CDI outbreak reporting
Health Boards should ensure that the nurse in charge of each ward reports suspected outbreaks of CDI (as defined in local guidance) to the Infection Control Team.
- The Scottish Government's response highlighted a robust HAI scrutiny regime across NHS Scotland, with the NIPCM providing clear guidance on outbreak identification and reporting procedures. The NIPCM requires that suspected outbreaks are reported to the Infection Control Team immediately (National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Scotland (https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/about-the-manual/)).
- National mandatory CDI surveillance in Scotland, started in 2006, requires NHS boards to report CDI cases through national surveillance systems. ARHAI Scotland (formerly Health Protection Scotland) provides national epidemiological analysis.
- The HAI Standards require clear escalation procedures for suspected outbreaks, with the Infection Control Manager responsible for coordinating the response and reporting to the board.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response highlights a robust HAI scrutiny regime across NHS Scotland, which drives improvements in infection control and prevention practices. The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, introduced in January 2012, provides NHS boards with guidance on evidence-based practice, monitoring, and scrutiny of infection prevention and control, which would include procedures for reporting suspected outbreaks.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
HIS IPC Standards (2022) Standard 4 (Assurance and Monitoring) requires reporting of suspected outbreaks to IPC teams. NIPCM provides detailed outbreak management guidance including mandatory CDI outbreak reporting protocols.
View detailed findings
National mandatory CDI surveillance has been in place since 2006 for patients aged 65+ and since April 2009 for all patients aged 15+. Quarterly epidemiological data published by Public Health Scotland.