Pubdate: Thu, 01 May 2008
Source: Islington Gazette (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Archant Regional
Contact:  http://www.islingtongazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3711

SCHOOL NURSES GET TRAINING TO SPOT DRUG USE

SCHOOL nurses are being trained to spot whether  children as young as
four are high on drugs, the  Gazette has learned.

All school nurses in Islington are now being taught to  spot whether
youngsters are under the influence of  illegal drugs like cannabis,
ecstasy or LSD. Even  primary school nurses are given the training
before  starting work with pupils as young as four.

A further programme of drug training is due this summer  to make sure
school nurses are better prepared to spot  signs of drug use.

Education bosses say it is a shame it has come to this  - but that
parents should feel reassured.

Councillor Ursula Woolley, executive member for  children and young
people, said: "It is a difficult  issue. But we should be proud to
know there are health  professionals looking after our children. We
all know  what a social problem drugs are and it is important to  have
nurses with these skills."

She continued: "When we think of school nurses we think  of nit nurses
and jabs, but it's a good thing that the  PCT are concerned. I think
parents would be sorry it is  needed but delighted it is provided."

Mother Marnie Rose has a child at Hanover Primary  School in Noel
Road, Islington, and is a member of the  parents and teachers
association. She said: "You want  to have nurses who can detect all
sorts of things.  Primary schools go up to the age of 11 so it may be
more relevant to those children."

She added: "It is a sad sign of the times, but these  things may have
been happening before without nurses  trained to deal with it."

A spokeswoman for Islington PCT, which provides the  nurses, said:
"School health advisers work across both  primary and secondary
schools in Islington so all  schools can access substance misuse training.

"The training includes recognition of symptoms if under  influence of
drugs and importantly, a referral pathway  for a young person who may
need help.

"The training is continuous and all health advisors  will receive
further awareness training during the  summer term.
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MAP posted-by: Derek