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

Note: Completion
of Review
NHS Lanarkshire
Health Protection Committee
SECTION E 1 - Management of In-patients with
Loose Stools: Gastrointestinal Outbreak
E 32
Section E1
Effective
From
Sep 2010
Replaces Jun 2010
Pages 32 of 31
Review Date Dec 2012
TYPING
Typing of strains is not routinely carried out; therefore it is not possible to confirm that individual outbreaks are
linked.
RESTRICTION ON STAFF MOVEMENT, NURSING (INCLUDING BANK/AGENCY/STUDENT)
AND DOMESTIC REQUIRES THAT:
Essential services such as portering, medical etc would not normally be restricted.
Staff with symptoms that fulfill the case definition must refrain from work as advised by Occupational
Health and Safety Services and as directed by the Infection Control Team.
For symptoms of gastro-enteritis, affected staff must refrain from duty for 48 hours, following cessation of
symptoms.
Staff working within the affected area MUST NOT be deployed to any other area unless out with the
affected area for 48 hours or more without developing symptoms.
Staff deployed to the restricted area WILL REMAIN deployed in that area for the duration of the outbreak.
Other disciplines that provide direct patient care in the affected area would normally be restricted, such as
physiotherapy, to ensure these essential services can provide healthcare in other areas.
VISITORS TO THE AFFECTED AREA:
Would not normally be restricted, but the numbers should be kept to a minimum. The nurse in charge should
discourage the elderly, very young and immunocompromised.
A notice must be placed on the entrance door informing of the outbreak, referring visitors to the Nurse in
charge.
Guidance must be given to visitors by the Nurse in charge on the prevention of infection such as hand
washing (written guidance available).
Visitors with symptoms must not visit unless 48 hours symptom free.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK MUST NOT BE CARRIED OUT DURING AN OUTBREAK
OTHER RESTRICTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INFECTION
CONTROL TEAM