Case Study

Miriam is a new support worker at a residential establishment for older people. During her second week in her new job, Miriam is stripping a bed to change the linen when her supervisor comes looking for her to discuss her induction. The supervisor asks Miriam why, as a new member of staff, she is working alone and why she is stripping the bed without wearing gloves. The supervisor points out that the person whose bed is being stripped has urinary incontinence, and that by not wearing gloves Miriam is putting herself and others at risk of infection. Miriam explains that her colleague, who she was making the beds with, was called away to deal with something else, so she had agreed to strip the beds in readiness for the two of them to make them again later. The supervisor reminds Miriam of the care plans and risk assessments for all service users that she has been shown; she also makes a note to herself that new workers should have closer supervision until they are fully conversant with the care plans and risk assessments.

1. In addition to wearing gloves, what steps should be taken when dealing with soiled linen?
2. Would it be acceptable to wear the same pair of gloves to strip several beds of their linen? Why?

Credit: ‘Chapter 15: Causes and spread of infection’ in ‘Health and Social Care Level 2 textbook’ by City & Guilds. It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.