Greens proposal for nurses in schools a practical policy

The ‘Healthy Kids Ready to Learn’ policy announced by Greens co-leader Metiria Turei today is a good example of the practical policies needed to reduce the impact of poverty on children, says Every Child Counts*.

“Removing barriers to healthcare by taking services to the places where children and families are, means problems can be identified and treated early,” says Deborah Morris-Travers, manager of Every Child Counts.

“There is good international and local evidence that this kind of ‘hub’ model improves the wellbeing of children and families.  Co-locating education, health, and social services together in one accessible place brings communities together in support of children and families.

“The Greens have announced a policy that would invest $30 million a year in dedicated public health nurses to work in every decile one to three primary and intermediate school.  This would increase the focus on asthma management, respiratory illness, skin infections and other health issues, building nicely on the current investment in rheumatic fever.  

“One-third of the $6-8bn spent each year picking up the costs of child poverty arises because of the high health needs of children in poverty.  This $30m investment would provide a welcome additional effort to improve child health and reduce the long-term effects of poverty,” concludes Ms Morris-Travers.   

ENDS

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