INFECTION CONTROL POLICY – 6th June 2012

 

 

AIM:    TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION AMONGST STAFF, RESIDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

 

PERSONAL HYGIENE AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

 

  • Hand washing is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of infection including service users.  All staff must follow the hand washing 6 step procedure technique in the Infection Control Manual.  Follow pictures provided above sinks at all times.
  • Liquid soap should be used and disposable towels to dry hands.
  • Gloves should be worn when dealing with body fluids or residents with infection.  Remember to wash your hands and change gloves between each resident.
  • Gloves are not an alternative to washing hands.
  • Disposable aprons should be worn when dealing with body fluids or residents with infectious diseases and changed between each resident.
  • Always dispose of dirty gloves and aprons in yellow clinical waste bin.

 

LAUNDRY

 

  • Staff should ensure they have a clean and tidy attire at all times, as in line with meeting essential standards of quality & safety in the Infection Control Manual.

 

  • Any faecal / soiled items of laundry must be sluiced soaked then put into washing machine on a sluice wash.
  • All soiled laundry must be put into the red disposal bags and put into washing machine.

CLEANING

 

  • Cleaning and disinfection should be carried out according to set routines.  Cleaning must be to a high standard using specified cleaning fluids, e.g. toilet cleaner / bowl to be used – do not use bleach on toilets as it damages ceramic surface.

 

  • Mop heads to be cleaned at least twice weekly or when visibly soiled. To be soaked in a bucket of sanitizing solution (made up from tablet) for at least 10 minutes or until visible soil removed.  Must be rinsed very thoroughly, and then allowed to dry naturally upside down.  Must be completely dry before storage.  Rinse bucket thoroughly after use.  Place through washing machine on a weekly basis.

 

  • Ensure cleaning is performed as per cleaning policy and routine on Infection Control Manual.  Cleaning standards to be assessed regularly via Home Managers and Infection Control Audit.

 

AUDITS

 

  • Infection Control Audits will be performed monthly by infection control lead, with action points raised and acted upon within the following month.  These to be supplemented where necessary, by Home Managers and Inter-Home audits.

 

 

DISPOSAL OF SHARPS

 

  • To be put in yellow plastic sharps bin container provided for incineration and guidelines to be followed in the Infection Control Manual.

 

PETS

 

  • Should be checked regularly in case of fleas and other pests.  See Pet Policy.

PESTS

 

  • The pest control should be monitored on a weekly basis.VISITORS

     

  • Should be discouraged to visit home if there is any infection. WASTE

     

  • Follow handling of clinical waste procedure in Infection Control Manual. CLINICAL WASTE

     

  • Dressing and associated equipment used in wound care must be disposed of correctly via the clinical waste system. Orange bags must be used for contaminated or potentially infected clinical waste. FURTHER INFORMATION

     

  • There is an Infection Control Manual in the office that all staff are to read.  

     

Signed: ……………………………………            Dated: ………………………