Memorandum of Understanding
Previous page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next page
Currently the operation of all dental clinics at schools is covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the MoU boards of trustees are responsible for maintaining the school dental clinic. They receive funding for this in their operational funding in the same way as any other school building. District Health Boards (DHBs) are responsible for all operating costs, furniture and equipment.
Changes that affect the future of existing dental clinics may begin almost immediately at some schools. However, it is likely to be some years before all the planned changes can be implemented.
In the meantime, the MoU continues in force for existing clinics and boards must continue to maintain their clinics and not let them deteriorate in anticipation of the management of clinics being passed to DHBs.
Boards are responsible for:
- all capital works and maintenance, including work to meet health and safety standards and keep exteriors clean
- keeping dental clinics free of school furniture and equipment, for example, they cannot be used as storage spaces unless otherwise agreed with the DHB
- paying rates and other council charges
- only allowing authorised people access to dental clinics.
Boards are responsible under both the Memorandum of Understanding and the Property Occupancy Document (POD) to fulfil these responsibilities. As dental clinics generate capital and maintenance funding for schools, they must be treated like any other school building and included in 10YPPs.
DHBs are responsible for:
- all operating costs associated with dental clinic facilities such as cleaning, telephone charges, heat, light and water
- insuring DHB equipment and materials
- new and replacement furniture and equipment
- ensuring dental clinics are used only for dental or other DHB services
- only using dental clinics during core school days or at the times agreed between boards and the DHB.
Changes to use of the clinic
If the terms of use of the dental clinic need to be changed the MOU should be replaced by the new lease at this point rather than changing the MOU.
If the school wants to terminate the MOU, it needs to consult the ministry and DHB first to find out what is planned for the clinic.
The DHB can also terminate a Memorandum of Understanding by giving boards six month’s written notice. Once they have vacated a dental clinic, the board is still responsible for keeping it in good order and repair unless some other arrangements are made, such as selling it or using it for other school purposes.
Previous page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next page