Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 57
Set out plans to reverse substantial reductions in the number of school nurses.
Recommendation
School nurses are a valuable resource. They are a trusted adult who children can turn to, they can pick up on safeguarding concerns, and trends in problems such as STI prevalence in a community. They can also direct children to sexual health services, 30 The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in young people and other high risk groups reducing potential demand on hospital services and risks to long term health. In response to this Report the Government should set out plans to reverse the recent substantial and damaging reductions in the number of school nurses.
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, recognising the fundamental role of school nurses and stating that workforce planning will be a central part of the 10 Year Health Plan to ensure the right staff are available, including school nurses. However, no specific plans for reversing the recent reductions are provided.
Paragraph Reference:
57
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Partially accept The government partially accepts this recommendation. The school nursing workforce is fundamental to improving the health and wellbeing of families throughout the school years. School Nurses work with local stakeholders to help develop local care pathways and promote joined up working to support children aged 5–19. They utilise their clinical judgement and public health expertise to identify health needs early, determining potential risk, and providing early intervention to prevent issues escalating. A central part of the 10 Year Health Plan will be our workforce and how we ensure we train and provide the staff, technology and infrastructure the NHS needs to care for patients across our communities. ensure we have the staff we need, so that children, their carers, and their families are cared for by the right professional, including school nurses, when and where they need it.