School Learning Support Officers and health care procedures
School Learning Support Officers and health care procedures May 2015 (PDF)
School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) have reported to PSA delegates on the Special Education Working Group (SEWG) concerns that they are being asked to undertake health care procedures outside of the current Joint Statement On Role Boundaries In The Provision Of Support At School For Students Requiring Health Care Procedures – 2005.
The PSA has previously communicated this to members on 26 March 2015.
Also PSA Industrial Staff have raised this with the Department and will be meeting to address these concerns with them.
Further, PSA delegates of the SEWG who met on Wednesday 27 May have requested that the following information be communicated to all SLSOs:
In 2005 the PSA, DEC and Nurses Association agreed to the:
JOINT STATEMENT ON ROLE BOUNDARIES IN THE PROVISION OF SUPPORT AT SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING HEALTH CARE PROCEDURES – 2005
[PLEASE NOTE: In this document SLSOs are referred to as TEACHERS AIDE SPECIAL]
These boundaries have NOT changed and can only be changed though consultation and agreement with the PSA, DEC and the Nurses Association.
It is absolutely imperative that this agreement is NOT breached particularly in relation to invasive procedures which include:
- Tube Feeding
SLSOs will not perform gastrostomy or naso-gastric tube insertion, including replacement of dislodged tubes.
- Suctioning
- SLSOs will only perform shallow suctioning.
- SLSOs will not perform tracheostomy tube changes.
- Catheterisation/ Toileting
SLSOs will not perform insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter.
SLSOs are reminded that they cannot be directed to undertake Health Care Procedures and that all duties in relation to this are voluntary.
SLSOs who do volunteer to undertake Health Care Procedures in line with the Role Boundaries are entitled to:
Training and Accreditation
SLSOs who have agreed to perform the specified health care procedures will be required to undertake training and development in health care procedures. The training will include assessment of competence and knowledge.
Allowance
SLSOs who have agreed to voluntarily undertake HCP understand that when in receipt of HCP allowance this provides the SLSO with indemnity. SLSOs must be in receipt of the allowance before undertaking these procedures.
What can you do?
- Give a copy of this bulletin to all SAS Staff
- Print this bulletin and put it up on your notice board
- Ask a colleague to join the PSA
- Arrange a meeting at your school
Update Your Details
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