CH150-Isolating People During Infections Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Isolating People During Infections Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} manages the isolation of individuals during outbreaks of infectious diseases. It ensures that service users’ dignity and respect are maintained while effectively preventing the spread of infections within the care home. This policy is designed in accordance with CQC regulations, including Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) and Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect).

Isolation, when necessary, will be conducted in a way that minimises disruption to the individual’s daily life and ensures continued access to appropriate care and emotional support. This approach promotes a balance between infection control and compassionate care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals within the care home setting, including staff, service users, visitors, and external healthcare providers. It ensures that anyone potentially exposed to or diagnosed with an infectious disease receives appropriate care and support while preventing transmission within the home.

Staff must understand their roles and responsibilities in implementing this policy, ensuring consistency and adherence to infection control standards. Visitors and external providers will be informed about relevant procedures when accessing the care home during an outbreak.

3. Related Policies

This policy is closely linked to several other policies that guide infection control, care provision, and service user rights, including:

The Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CH17), which details the overall approach to preventing infection within the care environment.
The Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CH11), ensuring that all care provided during isolation remains safe and effective.
The Dignity and Respect Policy (CH08), safeguarding the rights of service users while isolated.
The Visiting and Accompanying Policy (CH10), which ensures appropriate management of visits during infection control measures.
The Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (CH19), outlining the procedures for managing outbreaks as part of wider service continuity.
The Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (CH39), ensuring that decisions made during isolation respect individuals’ rights and legal protections.

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to protecting the health and well-being of service users, staff, and visitors by implementing safe, effective, and compassionate isolation procedures when infections are identified. Isolation will be conducted in a manner that prioritises the dignity and independence of service users while ensuring that infection control measures are robust and effective.

Isolation will only be implemented when necessary, following a thorough risk assessment, and will be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains proportionate to the level of risk. Throughout the isolation period, service users will continue to receive personalised care, with their physical, emotional, and social needs fully addressed.

5. Procedures for Isolation

5.1 Identification and Risk Assessment When a service user displays symptoms of an infectious illness, staff will promptly conduct an initial assessment, following infection control training guidelines. This assessment will identify the nature of the infection, the individual’s current health status, and any immediate risks to others within the care home.

The risk assessment will consider multiple factors, including the mode of transmission, the severity of the infection, and the vulnerability of other service users. Medical advice will be sought where necessary, and guidance from Public Health England (PHE) will inform the decision-making process.

Isolation will only be implemented when the risk of transmission is significant, and alternative protective measures are insufficient. The decision will be documented clearly, and the care plan for the affected individual will be updated accordingly.

5.2 Communication and Consent Effective communication is essential to ensure that service users, families, and relevant stakeholders understand the need for isolation and how it will be managed. Once isolation is deemed necessary, staff will explain the situation to the service user in a clear, compassionate manner, ensuring that they understand the reasons, expected duration, and available support.

Where appropriate, families or representatives will be informed, and discussions will be documented in the individual’s care records. Consent will be sought for isolation unless it is mandated under the Public Health Act due to significant risk. If the service user lacks capacity to consent, decisions will be made in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, involving family members, advocates, or relevant professionals as needed.

5.3 Implementing Isolation Once isolation is deemed necessary, the service user will be moved to a designated single room with en-suite facilities whenever possible. This room will be prepared in advance, ensuring that it is clean, comfortable, and adequately equipped for the individual’s care needs.

If en-suite facilities are not available, dedicated bathroom arrangements will be established, with thorough cleaning conducted between uses. The service user’s room will be regularly cleaned and disinfected, with particular attention to high-touch surfaces.

Staff attending to the isolated individual will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, and gowns, depending on the type of infection. Hand hygiene will be strictly enforced, and waste generated from the isolation area will be treated as clinical waste.

5.4 Supporting the Isolated Individual Isolation does not mean a loss of social connection or emotional support. Throughout the isolation period, service users will continue to receive person-centred care tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Regular health checks will be conducted, including monitoring vital signs, symptoms, and overall well-being.

Emotional support will be provided through regular interaction with staff, ensuring that the service user does not feel isolated or neglected. Where possible, activities and entertainment will be arranged within the isolation room to promote mental stimulation.

To maintain social connections, service users will be supported to communicate with family and friends through non-contact methods, such as video calls, telephone conversations, or written communication. These arrangements will be made in line with Regulation 9A, ensuring that isolation does not lead to unnecessary loneliness.

5.5 Infection Control Measures Strict infection control measures will be implemented to prevent the spread of infection within the care home. This includes enhanced cleaning protocols, like frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, and furniture within the isolation area.

Staff will follow established procedures for donning and doffing PPE, ensuring that protective equipment is disposed of safely after use. Hand hygiene will be rigorously enforced, with handwashing facilities and alcohol-based hand sanitisers readily available throughout the care home.

Waste generated from the isolation room, including used PPE, tissues, and other disposable items, will be treated as clinical waste and disposed of in designated containers. Laundry from the isolation room will be handled separately, following infection control guidelines.

5.6 Monitoring and Review Throughout the isolation period, the health and well-being of the affected service user will be closely monitored. Daily observations will be recorded, including:

– temperature checks

– respiratory status

– hydration levels, and any changes in symptoms.

Health updates will be shared with relevant healthcare providers, ensuring that any deterioration is promptly addressed. If symptoms worsen or complications arise, the individual will be referred to appropriate medical services, and the isolation plan will be reviewed accordingly.

Isolation will be maintained only as long as the individual remains infectious. Once medical advice confirms that the risk of transmission has passed, isolation measures will be lifted, and the service user will be reintegrated into the care home community.

6. Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff involved in the care of isolated individuals will receive regular training on infection control procedures, including the correct use of PPE, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning.

The Registered Manager will oversee the implementation and monitoring of this policy, ensuring that staff adhere to established protocols and that any issues are promptly addressed. Staff will be encouraged to report any concerns or challenges encountered during the isolation process.

7. Confidentiality and Respect

Maintaining the dignity and privacy of isolated service users is a fundamental principle of this policy. Staff will ensure that isolation is conducted in a way that respects the individual’s rights and preferences, in line with the Dignity and Respect Policy (CH08).

Information regarding an individual’s health status, including the reason for isolation, will be treated as confidential and shared only with those directly involved in their care. Any records related to isolation will be securely maintained and updated in accordance with data protection requirements.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or operational practices. Regular audits and feedback from staff and service users will inform future updates, ensuring that the policy remains effective and responsive to emerging challenges.

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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