Last Updated 9 April 2024
This page includes information and signposting to help adult social care providers with infection prevention and control (IPC). Unless it is otherwise specified, the guidance on this page relates to all care settings.
Quick links:
If you require clarification or have concerns about infection control, please escalate them to your Line Manager in the first instance.
Managers can also contact UKHSA for advice on 0300 303 8162 or email – swhpt@ukhsa.gov.uk
IPC teams
East – rduh.infectioncontrol-eastern@nhs.net
North – rduh.infectioncontrol-northern@nhs.net
South – infectioncontrol.sdhct@nhs.net
West – plh-tr.ipct-admin@nhs.net
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Appropriate PPE should be worn by care workers in all settings, as well as visitors to residential settings, subject to a risk assessment. For further information, please refer to the PPE section within the Infection prevention and control (IPC) in adult social care: acute respiratory infection (ARI) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For PPE to be effective, it is important to use it properly and follow instructions for putting it on (donning) and taking it off (doffing)
Quick reference poster for PPE requirements when caring for a person with suspected or confirmed Acute Respiratory Infection
NB: free PPE arrangements to care settings ended on 31st March 2024 for more information PPE Transition » NHS Supply Chain
Precautions
Allergies – Devon County Council have been made aware that Latex may be used in the manufacture of some face masks, as well as gloves. Latex can produce an allergic reaction in some individuals which can vary in severity from a runny nose and itchy /eyes to anaphylaxis.
Any product which contains a CE mark on the packaging and where latex has been used in the manufacture of that product will be labelled with the following symbol and/or appropriate warning on its packaging.
CE marked boxes of masks that do not contain this symbol and/or warnings on the packaging should not contain latex.
PPE and heat – Risk of heat stress
Wearing PPE in warm / hot environments increases the risk of heat stress on the person. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down.
Measures to control the temperature of clinical environments and enable staff to make behavioural adaptations to stay cool and well hydrated should be made. Staff may require more frequent breaks and the frequency of PPE changes may increase, with a resulting increase in demand.
You will find further information here
Waste Management
In addition to standard precautions other waste management should be observed.
Staff Movement
Care services are not normally required to limit staff movement between sites or services, however they may be asked to limit staff movement by the local Health Protection Team if, for example there is a high prevalence of ARI’s locally, or the setting is experiencing an outbreak. Further information can be found here
Cleaning Resources
NHS England have released a set of informative cleaning resources for care homes and their staff, on the following topics:
10,000 Dilution using tabs body fluids
Care home top tips (electronic version)
Care home top tips (printing version)
Cleaning and disinfection wipes leaflet
Sluice poster for tablet dilution
Best Practice Posters
How to hand wash step by step images