The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published guidance for English adult social care providers, managers, and staff on initial steps to take if an individual is suspected of having a high-consequence infectious disease (HCID).
If someone is suspected of having an HCID, they cannot be safely isolated in a care setting and must be transferred to NHS facilities for treatment. Care professionals should call an ambulance for transfer and alert the local health protection team (HPT).
During the time before transfer, you should:
Contact and Support:
- Reach out to the local HPT for risk assessment and guidance.
- Explain the situation to the affected person, considering their capacity and mental state.
- Inform next of kin and facilitate remote communication with family.
Infection Control:
- Use full PPE (gloves, aprons, masks, eye protection) for all staff interactions.
- Keep the person away from others.
- For home care staff, follow HPT advice about visiting other clients.
Continuing Care:
- Maintain the person's basic needs (toilet access, food, water, medications, comfort).
- Only postpone personal care if it's safe to do so.
- Keep detailed records of all contacts with the person, including timing, duration, type of contact and PPE used.
After Hospital Transfer
- Close and do not clean the person's room until you receive specific decontamination guidance from the HPT.
- Monitor staff and other care users for symptoms.
- Consider whether you need to notify the Care Quality Commission under Regulation 18.
If an HCID is confirmed, the HPT will handle contact tracing and provide ongoing support. The person will remain in hospital until they’re no longer infectious and well enough to return to care.
