Policy on Administering Medication

	Introduction
	There has been increasing concern in recent years with regard to the extent to which teachers should become involved in administering various forms of medication to pupils. While teachers in schools act "in loco parentis", there is no obligation to either administer medicines regularly or to supervise children taking them. Teachers generally do their utmost to make provision for children who are ill, but ultimately would not do so if this in any way jeopardized the safety and welfare of any child in their care. Teachers will always be prepared to help when an accident or emergency situation arises - by contacting parents/guardians or by calling a doctor or ambulance. The aim of this policy is to clarify areas of responsibility and to lay down procedures for administering medication to children. Teachers have a professional duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere. This does not imply a duty upon teachers personally to undertake the administration of medication. Indeed, it is important that teachers do not take responsibility for administering any medication which, if administered incorrectly or for other reasons, could have a damaging effect on a child.
	Procedures
	It is the policy of Holy Family N.S. that children who have short term illnesses, such as colds and flues, should not be in school. Children returning to school after such an illness are allowed to stay in the sick bay area during lunch breaks but only if parents/guardians request this course of action in writing. We recognise that it is desirable for children with long term recurring health problems, such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and anaphylaxis to be accommodated within school in order that they may continue their education. If this is done, however, proper and clearly understood arrangements for administering of medicines must be made.
	The following principles apply to this policy
	No teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to a pupil. Any teacher who is willing to administer medicines should only do so under strictly controlled guidelines, fully confident that the administration will be safe. In emergencies teachers will do no more than is obviously necessary and appropriate to relieve extreme distress or prevent further and otherwise irreparable harm. Qualified medical treatment will be secured at the earliest opportunity. Parents must ensure that teachers are made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by any pupil in their class. Children who are epileptics or diabetics or who are prone to anaphylactic shock syndrome may have an attack at any time and it is vital therefore to identify the symptoms in order that treatment can be given by an appropriate person if necessary. Parents must provide maximum support and assistance in helping the school accommodate the pupil. Non- prescriptive medicines will neither be stored nor administered to pupils in school. Prescribed medicines will be stored in the staffroom out of reach of other pupils. Certain medicines, such as inhalers used by asthmatic children, must be readily accessible at all times of the school day and will be kept in the classroom. The medicine should be self-administered if possible. A teacher will not administer medication without the specific authorisation of the Board. Where possible the family doctor should arrange for the administration of prescribed medicines outside of school hours. Where children are suffering from life threatening conditions, parents should arrange to meet the class teacher and outline clearly what can and can't be done in a particular emergency situation, with particular reference to what may be a risk to the child. This should then be put in writing to make the whole staff aware. Where possible, injection needles should not be used in the school and epipen type injections should be used instead. Changes in prescribed medication (or dosage) must be notified immediately to the school with clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.
	When administration of medication is necessary for a child during the school day the following procedure will be used
	Parents/Guardians will make an appointment with the Principal to discuss the child's illness and arrangements for administering the medication. The request for administration of medication must then be put in writing. This should contain the following: Child's full name and address. The name of the medication to be administered. The exact dosage and time of administration. When the parent is to be contacted and where s/he can be contacted. Signature of parent/guardian. Parents are responsible for the provision of medication and should normally keep account to ensure that medication is available. Parents should check each day with their child that the medication has been taken. Medication should be sent to the Principal's office and will be kept in a safe place. Medication will be administered from the Principal's/Secretary's office. Where there are changes in dosage or time of administration, parent/guardian must write a letter requesting these changes. Request for administering of medication should be renewed at the beginning of each school year.

Holy Family National School Rathcoole County Dublin