Policy for the management and control of diarrhoea and vomiting

Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust
POLICY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF DIARRHOEA
AND VOMITING (NOROVIRUS) INFECTIONS
cause analysis which will be carried out following a ward closure or death due
to Norovirus (see section 20.4).
3.4 All staff
3.5 All staff must ensure that their practice follows the current policies.
Information regarding the failure to comply with the policy (e.g. lack of
training, inadequate equipment) must be reported to the line manger and the
incident reporting system used where appropriate.
3.6 Infection Prevention & Control Team (IPC team)
3.7 The Infection Prevention & Control Team (IPCT) have a responsibility to offer
advice to healthcare staff on treatment and isolation requirements. The team
will collate data and share this within the Trust via the Infection Prevention &
Control Committee (IPCC) and the Infection Prevention & Control divisional
leads and link practitioners (IPCLPs).
4 INTRODUCTION
4.1 Small round structured viruses (SRSVs e.g. norovirus), are the most common
cause of outbreaks of gastro-enteritis in hospitals and can also cause
outbreaks in other settings such as schools, nursing homes and cruise ships.
Hospital outbreaks often lead to ward closure and major disruption in hospital
activity. Outbreaks can affect both patients and staff, sometimes with attack
rates in excess of 50%. For this reason, staff shortages can be severe,
particularly if several wards are involved at the same time.
4.2 The disease was historically known as the “winter vomiting disease” due to its
seasonality and typical symptoms. However in recent years this typical
pattern has changed and outbreaks have occurred throughout the year. In a
recent study the Health Protection Agency (HPA), have showed that variants
to the virus emerge frequently and become the predominant circulating strain
which in turn is later replaced by a new variant. Large numbers of contacts
can therefore be affected as immunity to the illness is not long-lasting.
4.3 Norovirus infections are usually associated with relatively mild and short lived
symptoms and affected individuals in the community rarely seek medical
attention. However outbreaks involving patients and staff in hospitals can
have a significant impact on hospital activities ranging from ward closures
and delays in the admission and discharge of patients. It is therefore
essential that cases are detected early and isolated appropriately to prevent
spread and major outbreaks. These viruses are relatively resistant to alcohol
gel so soap and water must be used when washing hands.
Authorities
Document Control Information
Author:
Dr Parnaby
Type:
Policy
Consultant Microbiologist
Sponsor: Members of the Infection Prevention & Scope:
Major
Control Committee
Reference:
CP101
Issue Number: 2
Date July 2011 Status: Published
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