Effective CDI patient isolation
Health Boards should ensure that there is effective isolation of any patient who is suspected of suffering from CDI, and that failure to isolate is reported to senior management.
- Scottish Government policy requires all planned new-build hospitals to provide 100% single-room accommodation, significantly improving capacity for patient isolation. For refurbished accommodation, a minimum of 50% single rooms is required (Scottish Health Planning Note 04-01, October 2010).
- The NIPCM includes detailed guidance on patient isolation for CDI and other infections, including when isolation is required and how to manage it effectively (National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Scotland (https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/about-the-manual/)).
- The significant increase in single-room capacity across NHS Scotland directly supports the effective isolation of patients with CDI.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 3.1 of the Scottish Government's response addresses patient isolation through the requirement for all planned new-build hospitals to provide 100% single-room accommodation, and refurbished builds at least 50%. This measure significantly reduces the risk of patients contracting and passing on infection. Additionally, Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) include "Patient placement in wards and bays" as a basic measure to reduce transmission risks.
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.
Scottish Government policy (CEL 48 2008) requires all planned new-build hospitals to provide 100% single-room accommodation. Refurbished buildings must accommodate at least 50% single rooms. 3.6m by 3.7m bed spacing requirement for multi-bed wards.
View detailed findings
Single-room accommodation policy directly supports effective isolation of CDI patients. NIPCM provides detailed isolation guidance.