Our School    Managing Medicines in School

Branksome Heath Middle School

16 May 2007

Dear Parents        
 
In the light of statutory responsibilities, we have developed a policy on Managing Medicines in School. It is a requirement that we put in place effective management systems to support individual children with their medical needs.

Please see below how we have updated our systems and procedures in respect of administering medicines:-

o BHMS will not enter into an agreement to administer non prescribed medicines eg products from health food shops such as Chinese medicine products.

o All medicines must be provided in an original container (as dispensed by the pharmacist) and include the prescriber's name and instructions for administration.

o We are unable to accept medicines that have been removed from their original container.

o We cannot make changes to the prescribed dosage.

o Children cannot be given aspirin or medicines containing ibuprofen unless prescribed by a doctor.

o Children cannot be given medicines without their parent's written consent.

o If your child requires medication in school you will be asked to fill out a 'Parental Agreement Form for School to Administer Medicines'.

o If your child requires an inhaler in school, you will be asked to fill out:-
an Asthma Card (available from the school office) and
'Request for Child to Carry his/her own Medicine' form (available from the school office).

o We have received advice that a second inhaler should be kept in the office.

o All inhalers, however stored, should be labelled with child's name and class.

o All inhalers should be collected by parents at the end of each term.

o It is the parents' duty to ensure that their child's dosage is correct and that there is sufficient medication in the inhaler and that they are not being used beyond their shelf life.

o Volumatics should be taken home half termly and washed.

Please can we remind you of the importance of keeping the school office up to date with all emergency contact numbers and of any changes in medical conditions.

If you need to discuss any of these matters, please contact the school office.

Yours sincerely

J ROYLE
Headteacher