SCHOOL nurses in York and Selby are looking to revamp their image as they adapt to the changing needs of local school children.

The role of the school health nurse team has changed dramatically and the York Health Services NHS Trust wants to raise awareness of its many new roles, such as helping and advising children and parents on diet, bed-wetting, sexual and behavioural problems.

The school health team works closely with schools, pupils and their families to meeting the growing health needs of school children in York and Selby.

Services provided include:

Drop-in sessions to discuss concerns such as puberty, bullying, eating disorders, self-harm, relationship problems, mental or sexual health issues.

Sex and relationship lessons with secondary school pupils

Advice on breast awareness, testicular cancer, smoking, alcohol and drugs

Testing children's hearing, vision, height and weight so that problems may be found at an early stage

Providing support in school for children with chronic and complex care needs

Advising and supporting staff in schools with children with specific medical conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, allergies and diabetes.

The trust's school health nurse manager, Gail Smith, said: "Our role has really changed. We now have a team of 14 school nurses and five technicians who look after about 44,000 school children.

"We also work very closely with senior schools to provide help and support to children as they develop into adults, helping them reach their full educational potential."

Parents or children who wish to contact the school health service should telephone the main office at Bootham Park Hospital on 01904 725331.

Updated: 10:10 Thursday, December 19, 2002