CHW150-Isolating People During Infections Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Isolating People During Infections Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the isolation of individuals during infections at {{org_field_name}} is undertaken in a manner that is clinically appropriate, legally compliant, proportionate, person-centred, and respectful of human rights. This policy outlines how our care home manages infection-related isolation efficiently, preventing the spread of infectious agents while safeguarding the dignity, mental wellbeing, and freedoms of the individuals affected. It is fully aligned with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, and relevant guidance from Public Health Wales and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff employed at {{org_field_name}}, including management, care, housekeeping, catering, and maintenance staff. It is relevant to all individuals using our service who may require isolation due to a confirmed or suspected infectious illness. It also informs visiting professionals and CIW inspectors of our approach.
3. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:
- CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
- CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
- CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
- CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
- CHW38 – End of Life and Palliative Care Policy
4. Policy Statement and Procedures
4.1 Principles of Isolation
The decision to isolate an individual will always be based on clinical need and undertaken to prevent the transmission of infection. The approach at {{org_field_name}} is guided by:
- Clinical risk assessment.
- The least restrictive option principle.
- Respect for the person’s rights, choices, and mental wellbeing.
- Transparent communication and involvement of the individual (and their family where appropriate).
The decision to isolate is never used as punishment, coercion, or for staff convenience. It is a time-limited, reviewed measure intended to support the individual’s health and protect others.
4.2 When Isolation is Required
Isolation may be required when a person:
- Is diagnosed or suspected to have a transmissible infection (e.g. norovirus, influenza, COVID-19, C. difficile, MRSA, scabies).
- Is symptomatic while awaiting test results.
- Has been exposed to a confirmed outbreak within the home.
Advice will be sought promptly from the local health protection team at {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}} and the individual’s GP or relevant clinician. Risk assessments are completed in line with CIW and Public Health Wales guidelines, and appropriate signage is used (respectfully and discreetly).
4.3 Planning and Implementing Isolation
Before initiating isolation, the following steps are taken:
- The Registered Manager or their deputy consults clinical guidance and ensures documentation is complete.
- A person-centred plan is developed, outlining the purpose, duration, and nature of isolation, incorporating the individual’s preferences where possible.
- The individual (and/or their representative) is informed in a sensitive, clear, and age-appropriate way, ensuring consent or a best interests decision is recorded.
- Equipment, PPE, and cleaning protocols are arranged to prevent cross-contamination.
4.4 Infection Control Measures During Isolation
While isolated, individuals are cared for using strict infection prevention and control procedures, including:
- Dedicated staff where possible or staff cohorting to minimise movement between zones.
- Use of appropriate PPE (gloves, aprons, face masks, goggles) in line with the organism involved.
- Enhanced cleaning using virucidal/disinfectant solutions, especially high-touch surfaces.
- Dedicated clinical equipment, with appropriate decontamination.
Staff follow guidance from CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy and are trained in donning and doffing PPE.
4.5 Dignity, Wellbeing and Mental Health During Isolation
While physical isolation may be required, social and emotional isolation is actively prevented. Staff are trained to provide emotional support and maintain the dignity and psychological wellbeing of individuals during isolation. This includes:
- Regular compassionate interaction and reassurance.
- Access to communication aids (e.g. phone, video calls) to remain in contact with loved ones.
- In-room activities and entertainment.
- Consistent monitoring of mood, sleep, nutrition, and hydration.
- Immediate escalation to the GP or mental health professionals if there are signs of distress, anxiety, depression, or cognitive deterioration.
Isolation plans include a record of how these needs are being met. For individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment, tailored reassurance techniques and visual prompts are used.
4.6 Supporting Staff
Staff are fully supported to implement isolation procedures safely and confidently. This includes:
- Ongoing training in infection prevention and control.
- Clear written guidance and access to senior leadership.
- Mental health and debriefing support, particularly in prolonged outbreaks.
- Access to necessary PPE and prompt replacement when needed.
The {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}, acting as the {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}}, ensures daily oversight of infection control and safe implementation of isolation protocols.
4.7 Ending Isolation
Isolation is lifted only when the risk of transmission has passed, guided by the current public health advice (e.g. 48 hours symptom-free for gastrointestinal infections). The individual and their family are informed, and the isolation record is concluded with an outcome review.
A post-isolation review is carried out by the senior care team to assess the effectiveness of the isolation, any lessons learned, and updates needed to infection control or care planning protocols.
4.8 Safeguarding and Rights Protection
We are committed to upholding the rights of every individual. Any concern that isolation is causing harm, being misused, or not proportionate must be reported immediately to the {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}) or directly to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}}. Best Interests Decisions under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 are applied where individuals cannot consent to isolation.
All staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Human Rights Act, Equality Act, and our CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse Policy.
4.9 Communication with Families and Professionals
Families are kept informed throughout any isolation period, with their consent or lawful authority. Key information is shared with:
- GPs and District Nurses.
- Local Authority case managers.
- Public Health Wales and Health Protection Team.
- CIW, when required under CHW25 – Notification of Other Incidents Policy.
All communications are logged, and decisions are recorded in the individual’s care file.
5. Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
The Registered Manager, {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}, is responsible for ensuring this policy is applied consistently and effectively. Routine infection control audits include reviews of isolation practice. Any themes, errors, or improvement areas are discussed in team meetings and reflected in our Quality of Care Review cycle.
Audits may include:
- Compliance with PPE use.
- Dignity and person-centred documentation.
- Staff knowledge assessments.
- Feedback from individuals and their families.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually or earlier in response to an outbreak, audit findings, CIW inspection, legislative change, or updated public health guidance. All staff are notified of revisions through supervision, team meetings, and internal communication channels.
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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