HCS109-Head Lice and Nits Prevention and Treatment Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Head Lice and Nits Prevention and Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

{{org_field_name}} is committed to maintaining high standards of hygiene and infection control within our home care service. This policy outlines our approach to the prevention, identification, and treatment of head lice and nits, ensuring compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations. While head lice are not a serious health concern, they can cause discomfort and distress to people we support and staff. It is our responsibility to manage cases efficiently and sensitively to minimise the spread and maintain dignity and wellbeing.

This policy aims to:

Prevent the spread of head lice among people we support and staff.
Provide clear guidance on identifying and managing head lice cases.
Ensure effective treatment and support strategies are in place.
Promote education and awareness on hygiene and best practices.
Maintain confidentiality and dignity when handling cases.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees of {{org_field_name}}, particularly those providing direct personal care.
People we support, particularly those requiring assistance with personal hygiene.
Visitors, volunteers, and external care professionals interacting with people we support.
Family members and caregivers of people we support, as necessary.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland) – Ensures hygiene and infection control are upheld in care services.
The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 – Covers public health interventions, including communicable conditions.
Care Inspectorate Scotland Guidelines – Encourages best practices in hygiene and infection prevention.
SSSC Codes of Practice for Employers and Social Service Workers – Requires proper infection control procedures[10 source].
NHS Scotland Guidance on Head Lice Management – Provides clinical best practices for treatment and prevention.

4. Understanding Head Lice and Nits

Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that live in human hair and feed on blood. They spread through direct head-to-head contact, but cannot jump or fly. Nits are lice eggs that attach firmly to the hair shaft and hatch within 7-10 days.

Symptoms of head lice infestation include:

Itchy scalp, particularly behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Small red sores or irritation caused by lice bites.
The presence of tiny white or brown eggs (nits) attached to hair strands.
Visible adult lice (approximately the size of a sesame seed).

5. Prevention Measures

To minimise the risk of head lice spread, {{org_field_name}} implements the following:

Regular checks for head lice among people we support, particularly those in shared living environments.
Education and awareness for staff and people we support on preventing infestations.
Personal care training for staff, ensuring they understand proper hair hygiene management.
Avoiding sharing personal items such as hairbrushes, combs, head coverings, and pillows.
Encouraging good hair hygiene through routine washing and regular grooming.

6. Identification and Reporting

If head lice or nits are suspected:

Staff should report their concerns immediately to their line manager.
A discreet and respectful head check should be conducted, ensuring privacy and dignity.
Findings should be documented in the person’s care records, following confidentiality protocols.
Family members or caregivers should be informed, where appropriate, to coordinate treatment.

7. Treatment and Management

{{org_field_name}} follows the NHS Scotland-recommended wet combing method as the first line of treatment. If further intervention is needed, medicated treatments may be recommended.

7.1 Wet Combing Method (First-Line Treatment)

Wash hair and apply a generous amount of conditioner to loosen lice.
Use a fine-toothed nit comb, starting from the scalp and combing down each section of hair.
Wipe comb onto a white tissue or towel to check for lice.
Repeat the process every three to four days for two weeks to break the life cycle.

7.2 Medicated Treatments (If Wet Combing is Ineffective)

Use head lice lotions or shampoos recommended by a pharmacist or GP.
Ensure treatment is applied according to manufacturer instructions.
A second application seven days later may be required to eliminate newly hatched lice.

7.3 Environmental Cleaning and Precautions

Bedding, towels, and clothing used within the past 48 hours should be washed at 60°C.
Hairbrushes and combs should be soaked in hot water (at least 60°C) for 10 minutes.
Upholstery, soft furnishings, and car seats do not require special treatment as lice cannot survive off the human scalp for more than 24 hours.

8. Supporting People We Support and Staff

{{org_field_name}} ensures all cases are managed sensitively and supportively:

Maintaining confidentiality and treating affected individuals with dignity.
Providing reassurance that lice infestations are common and do not indicate poor hygiene.
Offering emotional support if a person we support feels embarrassed or anxious.
Ensuring staff affected by head lice receive appropriate treatment before returning to work.
Encouraging communication between staff and families to promote effective treatment.

9. Responsibilities

9.1 Responsibilities of Care Staff

Be vigilant for signs of lice infestation in people we support.
Follow the correct reporting and treatment procedures when head lice are detected.
Educate people we support and families on prevention and treatment.
Maintain strict hygiene practices when handling hair care equipment.

9.2 Responsibilities of Management

Ensure training is provided on head lice prevention and treatment.
Provide resources such as fine-toothed combs and guidance materials.
Support staff who report infestations to ensure prompt action is taken.
Monitor cases to identify recurring patterns and take necessary preventative steps.

10. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To maintain high standards in head lice prevention and management, {{org_field_name}}:

Reviews reported cases to assess trends and prevent reinfestation.
Seeks feedback from employees and people we support on the effectiveness of treatments.
Updates training programmes and educational materials as required.
Ensures compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland guidance and NHS recommendations.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

Infection Control Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Staff Training and Development Policy
Risk Assessment and Incident Reporting Policy
Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative or operational changes. Updates will be communicated to all relevant employees to ensure ongoing compliance and best practice.

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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