FCH, JISD working together to get student appointments quicker

Parents hate getting the phone call from school their child is sick. Now they have to see if they can get off work, take their child to a medical provider, or see if their doctor if available and if they can get in…

Or do they?

Under a new program developed by Faith Community Hospital and Jacksboro Independent School District, parents will not have to leave work for their kids to see a medical professional, as a new telemedicine option is being offered for pediatric care. The school nurse can connect with an FCHS provider for quick assessment, testing and treatment for students while at school.

For many of the working parents whose kids go to JISD this is a game changer in the eyes of JISD Superintendent Dwain Milam.

“Parents can remain at work while their child is being seen at the respective office, which speeds things along instead of waiting for the parent to get here and go wherever they need to go,” Milam said.

Now with the guardian’s permission, the nurse will quickly evaluate the student in person. After contacting the guardian, the nurse can connect with an FCHS provider. The provider will complete an assessment of the student to include input from the nurse and parent of guardian during the visit.

The nurse will assist the provider during the provider during the evaluation with the use of special equipment. The provider, using a high definition camera, can examine student’s ears throat, rash, or abrasions. If necessary, strep and flu testing will also be available.

At the end of the visit, the provider will provide instructions for follow-up care, and if needed, submit an order to your pharmacy of choice for medications. A record of the visit will be kept in the child’s record at FCHS. A copy will also be sent to the child’s primary care provider, if requested.

Parents can participate in three different ways at the school, by phone call or by email or text link to join the appointment by video.

FCH Chief Executive Officer Frank Beaman said telemedicine began to be developed after COVID.

“It’s here to stay,” Beaman said. “This is a way to better serve schools and keeping the students at schools during the day is very important.”

The program is not only for kids but teachers and staff as well. This all came as part of a FCH staff meeting where ideas were brought up on how to better benefit the community.

Beaman says there’s no way to guarantee a child will be able to see the same provider for different incidents, but just being able to receive health care without going to a clinic is something different.

Students and staff must enroll in the program and is being sent home with every student.

No child will be turned away. Before any services are rendered parents will be contacted to gain approval for the telemedicine appointment.

For questions or concerns regarding telehealth visits at JISD, contact nurse Tonya Treadway at 567-7206 ext. 214.