Gosford Public School has launched its new paediatric clinic, providing on-site healthcare for about 260 local students.
The clinic, which first opened its doors in January 2012, is a partnership between the school, the Toronto District School Board’s Model Schools for Inner Cities program, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and Westview Alumni Advocates for Youth (WAAY). Health professionals will provide services on the second Saturday of each month to Gosford students and their siblings.
“It is such an honour to have this Clinic in our school and to offer assistance to the community,” said Principal Jennifer Hall. “Health issues that go untreated can often prevent children from doing their best at school and at home.”
This is the fourth paediatric clinic to open in a TDSB school since November 2010. Other schools currently hosting clinics are Sprucecourt PS, Brookview MS and George Webster ES.
“The Gosford Public School Pediatric Clinic continues to be a part of the Toronto District School Board commitment and vision to partner and facilitate a continuum of care for its students and families in an effort to promote healthy life choices,” said Ward 4 Trustee Stephnie Payne. “Breaking down barriers by bringing much needed services to our students and families enhances students’ success both academically and socially.”
The Gosford clinic has had a unique beginning. Myrna Gabbidon, a founding member of the community group WAAY, has worked for years to establish a medical clinic at the school. Through her efforts, a new partnership with Dr. Kevin Chan of the Hospital for Sick Children was established. To further the concept of having a medical clinic, additional partnerships were formed with the Model School for Inner Cities team and the Toronto Foundation for Student Success.
Principal Hall and the school’s Office Administrators volunteered their efforts to book the clinic’s appointments in the initial months of operation. Since April 2012, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success has secured an International Medical Graduate currently working with the Brookview Paediatric Clinic to assist at the Gosford Clinic as well.
To learn more about the TDSB’s Model Schools Paediatric Clinics, visit www.tdsb.on.ca.
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