Health and Medicines
Sanatorium
The School has a well-equipped surgery which is staffed by a Nursing Sister (San Sister).
All children receive attention for medical conditions and on-campus injuries at the Sanatorium. Please note that the San Sister will only administer standard, non-prescription medication to your child if you, as the parent, have given consent to do so in the Medical Health Record that forms part of your child’s admissions pack.
Children requiring medical care will be monitored by the San Sister and House Parent, either in the Sanatorium or Boarding House. Children may only return to classes once the San Sister has cleared them to do so.
Should you wish to discuss your child’s health, please contact Sister Penny Willson: +27 (0)33 266 8208 or via email, sanatorium@cliftonprep.org.za.
Standard Operating Hours and Procedures
The Sanatorium is open during the school day for the issuing of medicines and treatment. The San Sister is committed to ensuring that children’s health, while at the School, is maintained at an optimal level. The San Sister is on standby after hours and will be called to attend to a sick child should the need arise.
Medical Queries
Any boarder medical queries must be directed to the San Sister and the House Parent kept informed.
San Rules
During the School academic day, all boarder children require a note from their class teacher to visit the sanatorium.
If your child is injured at school, at a sports fixture or on a school outing, please contact the Sanatorium or Accounts department for information on School Insurance.
Absenteeism
Day scholar parents should notify their child’s teacher or tutor of their child’s absenteeism.
Boarder parents should notify their child’s teacher or tutor and House Parents of their child’s absenteeism.
Children must attend sport unless
A boarder presents a note from the Sanatorium.
A day scholar presents a note from their parent.
Children are injured or become unwell during the school day.
Sick Children
We kindly ask all parents to refrain from sending sick children back to school if the child has been at home or off campus.
Sick children, children who are ill or have a contagious condition may not attend school until they are well enough to do so. Should a sick child be sent to school, parents will be contacted and asked to fetch the child. Should a child contract a contagious illness whilst at school, parents will be asked to collect their child and seek medical attention.
Should your child have had a fever within the last 12 hours, do not send them to school until they have maintained a temperature of 36 – 37.4 Degrees Celsius for 24 hours.
If your child shows symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, or any viral/bacterial infection that requires antibiotics, please follow the doctor’s instructions on when it is advisable to return to school.
Children should be symptom-free for 24 hours before they may return to school.
Any injuries which may have been incurred at home, must be attended to by parents before returning their child to school.
Any rash or unexplained open sore/wound, please seek the advice of your doctor. These can often be contagious, and proper treatment is required to prevent other children from being infected.
Children that are unwell at home, may not seek treatment from the Sanatorium. The Sanatorium’s services are limited to treatment for illness and injury that occur at school.
Medical illness requiring treatment from a medical officer will be at the parents’ cost.
Boarders Medication
All Prescription medication must be handed to the San Sister upon arrival at school to ensure safe and proper administration.
All medicines (Prescription and Non Prescription) and vitamins of any nature are to be handed to the Sanatorium for safekeeping proper administration. Each medication should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and complete instructions for use.
If your child is taking monthly prescription medication, please ensure that he or she returns to school at the start of each term with the correct quantity of prescription medication.
Children are not permitted to store medication or vitamins in their dormitories.
Doctor and Ambulance Services
Local doctors, Dr Duffy or Dr Dhulam will be called in by the San Sister if necessary and Midlands EMS/Nsele Ambulance Services will be called to the campus in the case of an emergency.
Medical Forms
Upon admission, all parents are required to complete a Medical Health Record for their child detailing all medical conditions, allergies, intolerances, or concerns. Please can this be returned to the Admissions department and accompanied by proof of medical aid?
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the School is informed of all changes to their child’s Medical Health Record, medication, and doctor visits or hospitalisation that may have occurred during holidays or over half-term.
Appointments
General doctor visits and dental appointments must be made by the parents during school holidays or over half-term. This prevents disruption to the academic programme.
Tetanus
All children must have an up-to-date Tetanus injection before admission to the School.
In South Africa, the tetanus vaccination schedule for children includes doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, as well as at 18 months, followed by booster doses at 6 and 12 years. After 12 years of age, a booster is only required every 10 years. If you are unsure of your or your child’s vaccination status, please contact your medical advisor.
Deworming
The School encourages you to deworm your child every six months.
Emotional or Behavioural Problems
The School must be notified of all emotional, psychological, or behavioural problems that your child may experience and which could impact fellow boarders.
Other
Grade 7 children require a doctor’s medical examination as well as the routine twelve-year immunisation before admission to high school. This must be provided by the parents.