Page 50 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

3.5.4 Preparation of the isolation room/area
• Ensure appropriate room ventilation (e.g. 12 ACH).
• Post signage on the door.
• Before being allowed into the isolation areas, visitors should consult the nurse in
charge, who is also responsible for keeping a visitor record. A roster of all staff
working in the isolation areas should also be kept for possible outbreak investigation
and contact tracing.
• Remove all non-essential furniture; the remaining furniture should be easy to clean,
and should not conceal or retain dirt or moisture within or around it.
• Stock PPE supply and linen outside the isolation room/area (e.g. in the change
room).
• Stock the sink area with suitable supplies for hand washing, and with alcohol-based
hand rub near the point-of-care and room door.
• Place appropriate waste bags in a bin. If possible, use a touch-free bin.
• Place a puncture-proof container for sharps disposal inside the isolation room/area.

• Keep the patient’s personal belongings to a minimum. Keep water pitchers and
cups, tissue wipes, and all items necessary for attending to personal hygiene within
the patient’s reach.
• Stethoscope, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, and sphygmomanometer should be
dedicated to the patient, non-critical patient-care equipment if possible.
• Any patient-care equipment that is required for use by other patients should be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.
• Set up a trolley outside the door to hold PPE. A checklist may be useful to ensure
that all equipment is available
• Place an appropriate container with a lid outside the door for equipment that requires
disinfection or sterilization.
• Keep adequate equipment required for cleaning or disinfection inside the isolation
room/area and ensure scrupulous daily cleaning of the isolation room/area.

• A telephone or other method of communication should be set up in the isolation
room/area to enable patients or family members/visitors to communicate with HCWs
in order to minimize the necessity for HCWs to enter the room/area.
• Educational information on necessary precautions and procedures should be readily
available and accessible (for example, in the form of information pamphlets, or posters,
located adjacent to the isolation room) for staff, patients and visitors, while ensuring
there is no breach of medical confidentiality.

Ministry of Health Malaysia 39