The SRSS Health Clinic provides an exciting opportunity for students to begin the process of taking responsibility for their health care decisions in a safe, confidential environment where they are encouraged to develop a proactive approach to their health needs. The SRSS Health Clinic facilitates a wide range of basic health care services which include, but are not limited to:
- Complete physicals & check ups
- Treatment of minor/acute injuries and illnesses
- Minor procedures
- Liquid nitrogen wart cryotherapy
- Bloodwork and specimen collection
- Diagnostic testing
- Reproductive health
- Mental health help and information
- Health education and disease prevention
- Prescriptions
- Referrals to other health professionals or specialists
Who operates the SRSS Health Clinic?
The SRSS Health is an extension of Steinbach Family Medical, who supports operations of the clinic including supplies, equipment, and the Electronic Medical Record. Southern Health-Santé Sud is responsible for the staffing of the Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other health care professionals including the Public Health Nurse and Dietitians. Steinbach Family Medical is responsible for the staffing of administrative support.
Is a Manitoba Health Card required for appointment or registration?
No. Students are not required to show a Manitoba Health Card. If needed, other cards such as a drivers license or student ID card will be acceptable forms of identification.
Will students have to pay for any clinic services?
No. The majority of services provided are covered by Manitoba Health. There are a few exceptions for non-insured services, such as a Drivers License Medial exam, that are not covered.
Can students from other HSD schools access clinic services?
Yes. The services offered are available for students and staff of SRSS, students attending other HSD schools and children in the SRSS Day Care.
Is parental permission required to access clinic services?
No. As is the case with medical clinics, students can see a health care provider without parental permission. Certain services are only provided to those who can demonstrate the capacity to make informed decisions, and who understand both the risks and benefits of their decisions. Depending on the services provided, healthcare providers may encourage the student to have discussions with their parents or guardians and may provide some coaching on how to have those conversations. The health care providers can act as an advocate on behalf of the students where needed.
Will parents have the option of attending an appointment with their child?
Parents are welcome to attend the appointment with their child if their child would like them to. It is important to understand though, that this may impact how open their child may be in answering questions about their health and life.
Will parents be notified of clinic services provided to their children?
No. As per the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), if the student is assessed by the SRSS Health Clinic to be mature and responsible for their own personal health care, parents will not be notified of services provided. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility, which may include encouraging them to share information with their parents or guardians if there would be benefit to the student in doing so. Without consent from the student, SRSS Health Clinic cannot share the student’s personal health information with parents or guardians. Personal health information is kept confidential unless the student makes claims to hurt themselves or hurt someone else. If this is the case, the health care provider has a legal obligation to report those situations to an appropriate authority.
Are appointments kept confidential?
Yes. All appointments are kept confidential. If other health care providers are involved in the student’s care, the health care providers share information that is on a ‘need to know’ basis for a client-centered team approach to care. SRSS staff will not have access to medical health records or personal health information. The security of health information collected and maintained by health care providers at the SRSS Health Clinic is of great importance. Only those providing direct care to the students may have access to health records.
Will the clinic work cooperatively with a student’s family doctor?
Yes. All health care providers of the SRSS Health Clinic will work cooperatively and collaboratively with the student’s family doctor or primary care provider if it is the student’s wish that the health care provider does so. For those students who do not have their own family doctor or primary care provider, the NP can function as their primary care provider while they are a registered student with the Hanover School Division.
Will the Nurse Practitioner have access to a student’s medical files at Steinbach Family Medical?
Yes. If the student has been seen at Steinbach Family Medical, the NP will be able to access those files.
Are appointments kept confidential?
Yes. All appointments are kept confidential. If other health care providers are involved in the student’s care, the health care providers share information that is on a ‘need to know’ basis for a client-centred team approach to care. SRSS staff will not have access to medical health records or personal health information. The SRSS Health Clinic receptionist will only have access to the schedule of appointments, not the entire medical chart. The security of health information collected and maintained by health care providers at the SRSS Health Clinic is of great importance. Only those providing direct care to the students may have access to health records.
Can students be referred to a primary care provider for follow-up?
Yes. The NP can provide a full range of primary care services at the SRSS Health Clinic which includes regular follow-up. An NP can also refer to other primary care providers including the family doctor, specialists and others depending on the assessment, care, and treatment plan.
The Steinbach Regional Secondary School Health Clinic is a cooperative partnership between the Hanover School Division, Southern Health-Santé Sud and Steinbach Family Medical. Operating as a satellite clinic of Steinbach Family Medical, the on site Health Clinic is staffed with 2 half-time Nurse Practitioners as well as a receptionist.