Epi-pens and letters from GP's

[bigfuntime]

I'm trying to get all my paperwork done for a child who has peanut allergy and an epi-pen.

My insurer stipulates a letter from the GP and tells me what specific info I need the GP to give me. This may be a silly question but does the letter come from me or does the parent have to act as middle man? It suddenly occurred to me about the whole patient confidentiality thing, will the Dr give me the information I need?

Also, I'm slightly confused as my insurer (MM) has told me they do not need me to get epi-pen training, it is down to the individual GP to decide if I should have it or not. I have read many times people saying 'you MUST have training before you can use it', but if the GP says I don't need it then who says this is the case? What I'm saying is, if the GP says the training I already have from First Aid course and a quick refresher from the parent is enough, is there some other 'rule' from somewhere else that still says I need special training?

Thanks

[Daisy1956]

Hi
I was having similar problems a few weeks ago and posted about it. Parents got the doctor to write the letter and arranged training for epipen with specialist allergy nurse (after I said that I couldn't mind child until I had been trained) don't for get your care plan and risk assessment (Sarah 707was brilliant helping with risk assessment). I will say that the training with the allergy nurse was brilliant and lots of extra advice. Hope this helps.

[Simona]

I understand that Epipens are being changed at the moment and soon there will be just 2 types
F/Aid will reflect this and everyone attending their refresher will have to demonstrate they have practised using an Epipen with the trainer...this is on their list of evidence and topics to cover and may be on their certificate too.

In the past it was necessary to get 'individual training' for Epipen because each child was different or so we were told...this was usually from the GP surgery and given by the Nurse...we put that in our portfolio and that was it

Please check with your EY team ...or Health Visitor teams and ask for guidance...there will be someone giving advice locally

All you need is permission in writing under your 'Medicine administration consent form' from parents to give the Epipen in case of need
get permission also if the child is older and likely to administer it themselves
Check the expiry date because they tend to have a short one
Make sure you get a supply for your setting and check the child is not carrying one in their school bag each day...it has been heard of and not advisable

I have had to use Epipens for years and have never been confused by what is required of us...all your insurer needs to know is that you have the appropriate policy and procedures in place

Good luck