Infection control

August 2008, Review August 2010

Infection control procedures
Background
Tigh a’Chomainn accepts its responsibility to implement appropriate procedures for the control of infection in accordance with current legislation and regulations. The Scottish Executive publication “Infection Control Standards for Adult Care Homes” (2005) was used as a guide in developing the procedures outlined below.
1. Environmental hygiene
• The houses are cleaned regularly, with particular attention to areas that might harbour infection. Basic cleaning chores are carried out on a weekly schedule. Co-workers help residents to keep their bathrooms and bedrooms clean.
2. Food hygiene
• Food hygiene is part of the core training programme for co-workers.
3. Hand hygiene
• Cuts and abrasions are covered with a waterproof dressing.
4. If there is a serious infection in the community:
• Co-workers will inform everyone connected with the community.
• Visitors will be advised to stay away, especially if they start to feel unwell.
• Non-essential meetings, travel and social events will be postponed.
• Serious infections will be reported under the RIDDOR regulations.
5. Clinical waste
• Advice will be sought from the responsible medical practitioner regarding the likelihood that human waste associated with the infection will present specific risks, and appropriate arrangements will be made for the disposal of such waste. In particular it will be bagged and stored separately from ordinary household waste.
6. Monitoring and reporting
• There will be an annual report to the Council of Tigh a’Chomainn, stating how the infection control procedures have been applied during the year, and noting any areas of concern or needs for improvement.