment are available at all times. At night and weekends a duty doctor, provided by a co-operative of local doctors, is on duty and pupils who need to see a doctor can do so at any time. During School holidays pupils can see a doctor anywhere in the UK, by filling in a form obtained when they visit a health centre. Hospital treatment Every effort will be made to obtain consent from the parent or guardian prior to hospital treatment. (i.e. for an emergency operation). If this is not possible then the Headmaster or House Staff, acting in loco parentis, will give consent. A member of staff will accompany pupils needing treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Musgrove Park Hospital, which is only about 3 miles from the School. Out-Patient appointmentsAn adult will accompany pupils under 16 to their first out-patient appointment at the hospital. If the pupil and doctor concerned are happy, pupils may attend further out-patient appointments on their own. A local taxi firm is used for travel to and from appointments and the cost is added to your account. Admission to the Medical Centre Some medical conditions may make it necessary for a pupil to be admitted to the Medical Centre to allow supervision during the day and overnight. When a pupil is admitted to the Medical Centre because of illness or injury, parents or guardians will be informed if possible. Physiotherapy A physiotherapist attends the Medical Centre on three mornings a week to treat pupils referred by the doctor. Dentist’s and Optician’s Treatment Routine visits to the dentist and optician should, where possible, be made during School holidays. Only emergency dental treatment is available during term time and if routine treatment is carried out it may have to be paid for. Unfortunately this is because it is increasingly difficult to get free dental treatment anywhere. Parents should consider dental insurance or the pupil should continue to visit their own dentist at home. Pupils Travelling Overseas Immunisations will be given to pupils travelling overseas in accordance with the guidelines used in the UK; these may be at variance with those of other countries. Consent for these vaccinations will be requested before proceeding. Preventative drugs for malaria can be supplied to pupils travelling to affected areas (including those pupils who normally live overseas as resistance can be lost); there is a charge for this medication. Medical Treatment during School Holidays It is important that the Medical Centre is informed of any medical treatment, vaccinations given, or medicines prescribed during the School holidays. Pupils should bring any new medications to the Medical Centre on return to School to ensure the nursing staff are aware of the treatment. If you would like further information, please contact Mrs Susan Taylor, Sister-in-Charge, Medical Centre, Taunton School, Taunton, TA2 6AD. Tel: 01823 349240. Fax: 01823 349201. |
