6 7 Standard Infection Control Precautions

Infection Prevention Solutions

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE FOR CARE STAFF DURING VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS OUTBREAKS

• Ensure thorough and frequent washing of hands with soap and water

between all care activities and after contact with service users immediate environment

• Wear gloves and aprons for service user contact and environmental /

equipment cleaning

• Change gloves and aprons between service users / tasks • Clean up and disinfect spillages of vomit and faeces immediately • Pay particular attention to the cleaning of toilets/commodes, moving

and handling equipment, seat raisers etc.

• Increase the frequency of routine bathroom and toilet cleaning and also

cleaning of frequently touched areas (door handles, phones etc.) This also includes the dirty utility area

• Disinfect surfaces and equipment using freshly prepared 0.1%

(1000ppm) chlorine-releasing agent after cleaning with neutral detergent

• Alternatively use a combined detergent/chlorine-based disinfectant e.g.

Chlor- Clean or Actichlor Plus for surfaces and equipment

• Ensure waste and contaminated laundry are handled with care wearing

protective clothing and removed promptly. Red alginate bags to be used for fouled laundry; orange/yellow bags for infectious waste

• Keep outbreak record sheet up-to-date on a daily basis • Isolate symptomatic service users or cohort nurse groups of affected

service users in the same bay / area

• Avoid movement of staff between affected and unaffected areas • Exclude affected staff immediately and until asymptomatic for 48 hours • Exclude non-essential personnel from the facility including visitors • Avoid transfer to other facilities i.e. day centres, rehabilitation units

unless medically indicated and only after consultation

• Do not re-open facility to admissions until agreed with local HPU -

usually 48 hours after last symptomatic service user or staff member

• Communicate effectively and regularly to all who need to know

including visitors. Provide notices at entrances indicating restrictions

• If in doubt, contact local Infection Control Advisor or local HPU for

guidance and support