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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Infection Outbreaks Policy

1. Purpose This policy outlines {{org_field_name}}’s approach to the prevention, identification, and management of infection outbreaks to ensure the safety and well-being of the people we support, staff, and visitors. The policy aligns with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment, and Regulation 17 – Good Governance. It ensures a robust response to infection outbreaks while maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control (IPC).

2. Scope This policy applies to all staff, including full-time, part-time, bank, agency, and volunteers at {{org_field_name}}. It also covers visitors, contractors, and external healthcare professionals entering the premises.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment: Requires providers to prevent and control infections.
• Regulation 17 – Good Governance: Mandates the implementation of effective infection control policies.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Ensures workplace safety, including infection prevention.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: Covers the management of infectious materials.
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Guidance: Provides national infection control and outbreak management protocols.
• Public Health England (PHE) Guidance: Outlines disease-specific outbreak responses.

4. Identifying an Infection Outbreak

• An outbreak is defined as two or more linked cases of an infectious disease occurring in the care home.
• Common outbreaks include influenza, norovirus, COVID-19, Clostridium difficile, MRSA, and scabies.
• Signs of an outbreak:
  • Increase in residents or staff experiencing similar symptoms.
  • Unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs, or skin rashes.
  • Laboratory-confirmed infections among multiple individuals.
• Immediate Response:
  • The Infection Control Lead must be informed immediately.
  • Outbreak signs must be logged in the infection control register.
  • A risk assessment is conducted to determine containment measures.

5. Reporting and Escalation

• Outbreaks must be reported to:
  • Local Health Protection Team (HPT) – {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}}.
  • Local Public Health Authority – {{org_field_reporting_outbreaks_local_public_health_website}}.
  • CQC (if serious or prolonged).
  • NHS partners or GP services if medical intervention is required.
• The Registered Manager oversees communication and coordination.

6. Containment Measures

• Isolation Protocols:
  • Affected residents should be isolated in their rooms where possible.
  • Cohorting strategies may be implemented to prevent cross-infection.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Staff must wear appropriate PPE (gloves, aprons, masks, face shields) when providing care to infected individuals.
  • PPE must be disposed of safely after each use.
• Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection:
  • Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, handrails, equipment).
  • Use of approved disinfectants effective against the identified infection.
  • Increased frequency of laundry collection and processing.
• Hand Hygiene Enforcement:
  • Staff must wash hands before and after all contact with residents.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitiser must be readily available in communal areas.
• Visitor Restrictions:
  • Non-essential visitors may be restricted during an outbreak.
  • Essential visitors (e.g., family of end-of-life residents) must wear PPE and follow hygiene protocols.
• Suspension of Group Activities:
  • Communal dining, social events, and group therapy may be temporarily suspended to reduce transmission.

7. Staffing Considerations

• Symptomatic staff must not attend work and must report symptoms immediately.
• Return to work criteria:
  • Minimum of 48 hours symptom-free for gastrointestinal infections.
  • Minimum of 5 days post-symptom onset for COVID-19 or as per latest UKHSA guidance.
  • Clearance from occupational health if necessary.
• Staff Cohorting:
  • Where possible, assign dedicated staff to care for infected residents only.
  • Restrict movement of staff between affected and unaffected areas.
• Well-being Support:
  • Staff affected by an outbreak will have access to mental health and well-being support.

8. Testing and Diagnosis

• Testing for infections should be conducted as directed by Public Health England or the local HPT.
• Testing includes:
  • Swabs for respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19, influenza).
  • Stool samples for gastrointestinal infections (e.g., norovirus, Clostridium difficile).
  • Blood tests where necessary.
• Results must be documented, and appropriate treatment started immediately.

9. Communication and Family Engagement

• Transparent communication with residents and families regarding outbreaks.
• Regular updates provided via:
  • Letters, emails, or care home website updates.
  • Telephone calls or virtual meetings if required.
• Support for families concerned about visiting restrictions.

10. Reviewing and Learning from Outbreaks

• Post-Outbreak Review:
  • Conduct a lessons learned meeting to evaluate response effectiveness.
  • Update infection control policies based on review findings.
• Audit and Compliance Checks:
  • Regular infection control audits.
  • Compliance monitoring of hand hygiene, PPE usage, and cleaning protocols.

11. Training and Awareness

• Mandatory Staff Training:
  • Annual infection prevention and control training.
  • Scenario-based drills for outbreak management.
  • PPE donning and doffing practice.
• Ongoing Awareness:
  • Infection control posters displayed in staff areas.
  • Regular reminders via staff meetings and digital communication.

12. Related Policies

• CH12-Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH23-Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy
• CH27-Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy
• CH30-Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

13. Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or after any major outbreak.
• Updates will be made in accordance with CQC regulations, UKHSA guidelines, and new best practices.
• Feedback from staff and external infection control audits will inform policy improvements.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.