A teaching assistant who had to seek emergency help for a student at his educational institution expressed concerns about untrained staff providing medical assistance, labeling it as risky. James Wilton, 35, shared his experience of managing a child with a gastrostomy feeding tube in a special educational needs environment at a mainstream school in Leeds. He highlighted his limited training, consisting of a brief presentation and practical tube handling before being left to handle the situation independently.
James recounted an incident where the feeding tube malfunctioned, causing discomfort to the child, prompting a call for an ambulance. Although the child was ultimately fine, James felt responsible and expressed guilt over the incident. Despite being investigated, no further action was taken. However, James felt unfairly targeted by the school during the probe.
He emphasized his discomfort with being pushed into medical duties despite his role as a teaching assistant. James advocated for staff to have the choice to opt for medical interventions willingly rather than being coerced into such tasks.
A recent poll by the GMB union revealed that a significant number of school support staff are undertaking medical responsibilities without adequate training. Tasks such as catheterization, administering medication, and managing medical emergencies are being carried out by untrained personnel, leading to concerns among staff members. The survey indicated that only a fraction of respondents had received proper training, with many expressing anxiety and stress over their additional medical duties.
The research also highlighted the declining number of school nurses, with a significant percentage of schools lacking proper medical support. The shortage of trained medical personnel has led to an increased burden on support staff, impacting both students and staff members negatively.
Stacey Booth, GMB National Officer, raised alarm over the situation, emphasizing the distressing consequences for children, parents, and school staff. The reliance on untrained individuals for critical medical tasks poses significant risks and underscores the need for appropriate training and staffing in educational settings.