SL108-Infection Outbreaks Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Infection Outbreaks Policy

{{org_field_name}} Supported Living Services

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} has robust measures in place to prevent, manage, and contain infection outbreaks within its supported living services. Infection outbreaks pose significant risks to the health, safety, and well-being of service users, staff, and visitors. This policy outlines preventative measures, response protocols, and containment strategies in accordance with CQC regulations and public health guidance.
This policy aims to:
Prevent the spread of infections through effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Ensure compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) and Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment).
Protect service users, staff, and visitors from infection-related harm.
Provide a structured response plan for managing and containing outbreaks efficiently.
Ensure timely reporting and communication with health authorities and relevant stakeholders.
Train staff effectively in infection prevention and outbreak management procedures.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:
All staff members, including care staff, management, and cleaning personnel.
All service users within our supported living services.
Visitors, contractors, and external healthcare professionals entering our facilities.
Third-party service providers responsible for maintenance, catering, and medical support.
This policy covers all infectious diseases that can cause outbreaks, including but not limited to:
Respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, tuberculosis).
Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., norovirus, salmonella, E. coli).
Skin infections (e.g., scabies, MRSA).
Bloodborne viruses (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV).

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy ensures compliance with:
3.1 Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Requires providers to assess and mitigate infection risks.
Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment) – Ensures premises and equipment are kept clean and hygienic.
Regulation 17 (Good Governance) – Requires clear procedures for infection control and outbreak management.
3.2 The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Mandates that employers take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of employees and service users.
3.3 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
Requires the safe handling of infectious materials, cleaning agents, and PPE disposal.
3.4 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Public Health England (PHE) Guidance
Provides national infection prevention protocols for health and social care settings.

4. Infection Prevention Measures

4.1 Routine Infection Control Practices
To minimise infection risks, {{org_field_name}} implements the following:
Hand Hygiene:
Staff, service users, and visitors must follow handwashing protocols using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Hand hygiene training is mandatory for all staff.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Staff must wear appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, aprons) when providing personal care or handling infectious materials.
PPE is readily available and disposed of according to infection control guidelines.
Cleaning and Disinfection:
High-touch surfaces (door handles, railings, toilets) are cleaned multiple times daily using approved disinfectants.
Service users’ rooms are cleaned at least daily, with enhanced cleaning if infection risks are identified.
Waste Management:
Clinical waste disposal bins are provided for contaminated items.
Laundry and bedding are cleaned at high temperatures to kill pathogens.
4.2 Staff and Service User Health Monitoring
Staff must undergo pre-shift health screening for infection symptoms.
Service users are monitored daily for symptoms of infection.
Any individual displaying signs of infection must be assessed and reported to management immediately.
4.3 Vaccination and Immunisation
Staff and service users are strongly encouraged to receive vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis B, and other relevant diseases.
Vaccination records are maintained, and reminders are issued to staff.

5. Infection Outbreak Management Plan

An infection outbreak is defined as two or more linked cases of an infectious disease within the facility.
5.1 Outbreak Detection and Reporting
Staff must immediately report suspected outbreaks to the Infection Control Lead: {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}
({{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}})
Phone: {{org_field_phone_no}}
Email: {{org_field_email}}

The Infection Control Team will:
Conduct risk assessments.
Notify Public Health England (PHE) or UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) if necessary.
Inform service users, families, and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Inform local Health Protection team: {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}}

5.2 Isolation and Containment Measures
Service users with symptoms must be isolated in their rooms if necessary.
Dedicated care staff are assigned to infected individuals to prevent cross-contamination.
Restricting movement: Non-essential visitors and group activities may be suspended temporarily.
5.3 Staff Deployment and Workforce Planning
Staff showing symptoms must not report to work and must follow sickness reporting procedures.
Agency or bank staff may be used to cover absences while maintaining continuity of care.
5.4 Cleaning and Disinfection in Outbreak Situations
Enhanced cleaning schedules are implemented, with disinfecting of all communal areas and high-contact surfaces.
Deep cleaning is carried out after the outbreak is resolved.
5.5 Communication and Notification
The Registered Manager is responsible for updating families and stakeholders on the outbreak response.
Local health authorities, GPs, and commissioners are kept informed.
5.6 Resumption of Normal Activities
Service users can resume normal activities once they are symptom-free for 48 hours (or as per medical advice).
A post-outbreak review is conducted to identify lessons learned and improvements needed.

6. Staff Training and Responsibilities

6.1 Mandatory Infection Control Training
All staff must complete infection prevention and outbreak management training upon induction and annually thereafter.
Training includes:
Proper handwashing techniques.
Correct PPE use and disposal.
Outbreak containment procedures.
6.2 Infection Control Lead Responsibilities
The Infection Control Lead is responsible for:
Monitoring infection risks and ensuring compliance with this policy.
Providing staff with ongoing infection control guidance.
Liaising with external health agencies during outbreaks.

7. Monitoring, Auditing, and Compliance

Weekly infection control audits are conducted to ensure compliance.
Annual infection risk assessments are completed and reviewed.
Incident reports are analysed to improve response strategies.
CQC inspections will review infection control practices to ensure adherence to Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment).

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
New infection control guidelines are issued.
Significant outbreaks occur, requiring policy adjustments.
Staff feedback suggests improvements.

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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