The future of school nursing in Bromley borough is under threat, after the council proposed to withdraw funding for the current service in 2017.

The council are not planning to renew the current service at the end of the contract.

Yesterday, 29 school nurses were told they were going to be disbanded, according to former nurse and current Unison officer Michael Crouch.

Reviews on the school nursing website show high rates of patient satisfaction, a comment supposedly from St Philomena’s School, Orpington, said: “The loss of this valuable service will have a negative effect on the well-being of our pupils.”

Another un-named primary school wrote: “Our experience with the School Nurse system has been entirely positive. It is a proactive and supportive service.”

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Currently anybody of school age attending a school in Bromley can see their nurse, which is a confidential service unless a child may be in danger.

School nurses provide care and information on healthy lifestyles, bed wetting, relationships and contraception, and signpost external support services.

Labour councillor for Crystal Palace ward Angela Wilkins said: "The role of school nurses may sound old fashioned, but the role is no longer one of looking for nits and handing out vaccine-impregnated sugar lumps.

“This isn't a role we can expect teachers to take on. Nor can children just take themselves off to the GP if they are worried about something.

“Given public concerns about childhood obesity, for example, cutting this service is short-sighted - the council may save a few pounds but the NHS, our children and our families will pay a high price in the long run."

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Councillor Angela Wilkins

Unison are fighting the proposal.

Unison regional officer Michael Walker said: “"The sacking of 29 school nurses and the disbanding of the Bromley School Nursing services is exactly what UNISON feared would happen if Councils secured control of NHS services.

“It would seem the Council has no real understanding of its new role in public health provision or the vital role of the school nursing service.

Surely, offering young people confidential school based advice on urinary infections, immunisation, eating disorders, stress, and diabetes, sexual health is exactly what we should be doing.

“We urge the Council, The CCG to think again and would urge the health minister to use their power to intervene and demand a full review to disband the school nursing service in Bromley"

A Bromley Council spokeswoman said: “Bromley Council is working with partners in Bromley to review the nature and provision of all of our children's health services, including school nursing, because we believe that together we can achieve better value for money as well as improved services for children and young people in Bromley.

"We will also be engaging with schools as part of this review.”

Unison are also fighting the proposed closure of the Chartwell Cancer Unit at the Princess Royal University Hospital, which is currently under consultation.

Will you or your child be affected by changes to school nursing services? Let us know on 01689 885 725 or jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.