Medications policy.
How we accept, store, administer, and record medication for children at our centres.
Aim:
To ensure all staff maintain a professional attitude towards the administration of medications.
To ensure all staff responsible for the administration of medications are mindful of the responsibility given to them by the child’s parents/guardians in this administration.
Purpose:
To ensure the safety of children’s health who require medications whilst at the centre.
To ensure that educators meet the legal requirements of administering medications within the service.
To ensure clear instructions are always given and followed.
Implementation:
Medications will not be given unless written permission is given by the child’s parents/guardians on the specified Medication Form found in the centre App and given to staff. A separate form must be completed for each medication if more than one is required.
All medications must be given to a member of staff in the child’s room on the child’s arrival at the centre.
Medications must be in their original container with the dispensing label attached with the child’s name and dosage instructions clearly printed on it (not a siblings). The dispensing label should list the child as the prescribed person, the strength of the drug and frequency it is to be given. This applies to all medications regardless of whether they are non-prescribed medications (such as teething gels, nappy creams, cough medicines) or prescription medications (such as antibiotics). All medications to be given MUST be within their expiry date.
Medications written on the Medication Form on the App will be checked by staff and the time of the last dosage will be noted.
Medications will be stored in a lockable container out of children’s sight and reach in a child proof cupboard or in the refrigerator.
Medications of an ongoing nature will require a management plan from the child’s doctor with recommended dosages and this plan must be revised yearly.
Medical records will be kept and will contain the following information:
Child’s name
Authorisation to administer medication (signed by a parent or a person named in the child’s enrolment record as authorised to consent to the administration of medication
Time and date or circumstances under which the medication is to be next administered
Name of medication to be administered
Time, date and amount of last dosage
Amount of dosage to be given
How medication is to be administered
Time the dosage is to be given
Expiry date of the medication
A space for the administering staff member to sign their name and note any reactions to the medication by the child - witness to administering of medication name and signature, the dosage and time that was administered, the manner in which the medication was administered.
Any medication found in a child’s bag will be removed but not administered.
Medications must be given by a staff member holding a current first aid certificate and witnessed by another staff member. Both staff members must check -
Name on medication, matches name on medication form.
Dosage of medication about to be given (either in syringe or medication cup) is the same dosage written on medication form and also written on medication packaging.
The child being given the medication is the same child as is what is written on the medication form.
The medication is then returned into safe storage.
Emergency Administration of Medication
In the event of an emergency, the service must follow the Incident, Injury, Trauma, and Illness Policy and complete the Incident, Injury, Trauma, and Illness Record.
In the event of an emergency and where the administration of medication must occur, the service must attempt to receive verbal authorisation by a parent of the child named in the child's Enrolment Form who is authorised to consent to the administration of medication.
If a parent of a child cannot be contacted, the service must attempt to receive verbal authorisation from an emergency contact of the child named on the child's Enrolment Form who is authorised to consent to the administration of medication.
If none of the child's nominated contacts can be reasonably reached, the service must contact a registered medical practitioner or an emergency service on 000.
In the event of an emergency and where the administration of medication must occur, written notice must be provided to a parent of the child or other emergency contact person listed on the child's Enrolment Form.
Emergency Involving Anaphylaxis and Asthma
For anaphylaxis or asthma emergencies, medication may be administered to a child without an authorisation following the information listed above under Emergency Administration of Medication.
The service must contact the following as soon as practicably possible -
A parent of the child.
Emergency service.
The child will be positively reassured, calmed and removed to a quiet area under the direct supervision of a suitably experienced and trained educator
If a child has an adverse reaction to any medication or it’s incorrectly administered, the educator or staff member will immediately notify the Nominated Supervisor who will contact the child’s parents/guardians straight away and ensure an Incident Record is completed. A first aid trained educator or staff member will respond to any first aid needs in line with the practices outlined in the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy, including calling an ambulance if required.
Sourced: Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standard.
Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 2022
Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6thEdition
Sources
- Centre Support
This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.