SBHS supports student health for those in years 9 to 13 attending secondary school or alternative education facilities. This service is for all students, but it focuses on those without access to health services or a GP.

You can see a school nurse at your school. You don't need to be enrolled in a special program. A consultation can be started by the student, parents, caregivers, school staff, the school nurse, or the supporting general practitioner.

No, you don't need to enrol to use this service. It's available to all students in years 9 to 13.

No, you do not need to pay, this is a free service.

Yes! You’re welcome to talk with the school nurse about your mental health. If needed, they can connect you with counselling, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the Coordinated Primary Mental Health team through the WBOP PHO, or guide you to the school’s counselling services.

Yes, the school nurse provides a safe space for questions about student health, including sexual health. They can offer information, contraception, and condoms, all for free.

We also provide free checks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

During an assessment or consultation, any information you share with the school nurse is kept confidential. Your parents or caregivers won’t be told unless you say it’s okay.

Only if you give permission, can the nurse share information.

Confidentiality is very important; the only time nurses would break confidentiality is if there’s a serious risk to your health and safety or someone else’s.

Yes, please speak with your school nurse about family or partner violence. They’ll listen to you and provide support. If needed, they’ll bring in other services to make sure you get the help you need.

Our School Based Health Services team includes:

Sarah Johnson - Clinical Services Lead
Paula Ngatai - School Based Health Services Lead
Ana MacFarlane - Aquinas College
Bridgette Hutchinson - Te Puke High School
Alesha Williamson - Te Puke High School
Debbie Merriman - Katikati College
Kate Vaaulu - Ōtūmoetai College
Hannah Castle - Pāpāmoa College
Bronwyn Baillie - Pāpāmoa College
Gena Holmes - Mount Maunganui College
Lisa Ferris - Mount Maunganui College
Rangihoia Hollis - Te Whare Kura & Alternative Education Sites
Stephanie Hayward - Tauranga Boys College
Vicki Keenen - Tauranga Boys College
Beth Kempthorne - Tauranga Girls College

For medical care outside of school hours, you have a few options in the Western Bay of Plenty:

Emergency Care: Call 111 if it's an emergency.

Non-Emergency Care: For non-urgent needs, you can choose between in-person and online consultations.

Learn more about after-hours care in WBOP.