School health services in Ireland
Information
The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland provide a school screening programme and a school immunisation programme for children attending public primary schools. Private primary schools may request the service and the Health Service Executive (HSE) has the discretion to extend the service to these schools.
Rules
School health screenings are conducted by public health nurses and area medical officers who are employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). These screenings are carried out on the school premises and the school principal is told of the date of the screenings in advance so parents can be notified and are entitled to be present if they wish. Children's hearing and vision are examined and where requested by the parent or deemed necessary, a physical examination may be carried out.
Rates
Problems that are identified at these screenings are treated free of charge if the child attends as a public patient at an out-patient hospital departments. Any subsequent treatment (whether out-patient or in-patient) arising from this initial referral is free of charge as a public patient.
How to apply
School screening is arranged by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in conjunction with the school principal who provides the Local Health Office with class lists.
Language
Related Documents
- Child health services
The general entitlement of children to health services in Ireland and the specific services available. - Out-patient public hospital services
Out-patient hospital services in Ireland are generally taken to include accident and emergency services as well as planned services provided on an out-patient basis. Find out more. - Health services for pre-school children
The HSE provides free health screening for pre-school children.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.