General – Frequently Asked Questions

How to contact the Health Protection Team (HPT)?

During office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00am -5:00 pm):  call 01224 558520

Out of hours: Contact Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) switchboard and request to speak to the first on-call for Public Health on 0345 456 6000

Email: Gram.healthprotection@nhs.scot

Shingles/Chicken Pox

A Staff member is being treated for Shingles, can they come to work?

Yes, if the staff member feels well and the blisters are under areas of clothing that still maintain bare below the elbow.

A Resident is being treated for shingles, should they isolate, and for how long?

Yes, if blisters cannot be covered, the resident should isolate until the blisters are fully crusted over or can be covered.

Staff member has Chickenpox?

Contact the HPT for further advice

Can we use fans during an outbreak?

In a resident’s private room, fans can be used if the residents feels too warm after heating is turned off and windows are opened. Please check that:

  • The fan is clean and well-maintained.
  • The fan is directed away from doors.
  • Windows remain open for ventilation.

In communal areas: Fans should not be used during an outbreak

Can staff wear cultural / religious bracelets?

All staff must be bare below the elbow at all times, as per the National Infection Prevention Control Manual for Care homes (CHNIPCM).

Bracelets or bangles worn for religious or cultural beliefs (e.g., the Kara) can be adjusted higher up the arm and secured in place.

Can cleaning bottles be refilled?

No. Do not refill spray bottles for cleaning products as there is a risk of contamination. 

Can staff wear false nails or nail varnish?

No. Artificial nails or any nail products should not be worn

How do I clean a non-reusable items?

The “decontamination of non-invasive care equipment poster” can help staff decide how to clean equipment.

Flowchart for decontamination of reusable non-invasive care equipment

What should we use for routine cleaning of the environment and shared equipment?

General purpose detergent with warm water. This should be changed when dirty or at 15 minutes’ intervals or when changing tasks

Bathrooms- 1,000 parts per million available chlorine (ppm available chlorine (av.cl.) should be used routinely on sanitary fitting.

Routine environmental cleaning should follow the guidance in the NHSScotland National Cleaning Specification and Cleaning Specification for Care Homes.

What cleaning agents do we use for the cleaning of the environment and equipment in a respiratory or gastrointestinal outbreak?

During an outbreak the care environment and all shared equipment must be disinfected using either:-

A combined detergent/disinfectant solution at a dilution of 1,000 parts per million available chlorine (ppm available chlorine (av.cl.));

or

A general purpose neutral detergent in a solution of warm water followed by disinfection solution of 1,000ppm av.cl.

Chlorine solution that is made up should be signed, dated and labelled. It should be changed every 24 hours and stored in a locked cupboard away from direct sunlight.

If the item cannot withstand chlorine releasing agents staff are advised to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for a suitable alternative to use following or combined with detergent cleaning.

What is a terminal clean?

If a resident is isolating due to a suspected or known infection, such as Norovirus or Covid-19 a terminal clean of their room should be completed. This should be undertaken once the resident is no longer infectious, or following transfer/discharge. Follow the link for steps on how to complete a Terminal clean

Useful Posters and PDFS