Infection Prevention and Control Isolation Policy

Healthcare associated infections such as Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus; Clostridium difficile infection, Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase, Norovirus and multi resistant organisms may be transmitted between patients and potentially between patients, staff and visitors. Transmission of infection involves a source of infecting microorganism, a susceptible host and a mode of transmission.

When a patient is suspected or known to be suffering from infection, an understanding of the source, route and mode of the transmission (Appendix 1) of infection is essential in order to institute the appropriate infection prevention and control principles, including isolation.

Standard precautions must be applied to all patients without exception, inclusive of environmental cleaning, personal protective equipment and hand hygiene.

The isolation of patients must be based on the infection risk, symptoms and transmission in accordance with the relevant infection prevention and control policy.

The Medical Practitioner is responsible for ensuring notification of communicable diseases is undertaken.

In the community home setting, isolation of patients is not usually required. However, staff caring for the susceptible or known infected patient must adhere to the principle of infection prevention and control.

Download Infection Prevention and Control Isolation Policy document