Can I load a function from the came controller in Codeigniter?

Can I load a function from the came controller in Codeigniter?

I have this basic function a controller:
public function index(){
if($this->input->ip_address() == XX.XX.XXX.XXX){
$this->status(0);
}
}
protected function status($status_no){
echo $status_no;
}
But the status function does nothing. It doesn't even load. I can confirm
my IP is correct and my IF statement & controller index is okay.
I will be looking forward to some help.
Peter