Administration of Medication Policy

Medication Policy

Administration of Medication Policy

The Board of Management of Cara Junior School reviewed this policy to ensure clarity on the roles and responsibilities relating to the administration of medication in school.

The policy recognises that some pupils may have complex medical needs or ongoing medical conditions. Parents and guardians are asked to inform teachers in writing about ongoing medical conditions and to comply fully with school procedures.

Responsibilities

While teachers are acting in loco parentis during the school day, the policy states that they are not under an obligation to administer medicine or supervise children taking medicine.

The Board of Management may assist families where possible, but the school cannot request teachers to take on responsibilities that would mean assuming liability for medical accidents. Cara Junior School is not on an HSE-supported campus and does not have access to nursing support in a medical emergency.

Procedures the School Cannot Carry Out

The policy notes that certain medical procedures are unable to be carried out by school personnel where they require medical training, intimate contact, or critical timing and dosage.

• Oral suctioning procedures for removal of mucus.
• Urethral catheterisation for removal of urine.
• Administration of nebulisers.
• Administration of injections.
• Administration of nutrition or medication through naso-gastric lines or pegs.

Emergency Situations

In emergency situations, school staff will do no more than is obviously necessary to relieve distress or prevent further injury, and will seek medical assistance and treatment for the child.

In the event of an epileptic seizure or another emergency situation requiring the administration of emergency medication, an ambulance will immediately be called and parents will be informed.

Use of Monitors

Some pupils may attend school with monitors for checking heart rate, blood sugar levels or other medical needs. Given the complexity of need in classes, teachers should factor checking these monitors into the daily schedule where appropriate.

It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure monitors are in full working order. The school does not have the technical knowledge or time to adjust or change monitors that are not reading accurately.

Medication Guidelines

The administration of any oral medication in Cara Junior School can only be done under strictly controlled guidelines.

1. Parents or guardians should write to the Board of Management requesting that staff members be authorised to administer medication.
2. Only medication prescribed by a registered medical practitioner will be administered. Paracetamol, Calpol and similar medicines also need to be prescribed by a GP and will not be administered without written guidance from a doctor.
3. Written requests should contain the child’s full name and address, name of the medication, exact dosage and time of administration, and signature of parent or guardian.
4. Pupils with epilepsy must have an Epileptic Care Plan, devised in consultation with the child’s medical team.
5. Pupils with anaphylaxis should have emergency first-aid arrangements in place.
6. Pupils with diabetes should have a diabetes plan in place.

Administration by Staff

• Where possible, medication times should be arranged outside school hours.
• The Board of Management may authorise named staff to administer oral medication.
• Staff will not administer oral medication without specific Board authorisation.
• Where possible, two staff should be present during administration: one to administer and one to witness.
• The Board of Management will inform the school’s insurers accordingly.
• The Board may seek an indemnity from parents or guardians.

High Temperature

Parents or guardians will be requested to collect a child with a high temperature as recorded on a thermometer. The policy notes that a high temperature is usually 100°F or 37°C.

Medication Records

The oral medication record form must be signed on each occasion and retained in the school. A copy may be sent to parents weekly. Parents are notified by phone if the child declines to take oral medication.

Storage and Transportation of Medication

• Medication must not be given to pupils to bring to school.
• Medication must be handed to the pupil’s bus escort, classroom staff or school staff.
• Medication should be sent in a child-proof container, clearly pharmacy-labelled with the child’s name and instructions.
• Large amounts of tablets or liquids will not be stored in school.
• The school will only accept a week’s supply at a time.
• Any medicine left over on a Friday will be sent home.

Emergency Medication and Special Medication

Emergency medication for medical conditions may be carried by staff in waist bags when accompanying children around the school, to avoid delay where administration is required.

Parent / Guardian Authorisation Form

The policy includes an Appendix A form where parents or guardians request the Board of Management to authorise staff to administer medication. The form includes indemnity wording, confirmation that current prescribed medication and instructions are attached, and signature spaces for parents or guardians, class teacher and Principal.

Policy Review

The policy was discussed and ratified by the Board of Management of Cara Junior School on 11 October 2016. The document notes the next review in the school year 2024–2025.