Welcome to the new school year. My name is Kelly Parkinson and I am the School Health Nurse who visits your school.
School Health Nurses work in schools to promote healthy development and wellbeing so students may reach their full potential. A major part of my work is focused on early intervention and the School Entry Health Assessment program. Additionally, the nurse can be contacted at any time throughout primary school if you have concerns about your child’s health, development or wellbeing.
School Health Nurses serve as a health contact point for children and their families, providing information, assessment, health counselling and referral. They also work in partnership with schools to support teachers in health related curriculum and can assist in the development of health care plans for students with complex and chronic health needs.
The services provided are free and confidential.
Please contact me on 08 9528 0888 or kelly.parkinson@health.wa.gov.au
Colour Blindness
Colour blindness means that a person cannot distinguish some colours or see the colours differently to other people. Very few people who are colour blind are ‘blind’ to all colours. Commonly, the colours seen differently are greens, yellows, oranges and reds.
For more information and see the Colour Blind Awareness and Support Group on http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~doverton/
If you have any concerns, colour vision testing can be performed by some general practitioners, eye specialists or optometrists. You can also contact your local Community Health Nurse, Kelly Parkinson on 08 9528 0888.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It can be detected by a simple examination of the back.
The normal spine has three curves – one in the neck, on in the upper back and one in the lower back. These curves can be seen from the side, but when you look from behind the spine should appear straight. If the spine has a sideways curve, this is scoliosis.
If you have any concerns, please contact your General Practitioner or Community Health Nurse, Kelly Parkinson on 08 9528 0888.