Positive experiences Negative experiences Recommendations for change School nurses have access to information and external services Waiting times are far too long (every group said this) More staff across the board GPs are approachable Many pupils never see the school nurse and wouldn’t know how to contact them, they don’t seem to be around very much (every group said this) Websites offering information for minor ailments Walk in centres make it easier to access medical treatment when GPs are unavailable There are very long waiting lists for specialist services (every group said this) Schools to offer more information and provide school nurse drop in sessions Some appointment services run well and waiting times are short once you have an appointment A and E department can feel unsafe Have a specific children and young people waiting area at medical centres/hospitals with magazines etc Staff are polite and easy to talk to. 1 young person saw a councillor who was very good and child friendly. School and hospital food is not healthy Respect patients in hospital and look after their medication and belongings Having a school nurse Lack of consistency in staff e.g. seeing a different GP every time Services need to be clear about what they offer and what they hope to achieve BARDOC Waiting times at orthodontists was too long Provide healthy school and hospital meals with a nutritional guide so you can make an
informed choice about what to eat There are a lot of facilities and different options Feeling like you need a parent with you to see a health professional and not knowing at what age we can go alone Prioritise waiting times Phone calls from practitioners are convenient and helpful Nothing to do while waiting to be seen Skype/face time appointments Free healthcare and prescriptions (every group said this) GP appointments are too rushed Pastoral staff to signpost to services Seen quickly and given appropriate treatment GPs don’t ask enough questions about symptoms More activities in waiting rooms including free wifi and teen magazines (every group said this) Friendly staff Fairfield has no children’s ward Longer GP appointments GP referrals are good Professionals not looking young people in the eye Children’s ward nearer to Bury friendly nurses An unhelpful telephone consultation Staff should be friendlier Seen by experts Starting with the worst possible option School nurses need to listen to and believe young people Speedy plastic surgery after a severed finger
Key Findings and Recommendations Key findings Recommendations for young people Recommendations for professionals 1. Young people feel that they leave school without the necessary skills to succeed in life. Work with school councils to consult with pupils about what they want to learn about in PSHE lessons and take the information to head teachers. Talk with decision makers about what you want. Seek out work experience opportunities outside of school time. Ensure SRE covers relationships and not just sex and is delivered by an appropriate teacher with expert support. Consult with pupils about what lessons they would find useful in PSHE offering budgeting, politics, CV writing and other practical skills. Provide opportunities for young people to access work experience and encourage businesses to do the same. Young people feel that they are not getting the right help at the right time. There is a feeling that situations are left to escalate before professionals intervene. If you are concerned someone, encourage them to talk to an adult or seek advice yourself. Work with school councils to research services and disseminate information throughout the school using posters, leaflets, assemblies and talking to peers so everyone knows where they can go for help and support. Ensure teachers have up to date training in recognising the signs of mental health issues and know how to respond appropriately. Consult with young people about how supported they feel and ensure they know where to go for help and advice. pupils to act as peer mentors who can sign post pupils who need further support. Young people feel that racist bullying is the most common form of bullying. Challenge all forms of bullying when you see it. Report all bullying to staff. Raise awareness of racism, hate crimes and challenge negative stereotypes. Ensure all incidents are recorded. Ensure staff feel confident in challenging racist language. Ensure staff and pupils understand the implications of hate crimes. Many people are struggling to manage stress and have a negative sense of self. Be kind to each other and challenge negative comments. Talk to others about your feelings. Share positive experiences of support with others. Provide a quiet space in school where pupils can go for relaxation and reflection. Train peer mentors across year groups in schools to offer peer support. Young people feel waiting times and waiting lists for health services are unacceptably long. Ensure you turn up to appointments on time. Ensure you cancel appointments if you can’t make them. Offer wifi in waiting rooms. Provide a space for young people in waiting areas with magazines that are suited to their age. Consider extending appointment slots. Prioritise patients on waiting lists.