hi there,
I have a young child in school (5yrs old). She has a nut allergy, and so may experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can be life threatening. We generally ensure that where-ever she is there is an adrenalin injection available, so that in the event of anaphylatic shock the adrenalin can be administered.
In school, the teacher has been provided with the medicine in the form of an "Anapen" pen injector, along with instructions etc.
We recently received a request from the school Board of Management to sign an indemnity form in which the parents agree to indemnify the Board (its servants etc) from and against all claims. While I can understand the position the school and the school staff, in terms of the risks and responsibilities in the event of a severe allergic reaction, I am unsure whether it is wise for me as a parent to sign the indemnity form. While, in the first case, I would hope that a severe event would never occur, and if it did, the school staff would act in an appropriate manner. However, my reading of the form is that by signing the form I have no scope to pursue the school etc in the event that they negligent etc. Or perhaps, regardless of the indemnity form this avenue is available to me, God forbid I am ever in that situation.
The school has a policy document regarding the administration of medicines, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the parents, the Board of management, and the staff. However, the indemnity form does not explicitly reference this policy (nor does it probably need to).
Any views would be much appreciated,
thanks
I have a young child in school (5yrs old). She has a nut allergy, and so may experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can be life threatening. We generally ensure that where-ever she is there is an adrenalin injection available, so that in the event of anaphylatic shock the adrenalin can be administered.
In school, the teacher has been provided with the medicine in the form of an "Anapen" pen injector, along with instructions etc.
We recently received a request from the school Board of Management to sign an indemnity form in which the parents agree to indemnify the Board (its servants etc) from and against all claims. While I can understand the position the school and the school staff, in terms of the risks and responsibilities in the event of a severe allergic reaction, I am unsure whether it is wise for me as a parent to sign the indemnity form. While, in the first case, I would hope that a severe event would never occur, and if it did, the school staff would act in an appropriate manner. However, my reading of the form is that by signing the form I have no scope to pursue the school etc in the event that they negligent etc. Or perhaps, regardless of the indemnity form this avenue is available to me, God forbid I am ever in that situation.
The school has a policy document regarding the administration of medicines, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the parents, the Board of management, and the staff. However, the indemnity form does not explicitly reference this policy (nor does it probably need to).
Any views would be much appreciated,
thanks