Care staff gain medical guide

Guidelines for care workers on administering medicines to
children have been published by public service union Unison.

The guidelines, Administration of Medicine, were drawn
up following increasing demands on the union’s members, working in
schools, play schemes and activity centres, to administer medicine
to children in their care.

The types of drugs or medical procedures needed range from
allergy sprays to more invasive medical procedures and in some
cases has led to children being refused entry as staff were not
medically trained to carry them out.

Unison believes that clearly written policies on supporting
children with medical needs in play schemes and activity centres
need to be developed detailing staff and managers’
responsibilities.

Guidelines are available to members through local branches.