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Tuesday, 10 November 2009 21:21 |
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A small room situated beneath the ground floor stair case lies what was once the JC clinic. The same room has been locked up accept during the summer months when it is used a staff room for the Link tutors.
Before Mater Dei was fully operating the JC clinic was closed because St. Luke’s was just up the road. But now if a student is wounded or injured he has to recall to the reception instead of the clinic and will be assisted by 2 academic staffs that are also qualified as first aiders.
An institution such as the Junior College which houses a population of around 3,000 students needs to have safety regulations being enforced. On the contrary, other institutions such as Stella Maris College which houses around 900 students have a full time nurse employed and a fully functioning up to standard clinic.
Being aware of this issue, the previous KSJC members voiced their concerns and worked hard to reopen the clinic and to have a nurse employed. Several meetings took place with the JC administration which at that time supported and was in favour of the council’s proposal. Further meetings took place with UOM representatives and with the union of MUMN. It seems to be financing the clinic itself is another problem. Such a service which is deemed necessary ought to be directly financed by the Government.
Earlier in March, during a press conference KSJC, together with the Malta Red Cross Society, had informed the students that an agreement was reached and that the JC clinic will be opened. The clinic will be maintained by a qualified first Aider on behalf of the Malta Red Cross Society. This proposal had the backing of the JC Administration and the KSJC was referred to the Ministry of Education to discuss finance matters. However discussions were taking very long and according to the Ministry secretary it’s almost impossible for our honourable Minister to meet up with the board.
When contacted Karl Bugeja confirmed that finance was a big problem, nonetheless in the upcoming days the KSJC will be presenting another proposal to the UOM and JC administration. In the past weeks the KSJC have also met up with the Malta Red Cross Society to seal the matter.
After a series of long discussions, the KSJC has arranged so as to fully stock the JC clinic and qualified first aiders will be opening offering their services on a volunteer bases. Recently representatives from the Malta Red Cross Society have paid a visit to the JC and took note of what’s needed to adequately stock the room. The Principal is to decide on this matter soon after consulting with the JC College Board.
According to Karl Bugeja “the students’ safety and health conscious ought to be a priority for us all. We must ensure that the students have a safe environment and a proper clinic is functioning with a nurse stand by.” Furthermore, Karl has stated that the KSJC has also managed to arrange with the Malta Red Cross Society to partly subsidise first aid courses being offered to JC students.
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