Management of In-patients with Loose Stools ... - NHS Lanarkshire

Note: Completion
of Review
NHS Lanarkshire
Health Protection Committee
Section E1
Effective From Sep 2010
Replaces Jun 2010
Pages 16 of 31
SECTION E 1 - Management of In-patients with
Loose Stools: Gastrointestinal Outbreak
Review Date March 2013
Health Protection Committee approved review date extension to March 2013
protective clothing worn. If hand washing facilities are unsuitable within the home staff should
use alcohol hand gel/sanitizer, washing their hands at the earliest opportunity.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING
Single use disposable plastic apron and gloves must be worn when carrying out general
cleaning duties.
Where environmental contamination occurs, see section on page E 6 of the guideline relating to
cleaning of spillages of vomit /faeces.
Domestic staff must clean the general ward environment thoroughly each day, using a solution
of detergent and warm water A high level of general cleanliness must be maintained at all
times, cleaning from unaffected to affected areas. In areas where there are affected patients the
area/s (horizontal surfaces, floors, toilets and door handles) should be cleaned using a solution
of detergent with a chlorine releasing agent e.g. Actichlor Plus. Dilution should be 1,000ppm
(refer to container for guidance on dilution).
The domestic should report to the nurse in charge each day at the start of their shift for any
additional change to the cleaning regimens
Patient care equipment should be cleaned by nursing staff using a solution of detergent and a
chlorine releasing agent e.g. Actichlor Plus. Dilution should be 1,000ppm available chlorine
(refer to container for guidance on dilution).
At the conclusion of the outbreak the area should be terminally cleaned as per local protocol.
CONCLUSION OF AN OUTBREAK
The Infection Control Team, will determine when the outbreak is over.
The nurse in charge will be informed and he/she will inform the following people:
The Senior Manager for Nursing.
The Clinician or General Practitioner on duty/call.
Domestic Services.
The Infection Control Team will inform all other relevant parties via e-mail that the outbreak
has been declared over
It is important to note that the ward must not be reopened until the above
communications have taken place, and a full terminal clean has been carried out. The
communications to the nurse in charge would normally take place via the Infection
E 16