Guest Posted April 4, 2009 Share Posted April 4, 2009 Hi there Just to set a few details straight, the person was not in any apparent distress. In the two years I have worked at the setting I have never known her to be wheezing or even absent due to asthma complications. It is obvious that this was not the first time she had helped herself to the medication, as she knew its exact location in a classroom that she never works in. She did not ask anyone, but had to explain herself only when challenged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_8466 Posted April 4, 2009 Share Posted April 4, 2009 I think it was clear from your original post that this person was not having an asthma attack Lesley, and although you may be having of those "is it just me?" moments, I think you're quite right to be concerned about this whole issue. One way forward might be to look at your medicines policy and see if there's a clause in it about prescribed medicines only being taken or given to those it is prescribed for. At the very least you could use this to remind all staff of the need to follow this and also to ensure that any medication they need is brought with them into the setting. There may also be further causes for concern about this staff member's conduct basec on what you have said, but for now I think you need to tackle this quickly to make sure all members of management speak with one voice on issues such as this. Good luck! Maz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 4, 2009 Share Posted April 4, 2009 Interesting topic, besides all the considerations of possible repercussions from using another persons inhaler, I agree with Maz that the 'whole attitude' around the VERY VERY important principles and practice of medications within a setting really needs to be addressed with possibly a whole team in-service review of the Medication Policy, it's practice and the consequences ie: formal disciplinary (or above in cases of gross misconduct) action, if the policy is not adhered to. The fact that this person 'gleefully' disrespected her supervisors ruling indicates conduct concern issues too. I would suggest speaking to the manager asking him/her to speak to this member of staff, to say that 'on reflection' this practice is unnacceptible and must not happen in the future, and also ask that she then organises a whole team review of the policy and practice. If the manager doesn't take any action I would make a formal complaint to the owner stating that if the complaint isn't addressed through the above then Ofsted would have to be informed. May also be a good time to ask if the setting has a whistle blowing policy. (as you have found yourself in this difficult situation) Good luck, I believe that although such situations are difficult, especially if superiors are unco-operative, your concerns are very sound, they may to some appear minor, but if risk assessed, would prove to be a serious concern. Something MUST be done to reduce ANY risks associated with the use and/or mis-use of inhalers in the setting. Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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