A teaching assistant in Leeds raised concerns about untrained staff providing medical support after an incident involving a child needing a feeding tube. The assistant, James Wilton, highlighted the lack of proper training, which led to a mishap during feeding that required an ambulance to be called.
Despite the incident being resolved without harm to the child, James expressed feelings of guilt and emphasized the importance of proper training for such responsibilities. Following an investigation that cleared him of any wrongdoing, James criticized the school for attempting to shift blame onto him.
James emphasized that while he chose to become a teaching assistant, he felt pressured into taking on medical duties. He stressed the need for staff to have a choice in progressing to medical interventions, rather than being obligated to perform tasks outside their job descriptions.
A recent survey by the GMB union revealed that a significant number of school support staff are handling medical tasks without adequate training. These tasks include catheterization, medication administration, and emergency care, with many staff members feeling overwhelmed by the added responsibilities.
The survey also highlighted a lack of proper training for medical support among school staff, with only a fraction of respondents receiving training from healthcare professionals. Additionally, the declining number of school nurses raises concerns about the increasing burden placed on untrained staff in managing medical needs within schools.
Stacey Booth, a GMB National Officer, expressed distress over the situation, stating that the reliance on untrained staff for medical support poses risks for children, parents, and school staff. The survey underscores the urgent need for proper training and support mechanisms for school staff handling medical responsibilities.