text: Managing Students with Individual Health Care Plans | Bethany College Newsletter
  Managing Students with Individual Health Care Plans (IHCP) at Bethany College
  The College is continuing to develop best practice for the management of students with medical conditions. It is important that all members of the College community are aware of how we manage students with IHCP's and of our practices to ensure student safety.
  All schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools system have developed management plans for students at risk of anaphylaxis and asthma using: "Asthma Friendly School Program" and "Anaphylaxis Procedures for Catholic Schools".. The documents specific to anaphylaxis have been prepared in conjunction with the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Inc (ASCIA).
  Bethany College follows these guidelines by requesting that parents annually provide an IHCP to the school. The IHCP should be developed jointly by the parents or guardian, their family doctor, the school and the student. Students diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis must have an individual emergency response plan, ASCIA Anaphylaxis Action Plan, completed and signed by the child's doctor as part of their individual healthcare plan. It must incorporate information and planned emergency treatments that are relevant to the particular student in the event of an anaphylaxis attack. It is important to note that these are medical documents and therefore must be completed and signed by the treating doctor (eg Immunology/Allergy Specialist, Paediatrician or General Practitioner).
  How do I know the College meets requirements for managing students with IHCPs?
  The College undergoes an annual compliance audit which requires us to provide evidence that we follow best practice in relation to management of students with IHCP's. Sydney Catholic Schools mandates that all staff must have current CPR and training in the management of anaphylaxis.
  Where does the College maintain the information about my daughters IHCP?
  All information is stored electronically in the staff Compass portal so that your daughter's teachers can access details and management plans. This is not accessible by students. Hard copies of Anaphylaxis Action Plans and IHCP's are placed in student services, TAS prep area, Pastoral Coordinators Offices, staff rooms and the Canteen. These areas are visible to staff only.
  What happens on excursions?
  Every event outside of the normal school day must have a risk assessment completed and reviewed prior to the event proceeding. The risk assessment includes all students who have IHCP's and specifies the additional management strategies that will be put in place for the excursion or event. All staff supervising on the excursion are briefed on students with additional medical needs.
  Who looks after First Aid in the school?
  Staff are trained in first aid. Students Services is the main point for provision of first aid. Access to medical assistance and first aid is included in all excursion risk assessments.
  My daughter does not want it made public that she carries an Epipen or puffer or is living with a chronic health condition. How do we maintain her privacy?
  We will maintain your daughter's request for privacy at all times, however it is in your daughter's best interest that she shares details about her health with her friends. The College Counsellor and your daughter's Year Coordinator can facilitate this process if your daughter is hesitant to speak about her condition. All information is maintained in confidence and is disseminated to staff in accordance with our duty of care.
  Why do I need to provide a new Anaphylaxis Action Plan signed by my doctor each year if there is no change to the plan?
  It is a legal requirement that the plan is updated annually and certified by a doctor.
  Does my daughter need to provide a spare Epipen to the school office?
  No, but all students are welcome to have a spare which is securely stored in student services. Your daughter should carry her own Epipen with her at all times. This includes excursions.
  What happens if my daughter leaves her Epipen or puffer at home?
  She should notify student services as soon as possible.
  The College keeps additional Epipens and puffers in a number of locations around the College. They are not provided as spares for students to carry as replacements. They are for emergency use when required.
  What is the procedure for sport and leaving school grounds for PDHPE?
  Rolls will indicate if a student should be carrying an Epipen and or puffer. Staff will in confidence request the student show that they are carrying the Epipen and or puffer. Students cannot leave the college grounds if they do not have their Epipen and or puffer on their person.
  Do I need to notify the school if my daughter had an anaphylactic reaction outside of school time?
  YES. In certain individuals anaphylaxis will be more rapid and severe than the previous reaction. Similarly the reaction may have been caused by a new "trigger". Hence we will require a new plan certified by your treating doctor following each reaction.
  Who do I contact if I need to update information about my daughters IHCP?
  The College takes the health and wellbeing of each member of our community seriously. We will continue to review our practices and to work with parents to ensure the safety of all students. Please email info@bethanyhurstville.catholic.edu.au for further enquiries.