Allergy Pens in Every School a Step Closer as Lords Vote on Benedict’s Law
Bereaved Mum Warns Action Is Needed to Prevent More Children Dying from Allergic Reactions
Schools across England could soon be required to keep spare allergy pens and ensure all staff are trained to handle allergic emergencies, as the House of Lords votes on new plans known as Benedict’s Law.
The proposed change comes after the accidental death of five year old Benedict Blythe, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school in 2021.
Benedict’s mother, Helen Blythe, has been campaigning for stronger safety rules to prevent further tragedies.
The new rules would mean every school must have spare adrenaline auto-injectors, full staff training, clear allergy policies, and step-by-step emergency plans.
Helen says these measures are vital:
“It really guides every member of staff in the school on how do we manage allergies in school? What happens in an emergency? Who do you go to and what's the step-by-step process that happens? Where is medication stored?"
"For there to be real possibility and takes us one step closer to this being something that is accepted and ultimately changes the lives of children with allergies, it's huge.”
Over six hundred and eighty thousand children in England have allergies, but campaigners warn half of schools don’t have life-saving pens because it isn’t yet required.
Helen adds, “The best solution is to prevent them having an allergic reaction in the first place."
"In my son Benedict's case, the allergy medication was given too late to save his life and had an EpiPen been administered earlier, he would've had a much higher likelihood of surviving.”
Peers are expected to vote on the amendment today, with supporters calling it a crucial step to keep children safe in schools.