HEALTH AND SAFETY

General

The Matrons are responsible to the Manager for the health, care and well-being of the boarders, and both welcome contact and discussion with parents concerning their son's welfare.

The hostel doctor calls at Thomas House twice weekly and in emergency situations.  He also has appointments for boarders regularly available in his surgery in town.

The doctor welcomes contact with you or he will contact your son's home doctor, if required.

All tablets and medicines are to he handed to the Matron who will supervise their dispensing.

Thomas House has a sick bay which is used only if it is necessary to separate your son out of the shared accommodation situation.

Parents/caregivers are required to give a $200 Medical Fee ($100 each if you have more than one son in the hostel) at the beginning of their son's residence.  This fee is used to cover doctor's visits, prescriptions, transport for medical, physiotherapy and dental appointments.  A matron will keep you informed bi-annually of your expenditure in this area and you will be asked to top up the fund as necessary.  Any surplus money will be refunded to you at the end of your son's time in Thomas House.

It is also suggested that you may like to enrol your son with a dentist in Timaru.

The Manager or a matron notifies the parent/caregiver immediately in the case of serious illness or injury to your son.

In the event of your son requiring urgent medical treatment, and should the hostel be unable to contact either his parents or caregiver, we draw your attention to the authorisation on the enrolment form consenting to the Manager or a Matron authorising any medical treatment or operation which may be necessary in the interests of your son's health.

Safety

Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of boys living in the boarding house.  The buildings have sprinkler systems and are connected automatically to the Fire Department.  We have a comprehensive plan for emergency evacuation and fire drills are held regularly by the Manager and by the NZ Fire Service.  We hold a current Building Compliance Certificate and the kitchen is registered with the Crown Health.  Housemasters sleep on the premises.