SAACHS Position Statement on AHPs
The South African Association of Campus Health Services (SAACHS) recognizes the critical role that campus health administrators and allied health professionals (AHP) play in ensuring the well-being of students and staff within the higher education sector.
AHPs include, but are not limited to, health promoters/educators and emergency personnel, physiotherapists, dieticians, medical social workers, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, etc. Administrators include receptionists, administrative assistants, etc. Their contributions are vital to the success of campus health services, and their involvement ensures the collaborative, student-centred approach that SAACHS promotes.
As an organization committed to advancing student health and promoting a holistic approach to campus health services, SAACHS endorses the inclusion of campus health medical administrators and allied health professionals as full members of our association.
Rationale
In our recent AGM, a matter was raised regarding the inclusion of AHPs into the SAACHS structures and activities. This was because SAACHS has been more nurse-centric, leading to an unintended lack of prioritization of allied health professionals and administrators within Campus Health Services. These professionals contribute significantly to the management and delivery of health services. They not only address physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being within the student population.
The SAACHS constitution describes a ‘SAACHS Member’ as “higher education institutions which have Campus Health services” ... This implies that the service itself i.e. Campus Health Clinics in a University), and not individuals, are members of SAACHS. Individuals are representative of a service at a particular institution that offers Campus Health services. Additionally, it translates that allied health
professionals, by virtue of being Campus Health staff, can represent their institutions in the SAACHS structures.
Supporting Professional Development
Campus Health medical administrators and AHPs often work in dynamic and fast-paced environments, where they face unique challenges in providing care to a diverse and evolving student population. SAACHS offers a wealth of resources, training, and professional development opportunities that will allow these professionals to stay current with the latest trends in healthcare management, student health issues, and innovative practices. By becoming part of SAACHS, campus health medical administrators and allied professionals will have opportunities for continuous learning, networking, and advocacy for improved student health services.
Conclusion
SAACHS, therefore, endorses the inclusion of AHPs and Campus Health administrators in all SAACHS activities meaning that they can form part of the SAACHS structures and contribute to growing the association and its activities. Their contributions are vital to the success of campus health services, and their involvement will enrich the collaborative, student-centred approach that SAACHS promotes.
Prepared for SAACHS NEC by: Mr. Tshidiso Ntshabele (SAACHS Editor)
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