Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Parents encouraged to be medicinewise:

Tips for planning a child's back-to-school medicines routine.
By Motherpedia
Date: January 30 2012
Editor Rating:
being-medicine-wise

As children across Australia pack their bags for their first day of school, the National Prescribing Service (NPS) is encouraging parents to be medicinewise when planning their child’s back-to-school medicines routine.

NPS clinical adviser Dr Danielle Stowasser says the ‘first day jitters’ are often heightened for parents whose children have a health condition or require regular medicines.

“The first day at school or child care is often the first time parents have to relinquish control of their child’s medicine routine to an unfamiliar carer,” says Dr Stowasser.

“This can be fairly nerve-wracking, but luckily there are some medicinewise things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone involved.”

Researching, planning and communicating are three of the key steps to ensuring your child is able to safely and effectively take their medicines at school or child care.

“Before you enrol your child in a school or day care centre, check the staff are trained to handle your child’s condition and are able to give their medicines.  Most places have written policies outlining the requirements and safety precautions necessary, but some may be better equipped than others to deal with particular situations,” says Dr Stowasser.

“Next, plan a medicines routine for staff by providing them with details of your child’s condition, the medicines they’ll need while at school, how these must be taken and any precautions  to ensure they’re given safely.  Your child’s doctor can work with you to develop a plan including details of what staff should do in case of an emergency.”

“Ensure you supply the required quantity of medicine and any equipment necessary to give it. Don’t forget to check the medicine is in date and stored correctly, for example in the fridge, so you can be sure medicines are given to your child safely and effectively.”

“Finally, make sure you communicate openly with everyone involved.  This will help reduce the risk of medicine mistakes and help allay any fears or anxieties you, your child or their carers may have during this transition period.”

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEDICINEWISE TIPS

1.   Do your research – check the staff are trained to handle their condition and have good policies in place to give medicines safely and effectively.

2.   Make a plan for staff – your doctor can help you develop a plan for your child’s medicine routine while at school.  Find out who will be responsible for your child’s medicines and ensure there are adequate facilities to store them safely.

3.   Communicate openly with everyone – this helps ensure your plan is followed, can ease the nerves of all involved and reduces the chance of medicine mistakes.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
2 Total Comments
Martha says: 2012 01 31
Rating:

Having had a two children with significant health issues that required careful daytime medication the role of school staff cannot be over emphasised.

Well done from a grannie!

Mel says: 2012 01 31
Rating:

Good article - a salutory reminder of collective responsibilty.

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.