Isolation ward

Isolation Ward

An Isolation Ward is a separate ward used to isolate patients suffering from infectious diseases. This type of ward is a critical component in a hospital, especially during outbreaks of highly contagious diseases.

Purpose

The primary purpose of an isolation ward is to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from an infected patient to others in the hospital. Patients are placed in isolation if they have diseases that can be spread by airborne or contact routes.

Types of Isolation Wards

There are two main types of isolation wards:

1. Contact Isolation: This is used when the disease is spread through direct contact with the patient or indirect contact with environmental surfaces in the patient's environment.
2. Airborne Isolation: This is used when the disease is spread through the air and can be transmitted to others even when they are not in direct contact with the patient.

Design and Features

The design of an isolation ward is crucial to its effectiveness. It typically includes:

• Negative Pressure Room: This is a type of room where the air pressure is lower than the surrounding areas, which helps to contain airborne contaminants within the room.
• Anteroom: This is a small room leading into the isolation room where healthcare workers can put on or remove personal protective equipment.
• HEPA Filters: These are used to filter out airborne particles and prevent them from spreading to other areas.

Staffing and Procedures

Staffing in an isolation ward is typically higher than in other wards due to the need for strict infection control procedures. Staff must follow strict Infection Control Procedures including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and the proper disposal of waste.

See Also

• Infection Control
• Hospital Acquired Infections
• Quarantine

References

Isolation ward Resources
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