(CMR) The Public Health Department has commenced its annual comprehensive School Entry Screening Program for students entering government or private schools across the islands, including reception.
Each academic year, students enrolling in schools within the Cayman Islands for the first time must undergo a series of health assessments as part of the entry process. The school screening program includes growth and development assessment, vision and hearing screening, dental assessment, and vaccination administration.
The screenings, which are free to all students, are taking place at the district health centers from the 3rd to the 27th of June 2024 for those entering schools in West Bay and the Eastern districts. For all other students, health screenings will be at John Gray High School Medical Centre (nurse’s office) from 3rd July to 16th August 2024. Appointment times will be provided directly to parents.
This initiative aims to ensure the holistic health and well-being of young learners, supporting students in achieving their full potential academically, socially, and physically.
This comprehensive screening program further underscores the Public Health Department's dedication to promoting the all-around development of the youth population by prioritizing early detection and intervention.
Nurse Carvell Bailey-Able, School Health Coordinator, is reminding parents and guardians that they must accompany their children to the health screening and take along the child’s immunization record.
“Vaccines will be offered to children whose immunizations are not up-to-date. A health screening certificate will then be issued, which is to be taken to the child’s school,” she explained.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively participate in the screening process and collaborate with school officials and healthcare professionals to ensure the optimal health and development of their children.
Parents may have their child’s health screenings done by a private doctor; however, the doctor must complete the School Health Screening Forms provided by the Public Health Department.
The completed forms should be submitted at the John Gray High School Medical Centre (nurse’s office) between July 3rd and August 16th, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Outside of these dates, the forms can be taken to the Public Health Clinic at the Smith Road Medical Centre.
Once the record has been received, a health screening certificate will be issued, which must then be taken to the school the child will enter.
In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, Public Health Nurse Kedine Hyde at Aston Rutty Medical Wing can be contacted at 948-2243/244-7643 to make appointments for school entry screenings.
Detailed information sheets for parents and guardians are available at the schools. For more information, please contact Nurse Carvell Bailey-Able at 244-2735 and 244-2648.
For more information on children's immunization, visit https://www.hsa.ky/public-health/child-immunisation
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