Prevention and control of infection in care homes – an information resource
The steps taken in care homes to protect residents and staff from infection represent an important element in the quality of care, particularly as some infections have the capacity to spread within environments where susceptible people share eating and living accommodation. It is also important to be aware of the possibility of infection in residents and for care workers to identify these promptly.
Infections acquired in care homes may be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. These may worsen underlying medical conditions and adversely affect recovery. Infections may be caused by organisms resistant to antibiotics and the high media profile they generate may alarm residents, their relatives and carers.
It is therefore important that clear information on the standards of infection prevention and control in care homes is available to allow informed choice and promote confidence in the quality of care provided. Families and carers will want to be assured that the care their relatives and dependants receive is provided in a clean and safe environment.
This resource aims to provide care home mangers, Care Quality Commission inspectors and Health Protection Units a common source of information on the prevention and control of infection in care homes. Not all information in the resource will be relevant to all care homes.
Published : 18th February 2013
Publisher : Department of Health [ More From This Publisher ]
Rights : Crown Copyright
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