Parents are campaigning for government funding to help schools manage childhood diabetes, pointing out that under the current system, children over seven are left to manage their own medication at school.

Press PLAY to hear Alana Marshall discuss diabetes care funding in primary schools

Alana Marshall, organiser of the children’s diabetes petition, told 6PR Mornings host Simon Beaumont that existing funding policies have failed to keep pace with modern medical technology, warning that a mistake can be fatal.

“Because it’s quite a complex and life-threatening medical need involving administering of insulin throughout the day, the kids really do need that support from a trained adult who can make those clinical decisions.”

Amy Hiscott, the parent of a four-year-old with diabetes, echoed these concerns, explaining to Beaumont that teachers are being placed at professional risk when they step in to assist children.

“You’ve got a little seven-year-old boy being asked to make complex medical decisions without adult assistance on the ground”, Hiscott said.

Press PLAY to hear Alana Marshall discuss the dilemma teachers face

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