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Children’s Medication Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear framework for the safe handling, administration, storage, and disposal of medication for children receiving domiciliary care services. Our organisation is committed to ensuring that medication is managed safely and effectively, protecting the health and wellbeing of children while complying with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Children’s Act 1989 & 2004, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on medicines management for children.

This policy ensures that:

• Medication is administered safely, accurately, and in line with a child’s care plan.
• Staff are trained and competent in handling medication for children.
• Medication records are maintained accurately for accountability.
• Children and their families are fully involved in medication decisions.
• Our service complies with legal, safeguarding, and data protection requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, including care workers, supervisors, and managers, involved in medication administration.
• Children receiving care services, whether short-term or long-term.
• Parents, guardians, and healthcare professionals involved in a child’s medication management.
• External agencies, such as GPs, pharmacists, and paediatric specialists.

It covers:

• Prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Roles and responsibilities of staff in medication administration.
• Storage, documentation, and disposal of medicines.
• Emergency medication procedures.
• Safeguarding and consent considerations.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Responsibility of the Registered Manager

The Registered Manager ({{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}) is responsible for:

• Ensuring staff receive appropriate training in children’s medication administration.
• Monitoring medication records and conducting audits to ensure compliance.
• Ensuring up-to-date policies and procedures in line with regulatory changes.

3.2 Responsibility of Care Staff

Staff members involved in medication administration must:

• Follow prescribed medication instructions precisely.
• Ensure correct dosages, timings, and administration routes.
• Record all medication given and report any errors immediately.
• Report any side effects or concerns to the appropriate healthcare professional.
• Ensure they have completed necessary training and competency checks.

3.3 Responsibility of Parents and Guardians

Parents/guardians must:

• Provide accurate, up-to-date medication information.
• Supply medication in original packaging with pharmacy labels.
• Inform the service of any changes to the child’s prescription.

4. Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medications

4.1 Prescription Medications

• Must be prescribed by a registered healthcare professional (GP, consultant, or paediatric specialist).
• Should be provided in original packaging with clear pharmacy labels.
• Staff must verify dosage instructions before administration.

4.2 Non-Prescription (Over-the-Counter) Medications

• Only administered with parental/guardian consent and if approved by a GP.
• Documented and recorded in the child’s care plan.
• Not given for prolonged periods without medical review.

5. Medication Administration Procedures

5.1 Checking Medication Before Administration

Before administering medication, staff must:

• Check the child’s care plan and MAR (Medication Administration Record).
• Confirm the five rights of medication administration:
  1. Right child – Confirm identity using name, photo, or DOB.
  2. Right medication – Verify against prescription.
  3. Right dose – Match prescription instructions.
  4. Right route – Ensure correct method (oral, topical, inhalation, etc.).
  5. Right time – Follow prescribed timing schedule.

5.2 Recording Medication Administration

• Every administration must be recorded immediately in the MAR chart.
• Records must include:
  • Date and time of administration.
  • Medication name, dosage, and route.
  • Staff signature and countersignature if required.
• If a child refuses medication, it must be documented and reported to parents and healthcare professionals.

6. Storage and Security of Medications

6.1 Safe Storage

• Medications must be stored in a locked, secure cabinet.
• Controlled drugs must be stored separately in a designated area.
• Refrigerated medications must be kept between 2°C and 8°C, with temperature logs maintained.

6.2 Access to Medication

• Only authorised staff may access and administer medications.
• Staff must follow double-checking procedures for high-risk medications.

7. Emergency Medications and Procedures

7.1 Administration of Emergency Medications

For children requiring emergency medications (e.g., epinephrine for anaphylaxis, rescue inhalers for asthma, seizure medication), staff must:

• Be trained in their administration.
• Follow emergency action plans provided by healthcare professionals.
• Call emergency services (999) if required.
• Inform the child’s parents or guardians immediately.

7.2 Responding to Medication Errors

If a medication error occurs, staff must:

1. Ensure the child is safe and seek medical advice if necessary.
2. Report the incident immediately to the Registered Manager.
3. Record details of the error in an incident report.
4. Review training needs to prevent future errors.

8. Disposal of Medications

• Expired or unused medications must be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Medication disposal must be documented to ensure compliance.
• Staff must not dispose of medications in household waste.

9. Consent, Confidentiality, and Safeguarding Considerations

9.1 Parental Consent

• Parents/guardians must provide written consent before medication is administered.
• Consent forms must be updated regularly to reflect medication changes.

9.2 Confidentiality and Data Protection

• All medication records must be stored securely and in compliance with GDPR.
• Medication details must not be shared without consent, unless required for safeguarding.

9.3 Safeguarding and Medication Misuse

• If there are concerns about medication misuse, overdosing, or neglect, staff must:
  • Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}}).
  • Follow the Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy (DCW13).
  • Escalate concerns to social services or police if necessary.

10. Staff Training and Competency

All staff responsible for administering medication must:

• Complete mandatory medication training specific to children’s needs.
• Undergo annual competency assessments.
• Be trained in emergency response procedures for anaphylaxis, seizures, and asthma.

11. Monitoring and Compliance

• Regular medication audits to ensure compliance with CIW regulations.
• Feedback from service users, families, and healthcare professionals on medication management.
• Ongoing policy reviews to reflect best practice and legal requirements.

12. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy (DCW13).
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy (DCW34).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy (DCW37).

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, CIW guidance, or best practices. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
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