Prevention of infection and communicable disease control in prisons and places of detention

Synopsis

This document provides guidance for healthcare workers and other staff who work in prisons and places of detention. The manual provides advice on specific infections and dealing with outbreaks, key points on immunisation and vaccination and guidance on infection prevention and control within custodial settings.

Each section can be updated/reviewed as necessary. It is not an exhaustive document on all aspects of communicable diseases and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures. Therefore, it is recommended that it is used in conjunction with any relevant evidenced-based guidance from the Department of Health (DH), Health Protection Agency (HPA), Prison Service Orders/ Instructions and other relevant sources/departments. The guidance is not intended to replace other resources, such as local IPC policies, but to complement them.

This document may help in the development of training resources for healthcare staff and for training other staff working within custodial institutions.

Last reviewed: 4 August 2011