A teaching assistant at a school in Leeds shared concerns over untrained staff handling medical procedures, labeling it a risky practice. James Wilton, 35, recounted an incident where he had to deal with a child needing a gastrostomy feeding tube, despite minimal training that mainly involved a brief presentation and practical tube usage.
After a few months of managing the situation without issues, a mishap occurred when the feeding rate was incorrectly set, causing discomfort to the child. Following this incident, an ambulance was called as a precaution, though the child ultimately suffered no lasting harm. Despite not administering the feed that day, James expressed deep regret over the incident and felt unfairly targeted during the subsequent investigation.
As a representative for the GMB union, James emphasized that he never intended to take on medical responsibilities when becoming a teaching assistant. He stressed the importance of giving staff the choice to opt into medical interventions, rather than being compelled into roles beyond their training and job descriptions.
A recent survey conducted by the GMB union revealed that a significant number of school support staff, approximately a third, are providing medical assistance without proper training. Tasks such as catheterization, tracheostomy care, and administering medication are being undertaken by staff ill-equipped for such responsibilities, leading to heightened stress and anxiety among the employees.
The survey highlighted instances where staff members felt overwhelmed by the medical duties imposed on them, expressing their unease at having to manage complex medical needs without appropriate training. Stacey Booth, a National Officer at GMB, condemned the situation, stating that the current scenario is distressing for all involved, including the children, parents, and staff members.