The state government announced the first phase of the pilot doctors in schools program roll-out would commence from term 1 and the second phase in term 3.

Horsham College and St Arnaud Secondary College will be apart of the final stage roll-out commencing from term 1, 2018. 

Education minister James Merlino said the program would tackle barriers preventing young people accessing healthcare, especially in rural areas.

He also announced the program’s consent and confidentiality policy, and said as was the case with all GPs, doctors would decide whether students were mature enough to consent to treatment or whether carer consent was needed.

“We know young people have some of the lowest GP attendance rates, meaning many are missing out on the vital healthcare they need,” he said.