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3.8.4 Invasive Procedures

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This procedure applies to Children’s Homes and Foster Homes, but the principles apply to the placement of all Looked After Children. Therefore, where Looked After Children are placed with Parents, Relatives or Friends or in placements outside the authority, the social worker must ensure these or other adequate procedures are applied. 

AMENDMENT

This chapter was slightly updated in March 2012 in regard to the Placement Plan recorded in the Placement Information Record.


Invasive procedures include the following:

  1. Catheter care;
  2. Oxygen therapy;
  3. Providing assistance with rectal medication such as diazepam;
  4. The inserting of suppositories or pessaries;
  5. Injections;
  6. Feeding through naso-gastric or gastrostomy tubes
  7. Supporting physiotherapy programmes and the management of prostheses.
  8. Tube feeding

Invasive procedures may only be applied by competent staff, either trained or appropriately supported and on the following conditions:

  • With the written authority of a prescribing doctor or responsible nurse; who must provide the information and support outlined below;
  • With the consent of a parent or person with Parental Responsibility.

The consent of the child should also be obtained. To undertake such procedures without the child’s consent may be an assault but, in certain circumstances, the child’s consent may be over ridden; so long as the written authority of a medical practitioner and the consent of the parent/person with Parental Responsibility have been obtained. 

Also see guidance on Consents Guidance.

The doctor or nurse giving authorisation should stipulate, preferably in writing, the following:

  1. The arrangements/procedures to be followed;
  2. Whether the child requires any assistance, and who should give it;
  3. Whether any person providing assistance has agreed and requires training or guidance;
  4. How the procedures will be recorded.

For those children placed in Foster Homes, these arrangements may be outlined in children’s Placement Plans (recorded in the Placement Information Records).

End