Infection prevention & control

No, Although Clinell Universal wipes are dermatologically tested and are “skin kind” they are designed to be used for cleaning surfaces and equipment. Other more suitable skin cleansing wipes are available from Clinell.

Do I need to clean patient’s skin prior to venepuncture?

Yes, in line with the Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures - Chapter 10.1 "Clean the patient's skin carefully for 30 seconds using an appropriate preparation, such as skin cleansing wipes containing “Chlorhexidine 2% and alcohol 70%”, and allow to dry. Do not re-palpate or touch the skin” “This is to maintain asepsis, minimize the risk of infection and to prevent pain on insertion.”

A link to suitable products available on NHS Supply Chain can be found here. For further information contact E: DCHST.infectioncontrol@nhs.net.

Yes, as long as surfaces are not visibly dirty, contaminated with blood or body fluids or the patient has a known or suspected infection.

Do I need to wear gloves when using Clinell (green) universal wipes?

How often do fabric and disposable curtains need to be changed in DCHS?

Do the Laerdal pocket masks in rigid plastic containers have an expiry date?

Yes, the expiry date is recognised to be 5 years after manufacture.  

However masks should be checked regularly and if they look old, worn and out of date then they should be replaced.

Can portable be fans be used in clinical and non-clinical areas?

No, due to the risk from Legionella and issues around maintenance DCHS do not support the use of portable air conditioning units. Contact Estates for further information - dchst.estateshelpdesk@nhs.net.

How long may sharps containers be used for once started?

Once opened sharps containers may only be used for 3 months. This does not apply to sharps containers on the resus trolley, these should be closed, disposed of and replaced once used.

Can I wash my hands with cold water?

When hands are visibly soiled, when caring for patients with a known or suspected infection, when there is an obvious build-up of alcohol hand gel on hands, when caring for patients with diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

What can I do if I have dry or sore red hands?

Do I need to wash my uniform separate from other laundry and at 60 degrees?

Yes, extensive literature searches and research has concluded that washing uniforms at 60 degrees is the safest option as it removes all microorganisms, including Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) to as safe level.

What jewellery can I wear as part of DCHS Uniform and Dress Code Policy?

Yes, in agreement with your line manager, however you must remove it or ensure it is secured up your arm to enable effective hand hygiene to take place.

Can I wear an SOS medic alert bracelet?

I work in the community can I use patient’s own fabric towels or kitchen roll for drying my hands?

No, to standardise practice and minimise the risk of infection you should use your own stock of liquid hand soap or alcohol hand gel. These can be obtained for your service via the NHS Supply Chain.

No, if the dressing is not waterproof then you would be unable to carry out effective hand hygiene in order to minimise the risk of cross infection.

Can I work clinically if I need to wear a splint, brace or support to the hand or arm below the elbow for clinical activities?

No, unless the appliance can be removed to enable you to carry out effective hand hygiene and is fully wipeable to reduce the risk of cross infection.

 What type of stools on the Bristol Stool chart do I need to send for testing if a gastro-intestinal infection such as Norovirus or Clostridium difficile is suspected?

True diarrhoea consists entirely of liquid/water and takes the shape of the container it is in and a pipette used to obtain a sample for testing, Type 5, 6 and 7 on the Bristol Stool Chart.

How long do patients with diarrhoea and vomiting need to remain isolated following symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting?

Patients need to remain isolated for 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

How long do I need to stay off work if I have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting?

Can I come into work with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting if I am not working clinically or work in an office environment?

No, you must not attend work with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting whatever environment you work in.

Do patients with shingles or chickenpox need barrier nursing?

Yes, until blisters/spots have scabbed over and are dry.

Do patients with scabies need barrier nursing?

No, patients may be nursed in an open ward however linen should be treated as infectious until all treatment is completed. Standard precautions apply for use of gloves and apron.

No, only patients having podiatric surgery or nail surgery where the nails appears to be infected or patients have a history of MRSA and have not been swabbed within the last 6 weeks are swabbed for MRSA within DCHS.

AMaT audits need to be carried out on a quarterly basis, the number of returns depends on the size of the team and refers to the number for the whole quarter. “One audit cycle” refers to a quarter.

Why do AMaT audits need to be carried out even in non-clinical areas/teams?

We need to ensure work areas and teams are working safely and correctly to minimise the risk of infections and outbreaks. The AMaT audits provide evidence that staff are complying with local and national guidance and this in turn provides assurance for the Trust board and external bodies such as NHSEI in the event of any outbreaks.

In this case a scenario based observation can be completed e.g. at a base for example at handover, team meetings or time out days.

Yes, non-clinical staff can receive information and training by contacting the Quality Always Team -  dchst.qualityalways@nhs.net.

Training, advice and support, including the answers to queries related to the AMaT can be obtained via the Improvement, Innovation and Effectiveness Team - dchst.cet@nhs.net.

Do the IP & C Team carry supplies that other staff can access e.g. Lateral Flow Tests (LFT), gloves, aprons, hand wash and gel?

No, the IP & C Team only have a small supply of resources for their own use and order their own supplies via the PPE Team as all other areas - dchst.covid19ppe@nhs.net.

Is the IP & C Team able to provide product information or order codes for equipment and supplies such as gloves, wipes, masks etc?

No, the IP & C Team do not have access to information on products or order codes. Staff need to access the PPE Team dchst.covid19ppe@nhs.net or Procurement Queries - dchst.procurementqueries@nhs.net.