Parents, welcome to our school's medical and health service page.
Your School Nurse: nurse@kellettschool.com
The Kellett Medical service is provided by the School Nurse, Justin McLaughlin, who can be found in the Medical Room on the second floor of the mountain wing. Keeping your nurse informed and your child's health care needs updated will help provide a healthy learning envi ronment.
Throughout the school year a number of health related issues may arise for families at Kellett. The information below may be of interest when accessing School Nurse services - please click on the items shown below
Emergency Care
The medical details you are asked to provide on your child's admission to Kellett School are essential. It is also very important that your contact details are kept up to date along with emergency contacts in case for some reason we are unable to contact you directly. Please ensure you complete them accurately and update them promptly.
In case of any emergency involving your child it is the policy of the school for the School Nurse to render first aid treatment while contacting you for further instructions. Only in extreme cases will your child be taken to the nearest hospital, which is Queen Mary Hospital , Pok Fu Lam.
Head Bumps
Children who accidentally bump their heads during school hours are assessed by the School Nurse. Every head bump is reported to parents either by a note in the child's diary, or by a phone call from the Nurse. Here is an example of the note you will see in your child's diary.
Medication
Kellett School 's policy on medication at school is that no medication should be sent to school without a written permission slip. This includes any over-the-counter medication such as Panadol, cough drops, or throat lozenges.
Medication Adminstration Form
Immunisation Programme
The Hong Kong Department of Health visits Kellett School twice a year to provide P1 and P6 children free immunisation against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP), Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Hepatitis B.
The immunisation dates vary, but are usually before Christmas and in late Spring. A letter is sent to you to inform you of this service and of the date two to three weeks in advance. To see the recommended Programme of Immunisation for Hong Kong click here .
Do note that these can vary from Doctor to Doctor - so the immunisation programme provided is only a guide for your reference.
Optional Vaccinations
Hepatitis A & B. Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. Personal hygiene is important in prevention. Hepatitis B is most common in the Far East, the Middle East, Africa and southern Europe . It can lead to serious health complications. Va ccinations for the above types of Hepatitis can be administered together or separately over a period of six months.
Additional Hepatitis information
Chickenpox. Chickenpox vaccine can prevent the severe complications associated with the disease. Even in mild cases, lost time from school and work and the cost of medications can result in a significant cost for the family. Please check with your doctor for up to date information. Children between 19 months and 13 years who have not had chickenpox may be vaccinated with a single dose. People over 13 and not had chickenpox require two doses of the vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart.
Additional Information Chickenpox
TB. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The bacteria usually affects the lungs. But, TB bacteria can affect any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. Preventing TB is simple, but treating it can take a long time. A vaccination is available. The following website may be of interest: www.who.int
Meningococcal ( Meningitis ) . This is usually caused by a common viral or bacterial infection of the ear, nose and throat. The main vaccine available is the routine Hib injection (Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria) for children. There are a range of meningococcal vaccines available to deal with other strains. Your doctor will know which vaccine is best for your child. Overseas travelers should check to see if a meningococcal vaccine is recommended for their destination and receive the vaccine at least 1 week before departure. Click here for further details.
Additional Information Meningococcal
General Comments.
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Please also ensure that your child's vaccination records are kept up to date so it is easy to establish what is required especially when our children do so much international travel and require other vaccinations to supplement the recommendations.
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As travel vaccination information is constantly changing it is essential that you keep up to date with requirements. The following website for travel recommendations is www.who.int/inh/en/ may be useful.
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When more than one injection is required to ensure immunity, please note that the vaccine must be administered at the stipulated dates to be effective.
Hearing, Vision, Speech and Language Screening
Hearing, vision, speech and language screening is available annually for all Reception children, all new children to Kellett, and any other child by request. This is conducted by fully qualified audiologists, optometrists, and speech and language therapists. We strongly recommend this service for all Reception children as an important assessment of their developmental stage.
The screening is carried out at school.
For further information on this service you can contact the School Nurse or your child's teacher. Information for new children will be sent home in October. If for some reason you would like to review any one of these screen assessments it is possible to arrange appointments at any time during the school year.
Communicable Diseases
Many illnesses are contagious during the time when children have a low-grade fever, headache, or mild respiratory symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose like a common cold). It is recommended that should a child display such symptoms, they remain at home. Here are a few of the communicable diseases found in Hong Kong:
| Chicken Pox. |
It is recommended that a child diagnosed with this disease remain at home until all the vesicles (spots) have dried.
Chickenpox Information |
| Hand, foot and mouth Disease. |
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Conjunctivitis
(Pink Eye) |
Not all Conjunctivitis is contagious, but if your child is having purulent discharge it is important to check with your family doctor to determine what is the problem and to get treatment. Your doctor will decide when your child can return to school.
Conjunctivitis Information |
| Impetigo |
Children with Impetigo must be treated by the family doctor and return to school on his recommendation.
Impetigo Information |
| Head colds and flues |
A child can usually return to school within 3 to 5 days after the onset of a flu or cold. Before sending your child back, remember he or she must have the energy to manage a full day in class and have a normal temperature. |
| Mumps |
Your child will need to stay home for nine days or until swelling goes down.
Mumps Information |
| Measles |
Children should stay home until at least four days after the rash begins.
Measles Information |
Rubella
(German Measles). |
Children can return to school four days after the rash started and fully recovered.
Rubella Information |
| Whooping cough (pertussis). |
Children must stay home until after five days of antibiotic treatment.
Whooping Cough Information |
| Streptococcal Infection, including Scarlet Fever |
Children should stay home until after at least 24hours of antibiotic treatment has been completed.
Streptococcal Infection Information |
| Croup |
The symptoms of croup generally peak 2 to 3 days after the symptoms of infection start. Croup resulting from viral infection usually lasts less than a week. Children should stay home during this period.
Croup Information |
| Fifthe Disease (slapped cheek). |
The incubation period lasts 4-28 days (average 16) and the rash lasts 1-3 weeks. Infected persons spread the virus in fluids from their mouth and throat, beginning 7-11 days after exposure. This period falls during incubation or when they have only mild respiratory symptoms (before the rash). The rash is an immune reaction AFTER the infection passes - it is usually not contagious. Children with a low-grade fever, headache, and mild respiratory symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose like a common cold) may remain at home.
Fifthe Disease Information |
| Pin Worm |
A tiny parasitic worm measuring about ½ inch in length causes Pinworm. Call your family doctor if your child complains of an itchy rectum or always seems to be scratching the rectal or genital area, if your child has trouble sleeping or has begun to wet the bed. After diagnosis, your child's doctor will probably give everyone in the family one dose of an anti-worm medicine that will eliminate the pinworm infection.
Pin Worm Information |
| Staphylococcal |
Staphylococcal Information |
Head Lice
Children with head lice should remain at home until treated. If one child has head lice or eggs then the whole family must be checked - only the infected person however needs treating. PROMPTLY report any infestation to the School Nurse so that classmates can be checked as soon as possible. .
It is thought that prevention is not possible. Specific lice killing treatments should not be used on a regular basis or as a preventative measure. However, adding a small amount of Tee Tree, vinegar or Eucalyptus oil into regular shampoos/conditioners from time to time and lots of hair combing can't do any harm. There are always new ideas and remedies so you may want to check the internet for current research.
Details on the procedure for checking heads for Head Lice
When to Keep Your Child at Home
The following are general guidelines. Each case is often slightly different :-
You should use the guidelines provided with your thermometer, noting that oral, axilla and thermo scans are all different. As a general guide:
| Vomiting and diarrhea: |
A child suffering from vomiting or diarrhea should stay home for at least 24 hours after it has stopped and he or she is feeling well enough to return to school.
Gardia Information
Rota Virus Information |
| Temperature: |
A raised temperature indicates illness. It is important that any other symptoms present are studied to determine what the illness is, and hence treatment. Children whose temperature exceeds 37.2 degrees should remain at home. A child can return to school when the temperature is normal without the aid of medication, and remains so for 24 hours.
You should use the guidelines provided with your thermometer, noting that oral, axilla and thermo scans are all different. As a general guide:
- Thermo scan Over 38°C or 100.4°F is of cause for concern
- Oral temp. Over 37.2°C or 98.9°F is of cause for concern
- Axilla temp. Add one degree to your reading. Over 37.2°C or 98.9°F is cause for concern
If your child's temperature is elevated above 37.2 degrees, keep your child cool, sit your child near a fan (not directly on him), lower the room temperature, sponge your child down with tepid water, allow the child to dry in the air, and encourage your child to drink as much as possible.
Medication containing paracetamol may be used to lower temperatures. Care should be taken and follow the instructions displayed. Be prepared to give another dose after four and eight hours. Do not change brands in the middle of a course of medication. Check the child's temperature frequently and seek the advice of a doctor if the temperature does not come down. |
| Rash |
Any child with an unknown rash should have it checked by his or her doctor and can return to school upon the doctor's recommendation. |
Special Health Care Needs
Kellett School accommodates children with special health care needs e.g., asthmatics, diabetics, allergies and children requiring medication.
The school should be informed of any child's special health needs at the time of registration. It is important that the school is updated regularly with medical requirements as and when they arise so we can best look after your child's particular needs during school hours.
If you would like your child to be kept indoors on days of high pollution please inform Nurse Justin. To view the school's policy on days of high pollution, click on the link below.
Policy on high pollution
Good Health
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Daily exercise is crucial for children. They require more playtime and physical activities. Statistics show children today suffer from illnesses specifically related to inactivity. In Hong Kong there are many restraints with space in the home and outside. Access to new technology means children walk less often than they might otherwise do.
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Kellett School children have many opportunities to ensure physical exercise is incorporated into school life. The Physical Education curriculum is available to all children and additional after school sports are available for the P-3 to P-6 children. All the children are encouraged to take part in a variety of individual sports, swimming, tennis, dance, gymnastics and team sports / activites.
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However, aside from the promotion of exercise through school it is essential our children are exposed to more opportunites to exercise to promote general good health and advocat keeping fit.
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Children require a daily routine and regular sleep, between 8 to 12 hours a night.
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A healthy child requires nutrition which is low in sugars and refined carbohydrates. Water is the only fluid children should have. Carbonated and sweetened drinks are not helpful when providing a well balanced diet.
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 The NEW FOOD PYRAMID (click to enlarge) is a good guide when ensuring our children have the correctquantities of proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
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Children need routine dental care and frequent check ups. Kellett School is now a part of the annual government dental scheme. This has been proved to be very thorough as well as educational for all children using the service. The children travel to the dental hospital by bus. Parents are welcome to meet the children at the hospital for their appointment.
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 Regular hand washing with soap and water provides the best protection against all disease.
Prevention is the cornerstone of a healthy child's life.
How and When to Contact the School Nurse
It is important for the health and well being of all children that parents recognise the importance of informing the School Nurse of any child's health problems.
Keeping the school up to date with medication and treatments is important for us to best care for your child. Working together we can provide all children of Kellett a healthier and happier environment to learn in.
To contact the nurse:
Please phone 2551-8234 (ext. 19)
E-mail at nurse@kellettschool.com.
The School Nurse also enjoys having parents drop by the Medical Room to say hello between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com. |
