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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Infection Prevention and Control Policy

1. Purpose

This policy ensures that Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) infection prevention and control is effectively managed at {{org_field_name}}, in compliance with CQC Fundamental Standards, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, NICE Guidelines, and Public Health England (PHE) Infection Prevention and Control Guidance. It aims to prevent, detect, and manage C. diff infections while ensuring the safety of people we support, staff, and visitors.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff involved in the care and management of people who have, or are at risk of, Clostridium Difficile infection. It includes guidance on prevention strategies, infection control procedures, staff training, and treatment protocols.

3. Related Policies

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CH17)
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CH11)
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (CH18)
• Medication Management and Administration Policy (CH21)
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy (CH34)

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to minimising the risks associated with Clostridium Difficile infections by ensuring best practices in infection prevention, hygiene control, and safe care delivery. We aim to prevent outbreaks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure appropriate treatment in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

5. Understanding Clostridium Difficile Infection

Clostridium Difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhoea and more severe intestinal conditions such as colitis. It mainly affects individuals who:

• Are taking or have recently taken antibiotics.
• Have a weakened immune system.
• Are elderly or have underlying health conditions.
• Have had prolonged hospital or care home stays.
• Have a history of recurrent gastrointestinal infections.

6. Prevention Strategies

• Hand Hygiene:
  • Staff must follow strict hand hygiene procedures using soap and water (alcohol gel is ineffective against C. diff spores).
  • People we support must be encouraged to wash hands before meals and after using the toilet.
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection:
  • Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces using chlorine-based disinfectants.
  • Immediate deep cleaning of any affected areas where a case of C. diff is suspected or confirmed.
• Antibiotic Stewardship:
  • Only prescribed antibiotics should be used, ensuring compliance with NICE Guidelines on antimicrobial resistance.
  • Monitoring of antibiotic use to prevent unnecessary prescriptions that increase infection risk.

7. Recognising and Reporting C. diff Symptoms

• Frequent watery diarrhoea (often with a strong odour).
• Fever and abdominal cramps.
• Loss of appetite and nausea.
• Dehydration and weakness.
• Symptoms that persist beyond 24 hours should be reported immediately to healthcare professionals.

8. Isolation and Infection Control Measures

• Isolation Precautions:
  • Any person suspected of having a C. diff infection must be placed under isolation precautions immediately.
  • Dedicated bathroom facilities (or use of disposable bedpans) must be provided.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Staff must wear disposable gloves and aprons when providing care.
  • PPE must be removed and disposed of safely after each interaction.
• Linen and Waste Disposal:
  • Contaminated linen must be handled separately and sent for hot water wash with chlorine-based detergents.
  • Clinical waste must be disposed of according to infection control regulations.

9. Hydration and Nutrition Management

• Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
• Provide electrolyte solutions if necessary to replace lost fluids.
• Offer a low-fibre, easily digestible diet to reduce irritation to the gut.

10. Treatment and Medical Intervention

• Confirmed cases of C. diff require medical review.
• First-line treatment includes oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin, as prescribed.
• Avoid the use of anti-diarrhoeal medications, which can worsen symptoms.
• Monitor for signs of complications such as dehydration, severe colitis, or toxic megacolon.

11. Staff Training and Responsibilities

• All staff must complete infection prevention and control training with a specific focus on C. diff.
• Staff must be competent in:
  • Hand hygiene techniques.
  • Safe use of PPE.
  • Recognising symptoms and responding appropriately.
  • Cleaning protocols to reduce contamination risks.

12. Documentation and Record Keeping

• All suspected and confirmed C. diff cases must be recorded in the individual’s care plan.
• Infection outbreaks must be reported to Public Health England (PHE) and CQC, following legal notification procedures.
• Regular infection control audits must be conducted to review compliance with hygiene protocols.

13. Managing Visitors and Reducing Transmission Risk

• Visitors must be informed of infection risks and encouraged to follow hygiene protocols.
• Visiting may be restricted during an outbreak to minimise cross-contamination.
• Family members should be provided with protective equipment when assisting in care.

14. Post-Infection Monitoring and Prevention of Recurrence

• Once symptoms resolve, ongoing monitoring for relapse is essential.
• Reassess antibiotic use and adjust diet to support gut recovery.
• Conduct post-infection deep cleaning of all areas where the infected individual was cared for.
• Encourage long-term gut health strategies, such as probiotics (if clinically appropriate).

15. Policy Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Regular infection control audits will be conducted to ensure adherence to best practices.
• Staff will receive refresher training on C. diff infection prevention every 12 months.
• Learning from infection incidents and outbreaks will be used to improve procedures.

16. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in CQC guidance, NICE recommendations, or Public Health England regulations require an update.

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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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