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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Infection Outbreaks Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively prevents, detects, and manages infection outbreaks in domiciliary care settings. This policy establishes clear protocols for infection control, outbreak management, reporting, and staff responsibilities, ensuring compliance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, Public Health Wales (PHW) guidance, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) best practices, and the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards.

Infection outbreaks pose a significant risk to vulnerable service users, and effective management is essential to protect health, minimise disruption to care services, and ensure regulatory compliance. This policy sets out preventative measures, early detection strategies, and emergency response procedures to control and contain infection outbreaks swiftly and efficiently.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All care staff, including care workers, managers, and coordinators, involved in providing direct care or overseeing infection control. Service users who are at risk of infection or affected by an outbreak. Family members and external professionals involved in the care and support of service users. Public Health Wales, local authority infection control teams, and healthcare professionals who may assist with outbreak management.

It covers: Definitions and types of infection outbreaks. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Early detection and monitoring of infections. Staff responsibilities and reporting requirements. Response to suspected or confirmed outbreaks. Collaboration with healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies. Staff training and competency in outbreak management.

3. Principles of Infection Outbreak Management

3.1 Definition of an Infection Outbreak

An infection outbreak is defined as:

• Two or more cases of the same infectious disease occurring within a short period in linked service users or staff members.
• A sudden increase in cases of a specific infection within a service area.
• A confirmed case of a highly transmissible infection requiring immediate containment, such as norovirus, influenza, COVID-19, or scabies.

Types of infections that may lead to an outbreak include: Respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19, flu, pneumonia). Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., norovirus, Clostridioides difficile). Skin infections (e.g., scabies, MRSA). Bloodborne infections (e.g., hepatitis, sepsis). Other communicable diseases as identified by Public Health Wales.

3.2 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures

Prevention is key to reducing infection outbreaks. {{org_field_name}} ensures strict adherence to IPC measures, including:

• Hand hygiene protocols: Staff must follow the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers where necessary.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, aprons, masks, and visors must be worn as appropriate to the infection risk.
• Environmental cleaning and decontamination: High-touch areas in service users’ homes must be regularly disinfected, particularly during outbreaks.
• Service user hygiene support: Encouraging and assisting service users in maintaining good personal hygiene, handwashing, and infection prevention practices.
• Safe food handling and waste disposal: Staff must follow food safety protocols to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

These measures align with CIW infection control standards and Public Health Wales guidelines.

3.3 Early Detection and Monitoring of Infections

Timely identification of potential infections is essential for outbreak control. {{org_field_name}} ensures early detection by:

• Conducting regular health checks on service users for symptoms such as fever, cough, diarrhoea, or unusual rashes.
• Monitoring staff sickness levels to identify clusters of infection.
• Encouraging service users and families to report symptoms early for rapid intervention.
• Keeping records of reported infections and tracking potential links between cases.

A digital symptom monitoring system is used where possible to log and track infections in real-time, ensuring that preventative action is taken promptly.

3.4 Staff Responsibilities and Reporting Requirements

All staff have a duty to report suspected infections immediately to their line manager or the Registered Manager. Staff must:

• Report service users with symptoms of infection as soon as they are noticed.
• Self-report and refrain from working if they develop symptoms of a contagious infection (e.g., flu, norovirus, COVID-19).
• Follow sickness absence protocols and provide medical clearance before returning to work after an infectious illness.
• Document all cases in service user care records and report them to infection control leads.

Managers must ensure rapid escalation of concerns to healthcare professionals, Public Health Wales, and CIW if required.

3.5 Response to Suspected or Confirmed Outbreaks

If an infection outbreak is suspected or confirmed, {{org_field_name}} follows a structured outbreak response plan:

1. Immediate isolation and containment measures
   • Service users with symptoms must be isolated where possible, and care plans adjusted to minimise contact.
   • Staff must use enhanced PPE and infection control measures when caring for affected individuals.
   • Visiting restrictions may be put in place to prevent further spread.
2. Notification and Reporting
   • All suspected outbreaks must be reported to Public Health Wales (PHW), CIW, and the Local Health Protection Team.
   • Affected individuals and their families must be informed of the situation and given infection control guidance.
3. Enhanced Infection Control Actions
   • Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in affected areas.
   • Dedicated care teams assigned to infected individuals to prevent cross-contamination.
   • Restricted movement of staff and service users, limiting exposure to infection.
4. Testing and Treatment Plans
   • Staff and service users may be required to undergo testing (e.g., PCR tests for COVID-19, stool tests for norovirus).
   • Prescribed treatments, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will be administered in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
5. Post-Outbreak Recovery and Review
   • Once the outbreak is under control, a full review will be conducted to identify lessons learned.
   • Additional staff training and policy updates will be implemented where necessary.

These steps ensure a swift, effective, and compliant response to outbreaks, minimising harm to service users and staff.

3.6 Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals and Regulatory Bodies

Effective outbreak management requires multi-agency collaboration. {{org_field_name}} maintains close communication with:

• Public Health Wales and the Local Health Protection Team for outbreak control guidance.
• GPs and district nurses for medical support and treatment plans.
• CIW for regulatory compliance and reporting requirements.
• Local authorities for public health advice and infection control resources.

Regular infection control audits and joint reviews ensure that outbreak management remains effective and compliant.

3.7 Staff Training and Competency in Outbreak Management

All staff must receive specialist training in:

• Recognising and responding to infection outbreaks.
• Safe PPE use and disposal.
• Infection control and hygiene best practices.
• Reporting and escalation procedures for infectious diseases.
• Supporting service users during an outbreak.

Training must be renewed annually, with refresher courses provided whenever outbreak risks increase.

4. Efficiency in Managing Infection Outbreaks

To ensure efficient outbreak response, {{org_field_name}} implements:

• A digital outbreak tracking system, allowing real-time monitoring of infections.
• Pre-stocked PPE and hygiene supplies, ensuring readiness for potential outbreaks.
• Regular audits and drills, ensuring staff are prepared for infection emergencies.
• Dedicated infection control leads, overseeing IPC compliance.

These measures ensure rapid, coordinated outbreak responses, minimising disruption and safeguarding service users.

5. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside: Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17), COVID-19 Management Policy (DCW40), Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18), Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new infection risks emerge.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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