Boarders - Somerville House

2011 boardERS’ handbook
Medical Care
SCHOOL CLINIC
A registered nursing sister staffs the School Clinic on weekdays
from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm. This service is provided
primarily for the Boarding School but day-girls also have
access.
1. All boarders should be aware that medical attention is
available to them at any hour of the day or night.
2. Boarders who are ill are unable to remain in their
dormitories on a school day and must report to the
mistress on duty in their house first and then to Sister at
the Clinic.
3. If a boarder requires isolation from her dormitory
for any reason, facilities are available in the Clinic or
Boarding House for her to remain overnight in the care of
appropriate staff.
4. Medical and dental appointments will be made by Sister
and, whenever possible, appointments will be made after
school hours. Parents are asked to inform Sister by email
or phone if making these appointments on behalf of the
girls.
5. No medication is to be kept in the student’s possession.
All prescribed medication for Boarders is to be handed to
the Mistress on Duty who permits the student to take it
as prescribed. All S4 drugs (ie prescribed medication
) will be stored in a locked cupboard. A record sheet is
maintained for each boarder and each dosage is recorded.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 can be responsible for
coming and taking their medication, though Years 7, 8
and 9 will be reminded of their prescribed medication to
ensure they take it.
All other medications must have a pharmacy label which
clearly states the student’s name on the medication box,
the dosage and the name of the prescribing doctor.
DENTIST
There are many dentists in the local/city area. Sister will
make appropriate arrangements for review and follow-up
service.
DOCTOR
The School has a close link with several medical practitioners
but prefers that girls use the facilities of Dr Susan Byth,
111 Gladstone Road, Highgate Hill – Phone 3844 1180. Bulk
billing applies to those with Medicare cards. As an alternative
to Dr Byth, the Clinic refers to The Mater Hill Medical
Practice, Taylor Medical Centre, Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba.
This, however, is NOT A BULK BILLING PRACTICE and
students will need to pay the consultation fee at the time of
the consultation. There is an enormous variety of excellent
medical services in this area. We ask that parents do not
make appointments with medical or dental practitioners
away from this area as it imposes real difficulties with both
time and transport. This is the normal procedure unless
you have relatives or friends who are prepared to
undertake this task.
Girls in Years 11 and 12 may attend medical and dental
appointments alone, but may ask to be accompanied.
Students in Years 7 to 10 will be accompanied to
appointments by a senior student, or, if the appointment is
during school hours, the mistress on call. Only urgent cases
are seen in school hours.
Boarders are asked to report to the Mistress on Duty
immediately if they feel unwell. We have found that
sometimes girls telephone their parents but do not bother to
inform members of staff when they are sick. This has caused
considerable distress to parents at times and therefore it is
most important that staff be advised if anyone is ill.
6. In the instance of serious illness or injury, parents
are notified by telephone as it may be necessary for
alternative arrangements to be made until the student is
well enough to attend classes.
12
honour before honours