Elanora State High School is proud to be one of 50 schools participating in the Queensland Government's GPs in Schools Pilot which aims to improve secondary students' access to healthcare and wellbeing. Dr Abby Alaia, a General Practitioner (GP) from James Street Medical Clinic is providing the service.
This service provides access to health information, advice, and treatment for a wide range of physical and mental health concerns, including matters related to sexual and reproductive health.
The school GP clinic operates every Friday during school terms, from 8:30am to 3pm. Appointments are available during class times, breaks, and until 3pm each Friday. To book an appointment, email gp@elanorashs.eq.edu.au.
Students can choose to attend their appointment alone or bring a parent or carer with them.
Students who are considered 'mature minors' can consent to their own medical treatment. This means the GP believes the student understands what the treatment involves, how it will help, and any potential risks. When making this decision, the GP considers factors such as the student’s age, maturity, level of independence, the seriousness of the treatment, and their understanding of the situation. If a student is not assessed as a ‘mature minor’, the GP will still offer support but will need permission from a parent or carer before providing treatment.
All visits with the school GP are provided at no cost to students or their families. The GP bulk-bills all appointments through Medicare, so it is important that your child brings their Medicare card or number with them to their appointment.
All appointments with the school GP are confidential. Information shared during the visit will not be shared with parents, carers, or school staff unless the student agrees, there is an immediate risk to safety and wellbeing, or the GP is legally required to do so. However, students under the age of 15 who are still on a parent’s Medicare card may have their appointment details visible to their parent or carer through the Medicare system. In these cases, students can speak with the GP if they have concerns.
Conversations with the GP are not shared with anyone at school unless the student agrees, or there is a serious safety concern. If the GP believes it’s important for a parent, carer, or teacher to be informed, they will explain the reasons and provide support in having that conversation.