New Strain Respiratory Virus Policy - Hampshire Hospitals NHS ...

Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust
New Strain Respiratory Virus Policy
needs on the implementation of new or updated policies. They are
responsible for ensuring adequate facilities and resources are available to
adhere to this policy and that any changes in practice are implemented. Line
managers are responsible for ensuring that all Infection Control (IC) policies
and procedures are accessible for all their staff and that their staff have read
them.
All Trust employees
All staff are responsible for ensuring their compliance to this policy to ensure
the safety of all patients, staff, visitors and contracted staff to this Trust.
Information regarding the failure to comply with this policy e.g. lack of training
or inadequate equipment must be reported to the line manager and the
incident reporting system used where appropriate. If patient or staff safety is
compromised as a result of the revised policy, staff must inform their line
manager and ensure that a risk assessment is completed and reported
through divisional risk forums and the Trust Patient Safety Manager.
It is the responsibility of individual practitioners to ensure they receive the
education they require to improve their knowledge, skills and competence as
stated in CP072 Training policy for employees of WECHT in infection control.
They are accountable to themselves, their line manager and the patient in
acknowledging their limitations and to verbalize their concerns in caring for
patients who have a new strain of respiratory virus such as influenza.
4 INTRODUCTION
Viral diseases pose a continual threat to human populations. As we live in
ever-increasing populations and become increasingly mobile so it is inevitable
that new viruses, such as SARS-CoV or new hyper-virulent influenza stain will
appear.
Respiratory infections are common including rhinoviruses, respiratory
syncytial virus, influenza viruses A, B and C, para-influenza viruses and
coronaviruses including SARS. Most infections with these viruses are fairly
mild, self-limiting and confined to the upper respiratory tract. However, these
viruses can undergo genetic changes and mutations and can emerge or reemerge
as more virulent agents and cause more severe infections and even
death. A new type or sub type of respiratory viruses may arise at any time,
the main processes in the evolution of emerging new viruses are not fully
clear, particularly the selection pressures faced by viruses in new host
species. Although the high mutation rates of RNA viruses like Influenza and
SARS provide them with great adaptability and explain why they are the main
cause of emerging diseases, their limited genome size means that they are
also subject to major evolutionary constraints. Viral genetic factors have also
Authorities
Document Control Information
Author: Sue Daiilly Lead Nurse Infection Type:
Policy
Control
Sponsor: Paula Shobbrook Director of Infection Scope:
Major
Prevention and Control
Reference:
CP104
Issue Number: 2
Date May 2010 Status: Final
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