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Health Centre Update
At the heart of our support system lies the Lancing College Health Centre, a sanctuary of care that goes above and beyond to ensure that every pupil thrives in a safe, nurturing environment. We have recently welcomed a new Health Centre Manager, Miss Katy Crane, to the Lancing College community and are excited to see the impact she will make in her role. Read on to learn about what sets our Health Centre apart and how caring for our pupils it at the heart of all we do at Lancing College.
A Wellbeing Hub Like No Other
The Lancing College Health Centre operates more as a holistic wellbeing hub than a conventional medical facility. It is open 24/7, ensuring that help is always available whenever students need it. Staffed by a dedicated team of six qualified nurses with over a century of combined experience, the centre embodies the perfect blend of professional medical care and maternal warmth.
Comprehensive Medical Care
The core of the Health Centre’s mission is to provide comprehensive medical care to both boarders and day pupils. From administering day-to-day medications to managing more serious health concerns, the Centre covers a broad spectrum of medical needs. A GP visits twice a week, ensuring pupils have regular access to a doctor, while a physiotherapist is on hand for any potential sports injuries that come with a vibrant school life.
In addition to routine medical care, the Health Centre is equipped to handle emergencies, take blood samples, and manage repeat prescriptions, ensuring that all boarders have their medications readily available. The Centre also facilitates referrals to specialists and counsellors, ensuring students have access to the best possible care.
A Safe Haven
Lancing College recognises the unique challenges faced by students living away from home, often for the first time. The Health Centre serves as a “time out” space, a safe haven where they can retreat should they ever feel overwhelmed. “We provide a calm environment where students can rest, recuperate, and recharge,” Katy shared. The Centre offers more than just medical care; it provides emotional support with a side of tea and biscuits, creating a homely atmosphere that ensures pupils feel secure and cared for.
Promoting Healthy Living
Beyond immediate medical care, the Health Centre is deeply involved in promoting long-term health and wellbeing among students. Monthly drop-in sessions focus on crucial health topics such as hydration, sun protection, sleep hygiene, and stress management. These sessions aim to equip pupils with the knowledge and habits necessary for a healthy lifestyle, both during their time at Lancing and beyond.
Personalised Care Plans
One of the standout features of the Health Centre is its meticulous approach to personalised care. Upon joining the school, each pupil completes a comprehensive medical form, ensuring that the Centre is fully informed about their health history. This information is used to create individualised care plans, particularly for those with regular medication needs or allergies. These care plans are shared with relevant staff and parents, ensuring everyone involved in the student’s life is informed and prepared while maintaining confidentiality.
An Integral Part of Pastoral Care
In October 2023, Lancing College was inspected under the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) new framework, which came into effect from September 2023. The College received a Significant Strength for Pastoral Care, and the Health Centre plays a key role in the pastoral care of the pupils.
The Health Centre is an integral part of Lancing College’s broader pastoral care system. It works closely with Housemasters, Matrons, Tutors, and the Senior Deputy Head to monitor wellbeing. This collaborative approach ensures that any signs of stress, fatigue, or anxiety are promptly addressed, providing a seamless support network that attends to both the physical and emotional needs of students.
Experienced and Diverse Nursing Team
The team at the Health Centre brings a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to their roles. Their collective expertise spans various fields of nursing, and many are parents themselves, adding an extra layer of empathy and understanding to their care. “We all enjoy working with adolescents and enjoy trying to solve the conundrums and puzzles with which they often present,” Katy noted, emphasising the team’s dedication and enthusiasm.
Accessibility and Availability
Accessibility is a key feature of the Health Centre. It is open from 7 am to 10 pm, with at least one nurse on duty overnight to ensure round-the-clock care. The Centre sees between 20 and 50 pupils a day, and during peak times such as induction periods, this number can rise to as many as 130. Despite the high volume, the team remains committed to treating each student as an individual, offering tailored support and care.
A Community of Care
Ultimately, the Lancing College Health Centre is more than just a medical facility; it is a community of care. It provides a vital service that not only addresses the physical health of pupils but also supports their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
With its blend of professional medical care, emotional support, and proactive health initiatives, our Health Centre ensures that every student thrives in a safe, supportive environment.
The Health Centre can be contacted directly on +44 (0)1273 465 916.