Medication and Home Remedies

• To promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people;
• To ensure medications are administered safely and accurately;
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations (e.g. Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, NICE guidelines);
• To respect children’s rights, privacy, and informed consent.

• Registered Manager: Overall responsibility for medication practices, audits, and staff training;
• Staff Members (Care Staff): Responsible for day-to-day handling, administration, and recording of medication;
• Health Professionals: Provide prescriptions, guidance, and monitoring as needed;
• Children and Young People: Encouraged and supported to take responsibility for their own medication where appropriate (e.g. self-administration plans)

• For children under the age of 16 a parental/carer and where appropriate - placing authority consent must be sought, signed and held in the Individuals Electronic record file. This will be signed at the beginning of any placement before the child arrives;
• Medical information is treated confidentially and shared only on a need-to-know basis;
• Medication delegated authority consent must always be in place prior to a child being admitted to the home. There is a section within the Placement Plan provided at the point of admission which can be used as an interim measure if unforeseen difficulties prevent the immediate signing of the delegated authority form by the social worker (e.g., in cases of nighttime or out-of-hours admissions). However, every effort must be made to obtain the required signature before the child arrives. If this is not possible, the consent form must be signed no later than the 72-hour planning meeting and subsequently uploaded to the young person’s electronic record file;
• Children and young people are actively involved in decisions about their medication in a way that is appropriate to their age, understanding, and capacity. They are supported to express their views, ask questions, and give informed consent where possible. Staff take time to explain the purpose, benefits, and potential side effects of medication in a child-friendly manner, promoting understanding and choice. If a child has concerns about their medication, they are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult, such as their key worker, and are supported to access additional support, which may include their GP, prescribing clinician, or an independent advocate. Any concerns raised are taken seriously, recorded, and responded to promptly in consultation with relevant professionals. The child’s wishes and feelings are central to all discussions, and alternative approaches such as therapeutic interventions are considered where appropriate.

• All staff administering medication must complete accredited medication training;
• Refresher training must occur annually or as required;
• Staff competency must be assessed, and Medication passports must be recorded by L& D and operations team;
• The final assessment will be completed by the competency assessor:  In the first instance this should be registered manager. In exceptional cases this could be delegated (in agreement with the operations manager) to e.g. Assistant Manager and Learning and Development team, providing all completed relevant training and are competent administrators themselves.

• Weekly audit template is in place and should be completed by a Senior or Assistant Manager;
• Monthly audit template is in place and should be completed by a manager or Assistant Manager (If the Assistant Manager completed the weekly that week, then the Manager should complete it);
• The Registered Manager will review incidents, errors, and near misses regularly;
• Findings will inform service improvements and staff development.

• Prescription medication;
• Over the counter (OTC) medication;
• Controlled drugs (CDs);
• Emergency medication (e.g. EpiPens, asthma inhalers);
• Homeopathic/Home remedies (only if prescribed/approved).

There is an exception that a specialist allergy nurse/ consultant will help develop a Health Care plan which should be shared with all care staff working and professionals working with the child

The Care and Placement Plan and Health Care Plan should contain the following:

• All known allergies and associated risks including spotting the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis for the child;
• Preventative measures should be detailed in the Plan - for example taking daily antihistamines for hay fever, making sure cleaning products and gloves are hypoallergenic, and washing powder is suitable for skin conditions;
• Actions to take when a child has an allergic reaction. The plan should describe exactly what to do and who needs to be contacted in the event of an emergency. For example, when to use an EpiPen and calling for an ambulance;
• All staff should be aware of the Plan and should have been trained to administer an EpiPen by a suitable qualified health professional;
• The child should be educated around their allergies and what to do in an emergency - a child may be able to self-administer their own EpiPen or take antihistamines. If this is the case this should be recorded;
• Medication should be easily accessible so staff and/or the child can access their Medication in an emergency situation;
• A record should be kept of each episode and any Medication given should be recorded on Medication Administration Record (MAR) sheet.

The Registered Service Manager should clarify any staff additional training needs, and any special considerations for the child. For further information, please contact the child’s health professional who deals with their allergies and check the Food Allergy (NHS)  or see Allergy UK.

Home Remedies are medicines that can be bought over the counter, after discussion with a pharmacist/GP These include Paracetamol homeopathic, herbal, aromatherapy, vitamin supplements or alternative therapies. Best practice to see pharmacy (minor ailments) and purchasing over the counter medication from pharmacy, not local supermarkets.

Home Remedies can only be used by the child in the home with the approval of relevant social workers (as set out in children's Placement Plans) or as prescribed by a GP. Home Remedies should be purchased for a named individual child

When a Home Remedy container is opened, staff should record the date of opening to ensure it is not kept beyond its expiry date.

No child may be permitted to “self-administer” Home remedies unless approved by their social worker, with the arrangements outlined in the Placement Risk Assessment

Clarity must be sought from medical professional as to how long a child continues to use Home Remedies before they arrange to see a GP.

Recording: the administration of any home remedies must be recorded in an individual child’s daily record and medication administration record (MAR).

Some children will have prescribed medication, which is ongoing. This should be ordered on monthly basis where possible. Responsibility for ordering these medicines is that of the Registered Manager or a delegated member of staff.

• When ordering, a note must be made of:
• The name of the child;
• The name, strength, form and quantity of the medicine;
• The name of the GP surgery/ GP;
• When the prescription will be ready.

When ordering, staff should check stock levels before ordering. To minimise wastage and reduce risks of errors, stock levels should be kept to a minimum

Staff are responsible for collecting prescriptions from the child’s GP surgery. Upon collection, they must verify that all prescribed medications requested have been issued and that the quantities match the original order.

If any prescription contains vague directions such as "as directed" or "as before", staff must contact the GP surgery and request that the prescription be amended to include clear, specific dosage instructions. This is essential to ensure safe administration and accurate recording.

Before taking the prescription to the Pharmacy, staff should make a copy of the prescription. This copy must be securely stored at the home until the medication is received and verified against the original prescription.

Staff should also liaise with the Pharmacy to confirm when the prescription will be ready for collection, to ensure timely administration and to avoid missed doses.

Staff must take their ID when collecting medicines or controlled drugs:

When the medicines are collected, Staff should check the medicine against the photocopied prescriptions that they have. Any discrepancies should be brought to the attention of the Pharmacy and rectified as soon as possible. The Pharmacy will be able to give, and advice should be sought upon:

• The Potential side effects;
• Advice on how the medication should be taken;
• Advice on whether the medicine nay be affected by any other medicine;
• Whether the medicine should be stored in the fridge;
• If the medicine is a controlled drug.

Staff should ensure that the medicine has been properly labelled. If the medicine does not have a dispensing label on it, then it should be returned to the Pharmacy. Staff should also make sure that they have received a Patient Information Leaflet from the Pharmacy Storage must be secure:

The receipt of medication should be recorded on the individual child's Medication Administration Record (MAR), if a Controlled Drug has been prescribed, this will need to be recorded in the Controlled Drug Recording Book, 2 staff should record/sign the record. The child’s medication file will be scanned and electronically stored at the end of their placement.

Medication should be administered as set out on the label or instructed by the GP/Medical Practitioner and in accordance with their care plan.

No child may be permitted to 'self-administer' unless approved by their social worker, with the arrangements outlined in the Placement Risk Assessment.

Administration should be recorded on the individual Child's Medication Administration Record (MAR), and in the home’s Controlled Drug Recording book, if a Controlled Drug has been administered, 2 staff are required to record and sign the record.

All staff must have completed the relevant medication training prior to administering any medication. All staff will be deemed competent through the competency assessment framework before undertaking this responsibility.

All medicines must be stored in a safe and secure location, such as a locked medication cabinet, which must be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.Each medication cabinet will have a thermometer attached and a temperature record sheet attached to the front During periods of warmer temperatures, steps must be taken to ensure that medication storage areas remain within the recommended temperature range. If a medication cabinet is at risk of overheating, fans should be used to promote airflow and help maintain a cool, stable environment.

The key to the medication cabinet should be stored in the key safe, and its location must be known to all staff members working in the home.

Internal vs. External Medicines: Medicines intended for internal use must be stored separately from those used externally (e.g. creams, ointments).

Liquid medications should be placed on the bottom shelf of the cabinet to reduce the risk of spillage or contamination.

Medicines requiring refrigeration must be stored in a dedicated, lockable fridge located in the staff office. Under no circumstances should medication be stored in a food fridge. The fridge must be treated with the same level of security as a medication cabinet and must always remain locked when not in use.

All medicines have expiry dates, usually clearly stated on the label, upon expiry, they should be disposed of, see below.

Medication should be disposed of when:

• The expiry date has been reached;
• The course of treatment is completed;
• The medication has been discontinued.

Unless instructed by a GP/Pharmacy, unused/expired medicines should be returned to the Pharmacy, and a receipt obtained.

A liquid medication bottle, including drops or trace amounts, must be disposed of through return to the pharmacy. Staff must not dispose of these bottles in general waste, even if they appear empty. It is the responsibility of the administering staff member to check for any remaining medication and ensure proper disposal is followed.

Recording Disposal:

• The return or disposal of any medication must be recorded on the child’s Medication Administration Record (MAR);
• The pharmacy receipt must be attached to the MAR or retained securely as evidence;
• If a Controlled Drug is being disposed of, two members of staff must be present to witness and sign the record in both the Controlled Drugs Register and the MAR.

All medication must be administered strictly in accordance with the prescriber’s instructions, or as indicated on the original packaging in the case of Homely Remedies. Only a qualified prescriber (e.g. GP or another medical practitioner) may alter a prescribed dose.

All medicines must be stored securely in locked medication storage areas when not in use.

Unless a lone-working risk assessment is in place, and signed off by the Registered service manager documented, all steps including checking, administering, and recording medication must be verified by a second member of staff.

Ensure follow 7 rights of medication administration are adhered to:

1. The right child;
2. The right medication;
3. The right dose;
4. The right time (two-hour window);
5. The right route;
6. The right documentation;
7. Also, the right to refuse- Document refusal & reason given.

Pre administration preparation

• Before administering medication, staff must:
• Wash their hands thoroughly;
• Make sure they have a pen and all relevant record sheets;
• Clean medication cups;
• A jug of fresh water (as appropriate).

All medication administrators must take responsibility for maintaining their knowledge regarding medication and any contra-indications/ side effects that the medication is known to have.

The procedure for administration is as follows:

• Check the child’s identity (a photo is normally kept in the child’s file). Only one child should be administered medication at a time, this reduces the risk of mistakes being made;
• Check the child's medical profile;
• Check the medication on the individual medication records corresponds with that on the child’s medical profile;
• Check the Individual medication record sheet to ensure that someone else has not already given the medication;
• Check the expiry date and use by date (where appropriate) on the medication;
• Check the amount to be given at that time;
• If opening a new package or container, add the date opened and the date when the medication must be used by;
• Measure or count the dose without touching the medicine;
• If the medication is a solid (such as a tablet) then these should be placed in the child’s hand for them to take. This is easy when medication is provided in blister packs;
• If no Blister pack is provided. A Medical supplies paper medication cups must be used only for the immediate administration of medication. These cups are single-use only and must be disposed of immediately after use in accordance with infection control procedures;
• Under no circumstances should paper cups be used to store or hold medication in advance, as this constitutes secondary dispensing, which is not permitted and may compromise safety;
• A counting tray may be used to support administration, promoting accuracy and safety when pouring tablets from a bottle;
• If the medicine is a liquid, take care not to drip onto the label. Always use a medicine syringe to measure;
• Oral syringes used for administering liquid medication are not considered single-use items and do not need to be disposed of after each use. However, they must be cleaned and sterilised thoroughly between uses. Staff are expected to rinse syringes immediately after use with warm water, followed by sterilisation. Syringes should be clearly labelled and stored hygienically to prevent cross-contamination. Disposal is only necessary if a syringe is visibly damaged, contaminated, or no longer functions safely;
• Generally, if the medicine is a cream or ointment, then it should be squeezed directly onto the child’s finger for them to apply. This will be self-administered by the child unless for some reason they are not capable of doing so. If required to be applied by staff, then latex/PVC gloves must be worn. The amount of cream or ointment per application will be agreed with the Registered Service Manager and detailed to ensure consistency of application;
• When administering a Controlled Drug, a second member of staff, must check the dose prior to it being administered; All controlled drugs administered must be carefully recorded in the home’s Controlled Drug Recording book;
• Watch the child as they take their medicine to ensure administration is successful. Staff should be vigilant that medication is not being secreted or stored by the child;
• Offer the child a drink of water (where appropriate);
• Medication must be administered at the times recommended on the packaging or as prescribed by a healthcare professional. If a dose is missed or cannot be given at the scheduled time, advice should be sought from NHS guidance, a pharmacist, or the prescribing healthcare professional before administering the medication. Staff must not guess or adjust timings without appropriate medical direction, as this may affect the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

(After) Administration

• MARs are signed immediately following administration, when satisfied that medication has been taken appropriately;
• Ensure that when recording the dose that the actual number is recorded e.g. 2 tablets or 1x 5 ml syringe measure;
• Sign your name against date and time of each medicine administered;
• Signature sheet should capture 3 initials now, not 2. This will be the first initial or their first name and first 2 letters of their surname. E.g. Joe Bloggs would d be JBL (Where 2 team members have the same 3 initial letters, one of these will utilise an alternative letter and ensure this is what they use on all recordings. E.g. Gary Smith (GSM), Gary Smithson (GSS). – These 3 initials will be what is used when signing the MARS;
• Record when medicine has been refused / not taken and the reasons why;
• If a child is absent when medication is due- this should be recorded;
• Do not sign for any medicines that you have not administered or witnessed yourself;
• If a child refuses to take medication, under no circumstances should they be forced to do so;
• Medication must be kept in the original labelled (by the Pharmacy) containers and not put into weekly/daily medical boxes;
• After administration, the medicines should be returned to the cabinet immediately and the cabinet locked;
• Each time you give medication, remember that it is important to consider the time of administration. Care should be taken to ensure that if the medicine is required to be taken before food, that this is done. Similarly, the administration of some medicines such as eye drops or inhalers may not be suitable to be given at mealtimes. Not all medicine administration times will fall in line with mealtimes.
• If medication is administered more than 1 hour outside of the recorded administration time the actual time of administration is to be recorded. Patient’s information leaflet can be checked for guidance. –
• Where medication are not given at the right time medication administrator is to inform the senior member of staff on duty and follow the relevant Medication error procedures completing the medication error report.
• Where medication has not been taken (or has partially been taken) an appropriate coded entry must be made on the MAR (see letter coding on MAR). refused must be entered.
• Under no circumstances must the administration section be left blank

MARS should be completed in 4-weekly (28-day) blocks.

Child Identification: The reverse side or second page of each MARS must contain the child’s identifying information. This ensures individual records do not become misplaced or mixed up.

Unused Boxes: It is no longer required to black out unused boxes when a medication begins partway through a week. Instead, draw a single diagonal line through any unused boxes prior to the stock arriving.

Use of "NR" (Not Required):
An NR must still be written in each unused box. This practice:

• Prevents retrospective entries;
• Ensures teams are actively reviewing medication during each shift;
• Minimises errors in medication recording.

Stock Count Procedures:

• Stock counts must be double-checked by two team members during both morning and night shifts;
• The confirmed count should be entered directly onto the MARS;
• This recorded stock level on the MARS will be used as the reference figure for daily checks.

Daily Medication Handover: A medication handover and count must still occur at each shift change. However, this no longer requires a separate handover recording — the MARS entry will serve as the formal record.

Repeated or consistent refusal to take prescribed medication may indicate an underlying safeguarding concern, emotional distress, or unmet health needs. Staff must sensitively explore the reasons for refusal with the child and record all instances in detail. If refusal places the child’s health or wellbeing at risk, or if it forms part of a broader pattern of concerning behaviour or neglect (including medical neglect), this must be escalated to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and managed in line with the organisation’s safeguarding policy. The child’s views should be sought and respected, and support offered through appropriate professionals, such as the GP, CAMHS, or advocacy services. Multi-agency consultation may be required to ensure the child’s voice is heard and their needs are met safely.

When a child is absent and their medication is due, this should be recorded.

When the child returns, then staff must consider the time delay and seek advice if required from the Pharmacist, the G.P or NHS website (as appropriate depending on the time of day). To miss taking a medicine completely can be dangerous depending on the medical condition.

Covert administration is where a medicine is hidden in food without the child’s knowledge that they are taking it. is not permitted under any circumstance. Staff must not hide any medicine in food or perform any other types of covert administration.

In some homes, staff may be required to work on their own for a period. It may be the case that the administration of a medicine will have to happen during this period. Staff must double-check their process, administer, and document as required

Staff may administer medication if covered by a documented Lone Working Risk Assessment. The risk assessment will detail who will support the residential support worker in administering the medication.

This can be a problem when administering Controlled Drugs. It is important that the child receives their medicine at the correct time. Controlled Drugs must never be administered by one person alone. The home must ensure arrangements are made for two staff to be present.

Where a child is working toward independence:

• Self-medication must be risk assessed and agreed by the Registered Manager and the placing authority/parent;
• The arrangements must be documented in the Placement Risk Assessment and include appropriate supervision

When a medicine has been dropped on the floor or spilled then this must be safely disposed of, and a note must be made in the records. In the event of a medication spill, staff must not offer a second dose without first seeking advice from a medical professional, in line with current policy. However, if the medication is identified as lifesaving (e.g., rescue medication for seizures or anaphylaxis), staff must follow the individual’s emergency care plan or prescribed protocol without delay. This should be clearly documented in the child’s health records and risk assessments. Any incidents involving life-saving medication must be reported and reviewed without delay.

When medicine has been spat out then this medication must be cleared away following the correct procedures and a note made in the records. However, a second dose must not be offered, as staff will not know how much has been absorbed. If this persists the G.P should be contacted.

If a label becomes detached from a container cannot be read or missing, then staff must not administer the medication, seek advice and clarification from the Pharmacist. Until this advice is received then the container should not be used.

Staff must ensure that medicines stay in the containers supplied and labelled by the Pharmacist. Medicines must not be placed in daily or weekly medicine trays.

A medical supplies paper medication cups may be used particularly in cases where it has been identified the child has a risk of snatching medications. This option is only for the immediate administration of medication allowing staff to retain control over the medication until the point of administration.

This should be clearly documented as a risk-reduction strategy in the child's Placement Risk Assessment or Care Plan.

These cups are single-use only and must be disposed of immediately after use in accordance with infection control procedures.

Under no circumstances should paper cups be used to store or hold medication in advance, as this constitutes secondary dispensing, which is not permitted and may compromise safety. Staff must continue to ensure that medications are not removed from their original packaging until the moment of administration, in line with safe practice standards.

In the event of an error being made in the administration of any medication, advice must be sought from the child’s G.P. or another medical practitioner immediately. The child’s safety and well-being are paramount.

Monitor the child at regular intervals as advised. Make sure that these occasions are clearly recorded and any changes in the child’s condition noted and any changes or reactions reported as appropriate.

In cases of serious adverse reactions. Staff should without delay call an ambulance (or take a child immediately to hospital if that is what is advised).

Staff must record in detail any advice that they have been given. They must inform their direct line manager or duty manager of the medication error.

Document the error and outcome clearly using the Medication error record in your green file. The Manager will then send the error record to  Central.Register@awwltd.com  or to complete the central registration spreadsheet so we can track any key themes and trends. Helping to improve practice and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people in our care.

A serious medication incident is any error or event involving medication that results in, or has the potential to result in, significant harm to a child. This may include (but is not limited to): administering the wrong medication or dose; missed doses of essential medication; medication given to the wrong child; overdose; failure to administer time-critical medication; or a child accessing medication unsupervised.

All serious medication incidents must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager or the on-call senior manager if out of hours. The incident must also be reported to the child’s social worker, parent/person with parental responsibility (if appropriate), and the prescribing clinician or GP. Depending on the severity, it may also require notification to Ofsted and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), particularly where there is safeguarding concern or professional misconduct.

Staff must complete a detailed Medication error report located in your green file, including witness statements, and any immediate actions taken. The incident must be logged in the organisation’s internal incident reporting system and trigger a management review and, where appropriate, a medication error investigation and safeguarding referral.

There may be times when it is necessary to stop or change the dose of a child's medication without receiving a new prescription. Verbal requests to change medication by the consultant or G.P must be confirmed in writing before any changes are permitted. These changes must be recorded on all relevant medication records including the Individual medication Record in the child's file. Staff must note the change, the name of the Doctor, the time the confirmation of alteration was received and the date. Staff must not alter the dispensing labels. A note may be added saying 'Refer to record for new instructions'. Staff should check the next prescription to make sure these new changes have been implemented.

Any adverse drug reaction or suspected adverse drug reaction should be reported to the G.P before further administration is considered. Advice should be sought on whether the medicine should be stopped or the treatment carries on. Staff must record the advice that they have been given indicating the date and time and authorising Practitioner.

When a Drug Recall Notification is received then staff should check the medication to see if the home is holding any stock. If there is none in stock then the notification should be signed, dated and filed for reference.

When stock if found that is listed on the drug recall, then staff must follow the recall directions given after isolating the stock.

If a child is spending time away from the home — such as during home visits, school attendance, holidays, or overnight stays — the following must be adhered to:

• All medication must be kept in its original labelled container, as dispensed by the pharmacy;
• Medication being transported must be placed in a secure, lockable medication box;
• Medication must be handed over to a responsible adult, the movement log recorded (Located in the green medication file);
• Medication Family time record (located in the green medication file) must be completed and signed by the person receiving the medication.

If the parent/carer requests, a copy of the MAR should be provided for the duration of the visit. This copy may be returned upon the child’s return to the home.

Where a staff member accompanies the child, the medication should be administered and documented in the usual manner, using the child’s MAR and following all administration protocols. the Medication movement log recorded (Located in the green medication file)

This applies to specialist or skilled healthcare tasks, for example:

• Insulin administration for diabetic children;
• Physiotherapy programme;
• For the use of Buccal Midazolam;
• For the use of Rectal Diazepam.

If a child requires a skilled health task to be undertaken, this will only be carried out by trained staff, with the written authorisation of the prescribing Doctor in relation to the child concerned, and as set out in a Placement Plan or other written Health Care Plan.

All skilled tasks must be clearly detailed in the child’s Risk assessment or Placement Plan, with:

• Full training provided;
• A signed competency assessment;
• Written procedures for performance and documentation;
• Ongoing review and supervision by a competent health professional.

If an overdose is suspected, hospital treatment should be sought without delay. Staff should try to find out what the child has taken and if possible, take a sample to give to a medical practitioner.

Possible signs of an overdose:

• Mild nausea/vomiting;
• Paler skin;
• Blue lips or fingernails;
• Not waking up or reacting to a loud noise;
• Shallow or disrupted breathing;
• Gurgling, snorting or snoring/choking sounds;
• Slowed or weak pulse.

Important: A child may verbally disclose about an overdose even before symptoms appear. Treat all such statements seriously. staff must consider that there is a chance an overdose has been taken, and they must act in caution and seek medical attention.

What to do if someone is reacting to an overdose

• Lie them on the floor;
• Put them in the recovery position;
• Call the ambulance - 999 - inform the operator of the overdose;
• Do not leave the child alone, make sure they don't roll onto their back;
• Inform the ambulance team what the person has taken; try to gather all the packaging you can find;
• Get some help, keep other children away (but don't dismiss any valuable information that they may be trying to pass it on to you).

DON'T

• Walk the child around;
• Put the child in a cold bath/layer them up to heavily to generate warmth;
• Give them a drink;
• Recording and Review

See also: Self-Harming and Suicidal Behaviour (including cutting, use and practices) Procedure

All medication documents related to the child must be uploaded to their electronic record in a timely manner, ideally on an ongoing and regular basis as they are completed. This ensures accuracy, continuity, and ease of access. At the end of the placement, it is the manager’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant records have been uploaded to the electronic file before any paper copies are securely shredded and disposed in line with data protection and confidentiality policies.

Any staff member bringing their own personal medication into the home must meet with their line manager to discuss any medical needs and any reasonable workplace adjustments. This is to ensure that their medication is stored safely and appropriately, in line with health and safety regulations and the safe storage of medicines.

• Staff personal medication must be stored in a secure, designated locked cabinet (not in personal bags, pockets, or unlocked drawers);
• It must never be stored in the same cabinet as children's medication;
• Any changes to medication must be discussed as part of the regular review of the Workplace Adjustments Record. It is the responsibility of the staff member to inform their manager promptly of any changes to their personal medication;
• Children must not be able to access staff medication under any circumstances;
• Staff who are required to carry emergency medication on their person must ensure it is securely and discreetly stored, always kept readily accessible, and never left unattended or in any area accessible to children. Staff must inform their line manager, and this requirement should be clearly documented in the Workplace Adjustments Record. They are responsible for checking that the medication is in date, properly maintained, and stored in accordance with manufacturer guidance, health and safety regulations, and the home's medication policy.

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident, legal changes, or updated regulatory guidance.