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Contents

1. Reception and Administering of Prescribed Medication/Drugs
2. Reception and Administering of Non-Prescribed Medication/Drugs
3. Children Holding their own Medication

1. Reception and Administering of Prescribed Medication/Drugs

The following guidance applies to the reception and administration of prescribed medicines.

1. Always follow guidance on the packet
2. When receiving medication, check that it is the correct medication and the name of the child is on the container; if the name on the container is different, the medication cannot be administered
3. Check the dosage and times that the medication is to be given.  Negotiate with the child when to take it
4. Measure and administer the dose as required and check relevant records to ensure it has not already been given.
5. Observe, if possible, that it has been taken.
6. Check that there is a suitable amount of the medication available and the expiry date.
7. Check that the course is completed.
8. Unless it is agreed following a risk assessment that the child will store and administer the medication (see Section 3, Children Holding their own Medication), it must be stored in a locked cabinet.
9. The fact that it has been stored must be recorded and the record must be signed and dated by the person receiving/storing it.
10. Staff/carers should not normally be expected to administer medication that requires assistance from a nurse or involves intimate contact with the child, such as suppositories, unless they have received training and consent has been given.
11. Children should not be administered both prescribed and non-prescribed medicines unless signed consent has been obtained from their GP that it is safe to do so.
12. When removing medication from locked cabinets, ensure that the cabinet is locked if left unsupervised.
13. Note and account for warnings provided, such as ‘may cause drowsiness.   
14. The child may refuse the medicine; if so, it must never be forced or the child tricked into taking it, but medical advice from the prescribing doctor should be sought.
15. Do not mix medication into drinks or food and do not crush tablets or capsules unless advised to do so.
16. The administration (or refusal) must be recorded and the record signed and dated by the staff member administering.
17. Return the container to the locked cabinet, record that the medication has been administered.

2. Reception and Administering of Non-Prescribed Medication/Drugs

1. Always follow guidance on the packet
2. Although no prescription is required, Aspirin and Aspirin products may not be administered to a child unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.
3. Other non-prescribed medicines may not be administered unless there is consent from the parent(s) or child (if 16 and over) or as agreed as part of the child’s Placement Information Record
4. Non-prescribed medicines may only be obtained from reputable Pharmacists.
5. Unless it is agreed following a risk assessment that the child will store and administer the medication (see Section 3, Children Holding their own Medication), it must be stored in a place out of reach from children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
6. The fact that it has been stored must be recorded and the record must be signed and dated by the person receiving it.
7. Before administering non-prescribed medicines, check the following:
   1. What is the expiry date?
   2. Why does the child want it?
   3. Is the child allergic to it?
   4. What is the correct dose?
   5. When was the last dose administered?

After one hour, check that the child is feeling better – if not, seek medical advice

Do not administer both prescribed and non-prescribed medicines unless advice has been received from the prescribing doctor or GP that it is safe to do so.

When removing medication from locked cabinets, ensure that the cabinet is locked if left unsupervised. The administration (or refusal) must be recorded and the record signed and dated by the staff member administering. Return the container to the locked cabinet, record that the medication has been administered.

3. Children Holding their own Medication

As a rule, young people of 16 and above should be encouraged to take responsibility for their known health; this includes holding and taking their own medication.  In some cases, children under 16 will be supported to hold and take their own medication.

This should be discussed as part of the placement planning and included in the Placement Information Record where appropriate.  It may be advisable to include the GP in the discussion.

Issues to be considered include:

• Does the young person understand the importance of taking the medication regularly and at the correct time?
• Can the young person safely store the medication?
• Is the young person cooperative with residential staff/carers?
• Could the medication be taken and used by others in the home?
• Does the medication have value if sold illegally?

Examples of medications which should be the responsibility of the young person are oral contraception and reliever inhalers.

It will not always be known when a child has medication.  We will always try and work in partnership with them around health needs but recognise that they have the right to choose otherwise.  Within this context, if there are concerns about a child’s health, staff/carers should always seek medical advice.

If it is known that a child is holding prescribed medication, this should be clearly recorded: in residential care, this will be in the Prescribed Medication Book and on the drug record sheet.  This may be on a temporary basis only, for example where the child has an overnight stay away.

The child should be encouraged to take the medication appropriately, and this should include giving reminders on a regular basis.

If there are concerns that a child is not managing his or her medication appropriately, there should be a review of the arrangements.

End