School based swabbing programmes
United to Stop Sore Throats Hurting Hearts
The Bay of Plenty and Lakes rheumatic fever sector group
School based swabbing programmes in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes
School based throat swabbing programmes are aimed at preventing rheumatic fever by detecting and treating streptococcal throat infection (‘strep throat’).
For a list of throat swabbing teams and services in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes, click here
Sandra Innes Smith is employed by Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance (EBPHA) as the rheumatic fever clinical lead. Please contact Sandra.Innes-Smith@ebpha.org.nz for further information.
Leanne Kirk is the co-ordinator of the Rotorua school based sore throat swabbing programme that operates out of Western Heights Health Centre. Please contact lkirk@raphs.org.nz for further information
The rheumatic fever sector group
The rheumatic fever sector group is committed to reducing rates of rheumatic fever in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts. The sector teams meet together once per term to share information, resources and ideas. The sector group consists of community health workers and nurses from:
• Bay of Plenty District Health Board
• Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance
• Ngati Awa Social and Health Services
• Te Puna Ora O Mataatua Charitable Trust
• Whakatohea Iwi Social and Health Services
Heart Foundation 'Sore Throats Matter' Teaching Units
The Heart Foundation developed teaching units for years 1-8 based on the NZ school curriculum's Health and Physical Education plan.
The aim of the Teaching units is to increase awareness of rheumatic fever prevention to children and teachers in high risk populations of NZ.
Click here for the Sore Throats Matter Teaching Units.
Click here for the Sore Throats Matter Teachers Letter.

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