27.1.2000

MP calls for an early decision on school nurse funding as Borough's nit infestation worsens

Local MP, Edward Davey has called upon the Chairman of the local Health Authority to make an early announcement on the findings of the school nurses review.

Initiated in September, the review of services was called after the school nurses budget had just been cut by £34, 000, almost 20% of their annual budget.

The service review and report were due to be completed by the end of 1999; however the final results have been delayed for the second time.

Parents and schools have recently contacted Edward, expressing their concerns about the impact of these cutbacks to this vital service.

The delay comes at a time when local schools have warned that they are experiencing one of the Borough's worst nit outbreak in recent years. Unfortunately, this outbreak has coincided with the Government's withdrawal of funding for Community Hygiene Concern.

This is a service specialising in Bug Busting Programmes which, do not rely upon traditional chemical based treatments.

Commenting on the delays, Edward Davey warned,
"The Chairperson of the Health Authority said that a report would be due out in the New Year. The deadline for the conclusion of this review continues being extended without good reason and the Health Authority appears to be looking for excuses to delay it even further. These unnecessary delays doesn't bode well for the future of the service."

He went on to add,
"Schools and doctors surgeries are reporting that traditional nit treatments are no longer effective."

"Yet a specific service that supplies information in this area, has just had its funding cut by the Government. I have raised this with the Minister, citing our local problem here in Kingston."

"I clearly doesn't make sense and I hope the Minister will listen to reason on this issue."