Medicine policy

Storage and administration of medicines policy We see all children’s health and wellbeing needs as the highest priority and will always take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection (see illness policy). When dealing with any medication Abbey Mill Childcare will always follow the strictest guidelines.
ONLY medicine which have prescribed by a doctor or pharmacy this includes Paracetamol/Ibuprofen will be accepted onto the premises. Any child receiving medication prescribed by a doctor (i.e.: Penicillin, Antibiotics) cannot return to nursery until the 2nd day of administration. For example: Administration begins on a Monday, child can return on a Tuesday. NO FIRST DOSE WILL BE GIVEN AT NURSERY. Any child who refuses or spits out their medicine cannot return to nursery until they have consumed at least 24 hours’ worth of medication in order the prevent the spread of infection. Medicine will only be given to the person named on the prescription. This will be checked against the medicine form.
Where available all information leaflets and original containers should accompany the medicine. All parents are required to accurately complete a medicine form before any medicine will be administered No Verbal instructions will be taken over the phone for administration of medicine.
Medication forms will detail administration times, date and time of last dose, dosage, reason for administration and initial signature of parents.
Specific times for administration must be given NO medication form will be accepted marked “when required”. Dosage will be checked against the prescription label or age requirements on the medicine.
All parents are responsible for passing both the medicine form and medicine on to the staff. NO medicine should be left in the children’s bags.
Expiry date and dispense date for each medicine must be checked to ensure it is was dispensed recently and is still appropriate for use. All time and date expired medicine must be discarded by the parents.
The receiving qualified staff member should ensure they fully understand the medicine instructions before signing it as well as passing all information on to the appropriate staff members.
All medicine must be stored appropriately following the information stated upon the prescription label. It should be contained within a sealable bag with the child’s name clearly printed on it and only used for their consumption. All medicine must be stored out of the reach of the children at all times.
Once the medication has been administered all staff must ensure the time of administration is logged and that the person administering the medicine has signed the form as well as a witness.
All children should be offered a drink with their medicine when appropriate.
All staff should ensure the parents sign at the end of each complete day. Once the form is complete for the child’s days of attendance and must be place within the office filing tray.
Children who require medication due to on-going medical conditions will have their needs met as an individual. In these circumstances a medical care plan is required detailing: Child’s details including medical condition Signs to look for: i.e. wheeziness, eyes running or itching etc.
Management are responsible for creating and up-dating all medical care plans and on-going medicine forms in line with the strictest guidelines. It is important for parents to be involved within the review procedure to ensure this information is as accurate as possible.
Parents must supply accurate information regarding the child’s signs and symptoms of their condition to ensure the child receive the best care and support.
All parents MUST provide all needed medicines which can be stored at nursery within the main office. These medicine will be kept in a sealed bag and clearly marked with the child’s name All medical care plans and on-going medicine sheets are reviewed at least every 3 months however parent should inform management immediately if any change occur before this review takes place.
All medicine must be replaced at least one month prior to expire date. This date will be documented on the on-going medicine sheet for both parents and staffs reference.
Once the medical care plan is finalised parents will be required to sign their consent in order for the medicine to be administered.
All staff will be given appropriate training when dealing with the administration of specific medicines such as inhalers and epipens. All on-going medicines must be accompanied by a medical care plan. If at any time management have any concerns regarding the administration of medicines they will contact NHS 24 for advice and guidance.
Up dated: November 2012QI’S: 5.8.1, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3 Care Standards: 3

Source: http://www.abbeymillchildcare.co.uk/downloads/medicine-policy.pdf