Scoil Pádraig Naofa,

Cregmore

Administration of Medication Policy

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.

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, tablets and sprays administered by mouth only. Such medicines will be centrally stored in a lockable first aid press in the staffroom. Furthermore, a list of pupils with medical conditions will be circulated to each member of staff in the school each year.

Policy Content

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 written instructions of the procedure to be followed in the administration and storing of the medication. (see Appendices below)

· 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.

· 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 with clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.

· Where children are suffering from life threatening conditions, parents should outline clearly in writing, what should and what should not 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.

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.

Responsibilities of Staff Members

· No staff member can be required to administer medication to a pupil without prior consent being given on their part.

· Any staff member who is willing to administer medicines should do so under strictly controlled guidelines in the belief that the administration is safe.

· Administration/ supervision of medication should take place in the staffroom under the supervision of the child’s class teacher. Provision will be made for supervision of that class while the teacher is engaged in such an activity.

· Written instructions on the administration of the medication must be provided.

· 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.

· A written record of the date and time of administration will be kept centrally, in the staffroom.

· In emergency situations, staff should do no more then 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.

Appendix 1.1 - Form 1

Administration of Medication to Students

Request to Board of Management of Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore.

1. I / We, the parents / guardians of ……………………………………………………….. ask the Board of Management of Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore to allow a member of staff to give medication to my child …………………………………………………

2. I enclose a letter from Dr. ………………………………………………. Stating:

(a) Why the medication is needed

(b) Name of medication

(d) Dosage to be administered

3. Should there be any change in medication, I/we will write to the Board of Management before this change takes place to notify them of same

4. I /We understand that the school’s insurers will be notified of this arrangement

5. I/We indemnify the Board of Management in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of the medication

Signed: …………………………………………… Signed: ………………………………………

Parent / Guardian Parent / Guardian

Date:………………………………………. Date:………………………………………….

Appendix 1.2 - Form 2

Administration of Medication to Students

Dear Doctor,

The Board of Management of Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore requests that the information required below be provided relating to medication which is administered to students during school hours.

The parents /guardians of ……………………………………………………… have been asked to return the information to the school and to advise of any changes to this regime in the future.

Many thanks for your co-operation in this matter.

Yours Sincerely

Joe Kennelly

Principal.

Name of Student:………………………………………………………………………………………

Name of Medication: …………………………………………………………………………………

Why is this medication required: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Time medication should be administered: …………………………………………………………

Dosage to be administered: …………………………………………………………………………

Additional Information

(eg. to be taken after meals, etc)…………………………………………………………………….

Signed by Doctor: …………………………………………………………………………

Date: ……………………………………………………

* (Please copy and paste forms from the above content as required)