Title: Proposed ‘Benedict’s Law’ Aims to Heighten Safeguards for Lincolnshire Children with Allergies
The family of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old boy who tragically lost his life from an anaphylactic reaction at Barnack Primary School near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is advocating for a new law to boost safety measures for children with allergies. Devastatingly, Benedict lost his life in December 2021 following accidental exposure to cow’s milk protein, an allergen for him, regardless of existing school policies aimed at preventing such occurrences. Recent findings from the inquest pointed out breaches in the school’s compliance to these precautions, including a delayed response in administering an adrenaline pen and the potential for cross-contamination.
Mrs Helen Blythe, Benedict’s mother, communicated her conviction about the indispensable nature of ‘Benedict’s Law’ to thwart future calamities of this nature. This potential legislation would make it compulsory for all schools to have backup allergy pens, staff adequately trained in allergy management, and a thorough school allergy policy at hand. Mrs Blythe highlighted the paramount importance of safeguarding children’s welfare and security, asserting “The prioritisation of a change in the law to protect other children should go unquestioned”.
The case is under examination by the Department for Education, as they study the findings of the inquest’s jury. The public now keenly waits for a response from Barnack Primary School regarding the incident. Benedict, a boy who held a lot of affection for school, had multiple allergies, and his parents were actively involved with the school to create a suitable allergy action plan that wasn’t fully executed during the tragic day of his demise.
Mrs Blythe ardently believes that by spreading Benedict’s story, it will draw government attention to the pressing need for legislative amendments to safeguard children with allergies, not just in Lincolnshire but all across the country.
This report has been adapted for The Lincoln Post based on original coverage made by www.bbc.com.
