Holy Family School
Policy on  Medication Management

Introduction
While the Board of Management has a duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils when they are engaged in authorised school activities, this does not imply a duty upon teachers to personally undertake the administration of medication.
Aim of this policy:
  • To ensure that the needs of children who require administration of essential medications during the school day are met.
  • To ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
  • To protect staff by ensuring that any involvement in medication administration complies with best practice.,
The Board of Management requests parents to ensure that staff members are made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by their child. This information should be provided at enrolment or at the development of any medical conditions at a later date.
Medication in this policy refers to medicines which are taken orally, creams or sprays which are applied on the skin or are used orally and medication which is taken intravenously.
All medication whether prescribed or over the counter must be written up for by the child’s GP on the school’s prescription form.  This prescription has to be renewed every 6 months


Policy Content.
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1.  Procedure to be followed by parents who require the administration of medication for their children.
 
  • The parent/guardian should write to the Board of Management requesting the Board to authorise a staff member to administer the medication or to monitor self-administration of the medication.
  • Parents are required to provide a school drug prescription form signed by the GP  for any medication which might need to be given to a child.
  • Parents are responsible for ensuring that the medication is delivered to the school and handed over to a responsible adult and for ensuring that an adequate supply is available.
  • Medication must be in its original packing, with pharmacy label in tact.
  • Parents must provide written permission for the administration of the medication in school.
  • Parents are further required to indemnify the Board and authorised members of staff in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of prescribed medicines in school. The Board will inform the school’s insurers accordingly.
  • Changes in prescribed medication (or dosage) should be notified immediately to the school accompanied with an up-to-date prescription form.
  • Where children are suffering from life threatening conditions, parents should outline clearly in writing, what should be done in a particular emergency situation, with particular reference to what may be a risk to the child.
  • Parents are required to provide a telephone number where they may be contacted in the event of an emergency arising.
If a child needs an antibiotic or requires an ‘over the counter’ medication during the school day parents are asked to do the following:
  • If a child is on an antibiotic and needs to get it during the day at school it cannot be administered unless it is signed off by the GP.
  • Medication being sent into school on a daily basis must be placed in a locked box.  This is for the safety of the medication itself and the risk it may pose if other children come in contact with it.
  • Ask the bus escort or relevant care staff to pass the medication to the teacher in the morning and to bring it back in the afternoon.
  • Inform the teacher about the medication in the communication book, in an enclosed letter or by phone.
  1.  Procedures to be followed by the Board of Management
  • The Board, having considered the matter, may authorise a staff member to administer medication to a pupil or to monitor the self-administration by a pupil.
    • The Board will ensure that the authorised person is properly instructed in how to administer the medicine.
    • The Board shall seek an indemnity from parents in respect of liability that may arise regarding the administration of the medicine
    • The Board shall inform the school insurers accordingly
    • The Board shall make arrangements for the safe storage of medication and procedures for the administration of medication in the event of the authorised staff member’s absence.
 
  1.   Responsibilities of Staff Members
  • No staff member can be required to administer medication to a pupil.
  • Any staff member who is willing to administer medicines should do so under strictly controlled guidelines in the belief that the administration is safe.
  • Medication must not be administered without the specific authorisation of the Board of Management.
  • In administering medication to pupils, staff members will exercise the standard of care of a reasonable and prudent parent.
  • If a child Paracetamol or Ibuprofen  the day the staff will ring the parents to check if the child has already been given before coming to school.
 The date and time of administration of the medication will be recorded by the person who administered it. (Appendix 2).
  • In emergency situations, staff should do no more that is obviously necessary and appropriate to relieve extreme distress or prevent further and otherwise irreparable harm. Qualified medical treatment should be secured in emergencies at the earliest opportunity.
  • Parents should be contacted should any questions or emergencies arise.
  • In the case of pupils who have epilepsy and are prone to take seizures and need medication immediately the medication is carried by the class teacher when the child is out and about on class activities otherwise it will be stored in the Nurses’ Office.

  • Bus escorts are trained on the administration of medication so if a child takes a seizure and needs medication they can take care of the situation.
 
Anaphylaxis.
 For pupils suffering from Anaphylaxis the procedures are the same as any other medication
 
Responsibility for the BOM.
  • Ensure that there is an emergency plan in place.
  • Develop school guidelines for allergy management during school days and school outings.
  • Arrange anaphylaxis training for staff that are responsible for the child with the condition.
  • Ensure that the whole school is aware of and recognise students with life threatening allergies and are familiar with emergency procedures.
 
 
Responsibility for the staff.
  • Take part in training on Anaphylaxis.
  • Ensure that no other pupil has food in their lunchboxes that will trigger an attack.
  • Ensure the medication is available immediately and is kept in the vicinity of the child.
  • Ensure that the medication and parental contacts are taken on every school outing.
  • Ensure that there is a care plan in the classroom for easy access.
 
Ratified by Board of Management on __________________
                                                                                     Date
 
Signed __________________________________________
                 Chairperson, Board of Management