An outbreak is declared when a number of people become sick with the same infection. In these situations, the Infection Prevention and Control team works with the care teams to support the recovery of ill patients and prevent the spread of the infection.
In an outbreak is declared, patients may be asked to stay on their unit or in their room if they are unwell. In some cases, visitors may be unable to visit the unit until the outbreak is declared over.
Personal protective equipment
Anyone entering the room of an ill person (e.g. staff, visitors) is required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, gowns, gloves) for infection control purposes. Inpatient rooms have a supply cupboard located outside the room containing personal protective equipment and clean linens. To access these cupboards, please speak to a member of the care team.
