New awareness campaign aims to improve timeliness of B4 School Checks

6 September 2018

Taranaki DHB’s regional screening unit has launched a new awareness campaign for its free B4 School Checks (B4SC) service, which aims to improve timeliness of parents’ accessing the check for their children.

Kerryn Smith, Taranaki DHB’s B4 School Check coordinator, says the check gives each child the best possible start to school. “Parents and caregivers have a chance to discuss their child’s health and development with a nurse, and also have their vision and hearing tested.”

The B4SC is the final Well Child check and is free for all children who have turned four.

Kerryn says “We want parent’s to bring their child in as close to their fourth birthday as they can, and where possible, book an appointment just before they turn four.

We encourage families to be on time for their child’s check so any problems can be addressed before they start school.”

The B4SC usually takes around 45-60 minutes with a nurse. Parents and caregivers are asked to fill in questionnaires about their child’s development and wellbeing, and for children who attend a preschool, kindergarten or Kohanga reo, they will also respond about the child’s learning and development.

Kerryn explains “The checks are carried out by child health nurses who cover off a child’s health and development, vision, hearing, teeth, height, weight, social and emotional wellbeing, and immunisations.

Families receive a copy of the check results and if a child requires further assessment they may be referred to other services that can help.

All we ask is that parents are more proactive about booking their child’s B4 School Check as soon as they turn four, or even beforehand” she says.

B4SC bookings can be made in both North and South Taranaki by talking to your family doctor or nurse, Well Child Tamariki Ora provider or a public health nurse. For more information visit www.tdhb.org.nz/services/B4-school-checks.shtml

 

ENDS

For more information please call

Beth Findlay-Heath
Communications Advisor
021 665 017

 

 

Last updated: Tuesday, September 11, 2018