Managers of communal residential settings have a duty to assess and manage the risk of infection, illness and disease. This includes care homes, boarding schools, secure education settings, homelessness hostels and other environments where people live, work and spend time in close contact.
Infection prevention and control is not only about responding when someone becomes unwell. It is about having effective arrangements in place to reduce the risk of infections spreading to staff, residents, pupils, visitors and contractors.
Why infection prevention and control matters
In residential settings, infections can spread quickly because of shared facilities, close contact and vulnerable people living on site. Poor infection prevention and control can lead to staff sickness, disruption to services, reputational damage and increased risks to those who may already be more susceptible to illness.
Keeping infection prevention and control arrangements up to date helps organisations follow good practice, protect people and respond quickly if cases or outbreaks occur.
Common infection risks
Common infection risks include respiratory infections, sickness and diarrhoea illnesses, skin infections and infestations such as scabies.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated its guidance on managing scabies cases and outbreaks in long-term care facilities and other closed settings.
What residential settings should have in place
Managers should ensure suitable infection prevention and control measures are in place and reviewed regularly. These may include:
- infection prevention and control policies
- clear cleaning and hygiene procedures
- handwashing facilities and guidance
- safe laundry and waste management arrangements
- procedures for reporting illness
- outbreak management plans
- staff training and awareness
- communication plans for staff, residents, families and visitors.
Responding to outbreaks
Where an outbreak is suspected, organisations should act promptly. This may include seeking public health advice, increasing cleaning, reviewing contact between affected individuals and others, and making sure staff understand the actions required.
How PIB Risk Management can help
PIB Risk Management can support residential settings with practical infection prevention and control measures tailored to their environment.
Our team can help by:
- carrying out audits and risk assessments
- reviewing existing controls
- identifying areas for improvement
- providing practical guidance
- arranging staff training to help your team understand their responsibilities and respond effectively.
Regularly reviewing infection prevention and control arrangements can help protect residents, staff and visitors while supporting compliance with current guidance.
