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Our
School Nurse, Jenny Gibson has been working in Foyle View School
since February 2007. Foyle View is the only school in the
Western Board with a learning disability trained nurse as part of
the school staff.
Jenny
has worked in many different settings within the learning disability
programme over the years including hospital and community work.
Jenny
is keen to promote learning disability nursing as a discipline that
focuses firstly on the family unit and recognises that, while people
with severe learning disabilities may experience many problems that
others take for granted (e.g. communication), the learning
disability team are there to support people and their families to
maximise life opportunities throughout life.
A
visit to the doctor or hospital can be problematic for many children
and their families and it is recognised that many health
professionals lack the skills to communicate effectively with people
with a severe learning disability. Through accepting the
school nurse as a member of the school staff and being a familiar
presence, the pupils have developed a more positive approach to
health care treatment and some of their fears have been allayed.
School
medicals are an ideal time for parents to discuss any issues they
may have, with a doctor and the school nurse. Parents are also
given the opportunity to discuss wider issues with the school nurse
which may be causing them concern.
When
pupils first start at Foyle View School, they may be unsure of
services and support that they can avail of and, as Jenny works
closely with community nurses, social workers and doctors, she is
able to inform parents of any support available and how to access
it.
The
nurse is in school every day and wears many different hats:- from
providing nursing input to different children throughout the day to
first aider, counsellor advocate and health promoter, Jenny is a
valuable member in the Foyle View staff.
Jenny
is always available to talk with parents and likes to operate an
'open door' policy. This can be a short chat when dropping
your child to school or, if more time is needed, please contact
Jenny on tel: 028 7126 3270 to make an appointment.
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