Supply and storage of prescribed medication and 'consumables'

Secure delivery and storage of prescribed medication is important for the safety of the student requiring prescribed medication as well as for the safety and welfare of other students in the school.

Parents are responsible for supplying their child’s prescribed medication and any associated equipment needed for the administration which is replaced after use (ie consumables).

These items need to be provided in a timely way.

Prescribed medication is usually sent on a daily basis and in a pharmacy labelled container detailing the student’s name and the prescribed dosage.

In some cases the principal and parent may agree that it is more practical for the parent to send a weeks supply of prescribed medication.

The parent needs to provide written instructions about any special requirements for storage indicated by their medical practitioner or pharmacist.

If the parent is unable to deliver the prescribed medication to school, it is advisable that a responsible person, who is not a staff member, be nominated by the parent to transport the prescribed medication to the school as agreed.

If the principal agrees, this responsibility may be fulfilled by the student themselves but this will be dependent upon the maturity of the student, parental consent and any other issues that could affect the safety of the individual student or others in the school environment.

Decisions about where prescribed medication is to be stored should be made by the principal on a case by case basis taking into account the needs of the student to access the medication, the value of minimising disruption to their learning program as well as giving due consideration to keeping the medication secure.

In general, the prescribed medication needs to be stored in a secure and accessible location/s except in circumstances where students need to carry their prescribed medication for immediate access.

The school will make best efforts to store the prescribed medication in accordance with any special requirements for storage provided by the pharmacist or medical practitioner.

A schedule 8 medication (also known as a controlled drug) must be stored in a locked repository separate from all other non-schedule 8 medications. Ritalin and Dexamphetamine are examples of Schedule 8 medications.

All prescribed medication needs to be available to be administered to the student when it is required. Large schools and schools with multiple sites may need to consider a range of secure locations.

For some conditions, prescribed medication and equipment may need to be accessible immediately.

For example, for asthma and anaphylaxis, prescribed medication such as asthma relievers (eg Ventolin) or adrenaline auto injectors (eg EpiPen) will need to be available immediately.

Other equipment such as meter/hypo kits and 'hypo' food may be needed immediately by students diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

In theses cases arrangements for carrying the medication and equipment will be worked out by the school and documented. Arrangements may involve the student or a staff member who has volunteered, carrying the essential material depending on factors such as the age of the student.

Students who have cystic fibrosis require pancreatic enzyme supplements (capsules) to aid digestion. These enzymes are always eaten with food and will usually need to be carried by the student in their lunch box or school bag.