Nine out of ten school nurses say they do not have the time or resourcesto provide the full range of services children need, according to theRCN's recent survey.
The campaign is also calling for improved access to training as well asfor measures to ensure that the cash allocated to primary care trustsfor school nurses reaches the front line.
The survey results echo NCB research published in 2003. Change,challenge and school nursing, by Nicola Madge and Anita Franklin, foundthat although school nurses play an increasingly important role inhealth promotion work with young people, the service is becomingoverstretched.
"School nurses have provided a shining example of joined-up thinkinglong before the concept became the political catchphrase it is today,"said NCB chief executive Paul Ennals.
"It is vital that the service is given the status and the investment tofulfil its potential in promoting children's health."
- Change, challenge and school nursing is available from NCB book salesfor 7 (10 to non members).
