School nurses in Hammersmith and Fulham praised by Royal College of Nursing leaders
CLCH welcomed Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, and Chief Nursing Officer, Lynn Woolsey to meet the Hammersmith and Fulham school nursing team. The visit recognised the team’s vital contribution to children’s health and wellbeing across the borough.
Nicola and Lynn praised the energy and commitment of the service, highlighting school nursing as a profession that breaks down barriers to care and addresses inequalities head on.
Hammersmith and Fulham is among the 10 boroughs in London with the highest rates of child poverty. Children face challenges such as dental decay, obesity and mental health difficulties, which disproportionately affect Black and minority ethnic communities. CLCH school nurses deliver the Healthy Child Programme, promoting healthier lifestyles, offering drop-in services, safeguarding support and specialist clinics.
The team is made up of registered specialist community public health nurses (SCPHN), community staff nurses, school nurse assistants, specialist practitioners and administrative staff. School nurses monitor children’s health, provide confidential advice and link closely with schools to support education and wellbeing. School nurse assistants deliver key health checks including vision, hearing, and growth, and teach healthy habits such as oral hygiene and handwashing. Specialist nurses for SEND and Youth Justice ensure that vulnerable children, including those with additional needs or in alternative provision, receive the right care and support. Enuresis service nurses provide tailored help for children experiencing bedwetting, preventing stigma and supporting families.
The team also runs innovative outreach projects to connect with young people in safe, engaging spaces. Initiatives such as Youth Zone drop-ins and the Summer Sizzle community event bring health education and support directly into the community.
Reflecting on the visit, Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the RCN said: “School nursing is a prime example of how nurses break down barriers to services and tackle inequalities head on. What I have learned today is that the school nursing team is deeply embedded in their community, building trust with children and families, identifying problems early, and providing the right care in the right place. The work that the team does doesn’t just improve health outcomes, it transforms futures by giving every child, regardless of background, the opportunity to thrive.”
Lynn Woosley, Chief Nursing Officer of the RCN, added: “It has been inspiring to see first-hand the passion and professionalism of CLCH’s school nursing team. They are making such a tangible difference to the lives of children and families in Hammersmith and Fulham, often working in very challenging circumstances. Their commitment to tackling health inequalities and supporting young people to achieve their full potential is a shining example of nursing at its very best.”
Navneet Willoughby, Divisional Director of Operations for Inner Northwest, at CLCH said: “I am so proud of our school nursing team and the incredible difference they make every day. Their compassion, skill and commitment shine through in everything they do, from supporting the most vulnerable children to leading innovative projects in our schools and communities. The impact of their work goes far beyond health; it helps children to feel safe, supported and able to thrive. In doing so, they are not only delivering the ambitions of the NHS 10-year plan, with its focus on prevention, reducing inequalities and improving outcomes, but also reflecting our Trust strategy by building strong partnerships and ensuring that care is inclusive, proactive and accessible for all.”
