Water resources

Healthcare Water Systems Associated Organisms Incident or Outbreak Checklist

This checklist is an adaptation of the 2015 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outbreak Checklist and should be used pending the development of new resources.

It aligns with the findings of the Infection prevention and control for safe water systems literature review and should be used in conjunction with the guidance contained within Chapter 4 of the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM).

Point of use (POU) Water Filters Guide and Resources

In response to an incident, outbreak, or as instructed by an IMT (Incident Management Team), POU water filters may be fitted where patients at higher risk of waterborne infection are being cared for.

The guide and resources below can be used for the installation and management of POU water filters. 

Healthcare water and drainage systems animations

A series of five animations have been developed to support specific target audiences.

These animations subjects are:

  1. Infection prevention and control risks related to the design and construction of domestic water and above ground drainage systems.
  2. Infection prevention and control design considerations of healthcare domestic water and above ground drainage.
  3. Infection prevention and control considerations for construction and maintenance of healthcare domestic water and above ground drainage systems.
  4. Infection prevention and control risks related to the commissioning of domestic water and above ground drainage systems.
  5. Infection prevention and control risks related to the handover of domestic water and above ground drainage systems.

Think sink, think splash, think safety! animation

Think sink, think splash, think safety! animation was developed by NES in collaboration with NHS Scotland Assure (ARHAI Clinical Assurance). This animation describes the do’s and don’ts of clinical wash hand basins (sinks) – their intended purpose, water associated infection risks and what we all can do together to reduce this risk. The animation promotes best practice for all staff within healthcare settings when using the clinical wash hand basins. A poster supports the animation.