Children’s Commissioner welcomes change to allow trained staff to administer life-saving medications in Oranga Tamariki residences

Mana Mokopuna - Children’s Commissioner is welcoming a policy change allowing trained Oranga Tamariki residence staff to administer EpiPens and other emergency injectable medications to mokopuna (children and young people) when a doctor or nurse is not present.

“This is an important step in prioritising the immediate safety of mokopuna in State-run residential facilities, and I’m very pleased it’s happening,” says Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad.

“Although it might seem like a small change, in reality, for mokopuna who have certain health conditions, this change means the difference between life and death in situations such as anaphylaxis or hypoglycaemia when a health professional is not present.

“This is a practical improvement for mokopuna hauora and safety that we have long called for in our OPCAT monitoring work. It’s also something that mokopuna themselves have asked for – timely and responsive care when they need it most, to fulfil their health and safety rights,” she says.

The Children’s Commissioner says that this change by Oranga Tamariki, which was announced by the Minister for Children, is a positive example of the State taking steps to fulfil Article 6 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees to mokopuna their right to life, survival and development, and to better fulfil mokopuna health rights.

“More widely, I’ll continue to advocate for wider improvements in timely access to health services for all mokopuna in all care settings and especially in secure residences, such as ensuring annual health and dental checks, regular access to qualified health professionals and culturally safe practices.

“It’s also essential that mokopuna and their whānau are involved in decision-making about their healthcare, and have accessible and effective complaint and feedback mechanisms.”

Dr Achmad says that the Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner OPCAT Monitoring Team will be monitoring Oranga Tamariki’s implementation of the policy changes on injectable medications, to check it is working well for the mokopuna who need it, and that Oranga Tamariki staff training is adequate to support the change.

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Editor’s notes

Find the Mana Mokopuna OPCAT monitoring reports on our website here.

Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner is the independent advocate for all children in Aotearoa New Zealand (under the age of 18), and children and young people under 25 who have been in, or who are in care and/or custody. The Children’s Commissioner is Dr Claire Achmad, and she is supported in her work by the team at Mana Mokopuna.

Media contact:

Melissa Wastney
029 909 2715