- Manjimup Senior High School trialling general practitioner services on-site in 2024
- GP providing adolescent health care to secondary students
- Service available one day a week during school hours
Manjimup Senior High School students will have access to a general practitioner on-site during school hours as part of an innovative trial starting this year.
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti has announced Bridgetown Medical Group has been appointed to provide bulk-billed, specialised adolescent health care at the South West school one day a week.
Many students currently commute up to 90 minutes to attend school, which significantly impacts their ability to access youth-focused GP appointments before and after school. By increasing accessibility to health care with an on-site GP, the health care needs of students will be addressed and their time in the classroom won't be impacted.
Appointments will take place in a special consulting room at the school and three general practitioners - female and male - will share the role.
Parents can make appointments for their child by using the Bridgetown Medical Group's booking service.
The trial will run at Manjimup Senior High School for 12 months.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"We want to ensure schools have what they need to support student health and wellbeing.
"This trial of a general practitioner at Manjimup Senior High Schoolmakeshealth services for secondary studentsmoreaccessible and willhelp toimprove attendances."
Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"We know a significant number of the school's 560 students rely on school buses to transport them from outlying areas making before and after school appointments difficult.
"A GP on-site allows parents to make appointments for their children during the school day and students will not be required to miss school to attend a health care appointment, which is a great outcome for local families."
