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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Infection Outbreaks Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a structured approach to preventing, managing, and containing infection outbreaks within {{org_field_name}}. Ensuring a high standard of infection control is critical to safeguarding service users, staff, and the wider community. This policy aligns with regulatory requirements and best practices to mitigate risks associated with communicable diseases and outbreaks.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, volunteers, service users, visitors, and any third parties involved in the delivery of domiciliary care. It covers:

• Infection prevention strategies.
• Early detection and reporting of outbreaks.
• Response measures to contain and manage outbreaks.
• Staff responsibilities and training.
• Compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following laws and regulations:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Ensures safe handling of biological hazards.
• Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 – Governs public health measures to prevent infection spread.
• Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 – Outlines responsibilities for reporting notifiable diseases.
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 – Ensures confidentiality in health reporting.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Sets infection prevention and control requirements.
• NICE Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Health and Social Care.

4. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

To minimise infection risks, {{org_field_name}} implements the following preventative strategies:

• Hand Hygiene: Staff must follow the ‘5 Moments for Hand Hygiene’ and use alcohol-based hand rubs when washing facilities are unavailable.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks, aprons, and eye protection must be used based on risk assessments.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: Frequently touched surfaces (door handles, handrails, medical equipment) must be disinfected regularly using approved cleaning agents.
• Respiratory Hygiene: Staff and service users are encouraged to follow ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ guidance for coughs and sneezes.
• Waste Management: Clinical and hazardous waste must be disposed of safely in line with waste regulations.
• Vaccinations: Staff are encouraged to keep up to date with immunisations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

5. Early Detection and Reporting of Infection Outbreaks

All staff must be vigilant in identifying signs of infectious diseases such as:

• Fever, cough, shortness of breath.
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained rashes.
• Unusual clusters of illness among service users or staff.

When a potential outbreak is suspected:

• Staff must immediately report cases to the Registered Manager:

Where to report:

1) Verbally to the Registered Manager or Infection Control Lead

2) Inform the Registered Manager by email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}

3) Call the office and inform the Registered Manager or Infection Control Lead: {{org_field_phone_no}}

4) Out of hours phone number: {{out_of_hours}}

5) Online via our website: {{org_field_website}}

• Service users showing symptoms should be assessed and referred to a healthcare professional where necessary.
• Any suspected notifiable disease (e.g., COVID-19, norovirus, measles) must be reported to Public Health England (PHE).
• Staff members who develop symptoms should refrain from work and follow self-isolation protocols.

6. Outbreak Response and Management

Upon confirmation of an outbreak, the following actions will be taken:

• Isolation & Cohorting: Service users with symptoms should be cared for separately to prevent transmission.
• Enhanced Cleaning Regime: Increased frequency of deep cleaning in affected areas.
• Staff Allocation: Minimise staff movement between affected and non-affected individuals.
• Communication Plan: Inform service users, families, and relevant authorities while ensuring confidentiality.
• Emergency PPE Deployment: Ensure all staff have immediate access to necessary PPE.
• Testing and Monitoring: Staff and service users may be required to undergo testing as advised by health authorities.
• Review of Infection Prevention Protocols: Assess and reinforce all control measures to prevent escalation.
• Reporting to Local Health Protection Team: {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}}

7. Staff Responsibilities and Training

All employees are responsible for upholding infection control standards. Specific responsibilities include:

• Management Team:
  • Ensuring infection control policies are up to date.
  • Providing necessary PPE and training.
  • Coordinating with public health authorities in case of an outbreak.
  • Ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Care Workers:
  • Following standard infection prevention procedures.
  • Reporting symptoms or exposure immediately.
  • Using PPE appropriately and maintaining hygiene standards.
  • Supporting service users in following hygiene protocols.
• Training:
  • Induction training includes infection prevention and outbreak management.
  • Ongoing refresher training provided annually.
  • Specialised training for handling outbreaks of infectious diseases.

8. Communication and Information Sharing

Effective communication is key to managing an outbreak. The organisation will:

• Provide service users and their families with clear information on infection control measures.
• Maintain open communication with local health authorities and CQC.
• Ensure timely updates are provided to staff regarding outbreak status and response measures.
• Protect sensitive health information in compliance with GDPR regulations.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

To ensure the effectiveness of infection control measures:

• Regular audits of infection prevention practices will be conducted.
• Incident reports will be reviewed to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Feedback from staff and service users will be used to refine policies and training.
• Policy review conducted annually or sooner in response to emerging risks or regulatory changes.

10. Compliance with Regulatory Bodies

{{org_field_name}} adheres to CQC, Public Health England, and NHS infection prevention and control requirements. All infection control protocols are aligned with:

• CQC’s Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment.
• NICE guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control.
• Local authority directives for infection control in care settings.

11. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or when new infection control guidance is released. Any updates will be communicated to all staff and implemented immediately.

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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.