Eglish NS Administration of Medication Policy

The health and welfare of our pupils is of primary concern to all staff and the Board of Management of Eglish National School. It is important, however, for the protection of both pupils and members of staff, that a policy is in place with regard to the administration of medicine to pupils during school time, or whilst engaged in authorised school activities.

No teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to a pupil. 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.

Any teacher who is willing to administer medicines will only do so under strictly controlled guidelines, fully confident that the administration will be safe. In general this will be limited to emergency situations only. A teacher who does take responsibility for administering medicines takes on a heavy legal duty of care to discharge the responsibility correctly and so every reasonable precaution must be taken.

Clear instructions about the administration of the medicine will be obtained and strictly followed. A parent requesting the administration of medicine must write to the Board of Management requesting the Board to authorise a member of the teaching staff to administer the medication. The request must contain written instructions of the procedure to be followed in administering the medication and details of storage of medicine.

The Board of Management, having considered the matter, may authorise a teacher to administer medication to a pupil. If the teacher is so authorised she/he will be properly trained by the Board of Management.

No teacher will administer medication without the specific authorisation of the Board.

In administering medication to pupils, teachers will exercise the standard of care of a reasonable and prudent parent. The Board of Management will inform the school's insurers accordingly and will seek an indemnity from the parent(s) in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of the medication.

Arrangements will be made by the Board of Management for the safe storage of medication and procedures for the administration of medication in the event of the authorised teacher's absence. It is the parent's responsibility to check each morning whether or not the authorised teacher is in school unless an alternative arrangement is made locally.

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 in emergencies at the earliest opportunity.

In general terms the Board of Management will request parents to ensure that teachers are made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by any children in their class. An opportunity to do this is provided on the school registration form but parents must notify teacher/school of relevant information that subsequently comes to light.

Parents will be asked to identify symptoms in order that treatment can be given by an appropriate person if necessary.

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.