NIPCM

Chapter 4 wording has been amended:

4.1.4 Management of water outlets including taps and showers - Showers

• This section previously advised that shower heads and hoses should be allowed to drain after use to prevent water from being retained in a loop within the hose. It was recognised that this requirement is difficult to implement in practice and, in the absence of supporting scientific evidence, this bullet point has been removed from the Chapter 4 content.
• Consideration will be given to shower design and the differing levels of associated risk linked to various types (e.g., hose-style showers virus fixed showers) while also considering accessibility requirements, as part of the next scheduled update to the Infection prevention and control for safe water systems literature review.

4.1.4 Management of water outlets including taps and showers – Flushing

• This section previously advised that in non-high-risk settings, all outlets should be flushed twice weekly as a minimum.
• The section has been updated to align with SHTM 04-01 Part B, advising that in non-high-risk settings, infrequently used outlets should be flushed twice weekly as a minimum.

4.1.7 Management of water outlets including taps and showers –What to test

• This section has had wording amended to clarify that testing should be focussed in high risk areas with consideration of testing in areas where high risk patients are frequently cared for.

• View Chapter 4 - Water