School Health Nurse

Secondary schools in Oxfordshire have a named NHS School Health Nurse who is based in the school. The aim of the School Health Nurse is to offer evidence based preventative health care for children and young people. We strive to improve young people’s health and wellbeing and their life chances. We work closely with teaching and support staff to encourage students to be both physically and emotionally healthy in order to make informed healthy lifestyle choices and reach their full potential.

Our School Health Nurse is Ruth Vilella.

School Nurse 2024 Ruth

What support we offer

School Health Nurses provide public health interventions, for example:

  • Someone to talk to confidentially to address issues concerning emotional, physical, sexual, and social health and wellbeing
  • Advice on healthy lifestyle choices (keeping safe, smoking cessation, substance misuse advice)
  • Support for teachers with PSHE
  • Signposting and referring to specialist services
  • Support with contraception, pregnancy testing and sexual health screening.

Ultimately, if we cannot help, we will find someone who can.

How you can access the School Nurse?

  • There is a drop-in clinic where young people can pop into the School Nurse office (alone or with a friend)
  • You can speak to your tutor or a member so that they can help you make a referral
  • You can self-refer by ‘drop in’ or using the phone number to text or email

Contact details:

Term time only: Monday/Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm

Drop-in: Wednesday Lunchtime

Tel: 07392288076

Email: ruth.vilella@icknield.oxon.sch.uk or ruth.vilella@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

 

Chat Health

  • If you don’t feel able to contact your School Nurse you can also gain advice and support from School Nurses online through ChatHealth.
  • Please text ChatHealth on 07312 263084 or start a chat via this link Start a chat - ChatHealth
  • School Nurses aim to respond to ChatHealth messages within 24 hours, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

Confidentiality

The School Nursing service is confidential. This means we can discuss personal information with young people in confidence and will not discuss it with anyone else without their permission. However, we would pass on any information that we feel is needed to protect a young person or someone else from serious harm. Whenever possible this would be discussed with the young person first.

Other health support