Healthier lives for Cornwall's children

With the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes, growing levels of obesity and mental illness, the health of children and young people is a major concern. But it is not always easy for them to access good health support. 

 

Thanks to the commitment, innovation and funding from the Duchy Health Charity, supported by the Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health, things are going to change for the students at three Cornish schools.

Young people told Duchy Health that they felt local health services were fragmented and difficult to access. So the Duchy asked GPs what should be done to improve healthcare for them, and invited all interested groups to take part in a seminar to recommend how to take things forward. Local Chidren’s services and the NHS immediately came on board. Duchy Health provided £783,000 funding for the building costs while the Foundation contributed its expertise to the project.

Now Penair, Budehaven and Hayle schools will be the first anywhere in the country to provide their students with new, purpose-designed Integrated Health Centres. They are pilot projects that will be carefully evaluated, and it is hoped more will follow in the future.

Dr Michael Dixon, Medical Director for the Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health, said:

'We warmly congratulate Duchy Health for giving young people a voice about their own healthcare services. Without their leadership – and generous funding – this much needed service could not have got off the ground.

'Creating healthy communities means that health must be part of everything we do. Education and health have too often been poles apart. But not anymore – not in Cornwall and not for these young people. Now we want to see more projects like this elsewhere.'

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was founded by the Prince of Wales in 1993. Its principal aim is to make sure that all patients can access good integrated healthcare. That means treating patients as whole human beings – paying attention to body, mind and soul. It may include access to proven complementary therapies, but the Foundation does not suggest that is necessarily the best course of action for all conditions and all patients. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.fih.org.uk

2. For more information about the School-based Integrated Health Centres, contact Deborah Clarke, Duchy Health Charity, 01872 225810 or 07867 592506, deborah_clark@btconnect.com  or Trish Hewitt, Cornwall Council, 01872 322 186 or 07785 956 865, phewitt@cornwall.gov.uk

3. For more information about the Foundation and its work, please contact Pat Goodall, 01246 410707 or pat.goodall@fih.org.uk

 

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