Airborne isolation (EN) Airborne isolation (EN)

Aërogene isolatie

What does airborne isolation mean for you as a patient?

You have been admitted to Isala. While staying in the hospital, you will come into contact with hospital staff, other patients and equipment. In the hospital you may be exposed to certain types of microorganisms (i.e. bacteria, viruses and fungi), which you or your fellow patients carry naturally. These microorganisms can sometimes cause infections.

During airborne isolation, staff members wear an FFP2 mask when entering the room. Airborne isolation takes place in a single room (with an anteroom).
In principle, you will remain in your room. However, you may leave your room for rehabilitation in consultation with the nurse.

When is airborne isolation necessary?

Airborne isolation is used for patients with diseases caused by microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) that spread through the air (airborne transmission). In certain cases, airborne isolation may be applied on the basis of your symptoms (e.g. suspected pulmonary or ‘open’ tuberculosis).

Implementation of airborne isolation

When implementing airborne isolation, the nurse will discuss the following with you:

• The reason for isolation.
• The duration of isolation.
• The measures that have to be taken by the healthcare staff.
• The measures that have to be taken by your visitors.
• The times at which the nurse will visit you.
• The conditions under which the isolation can be terminated.

Measures after dismissal

Isolation measures will no longer be required once you have gone home.
If you go to a nursing home or care home, or will be receiving home care after being discharged from hospital, the organizations concerned will be informed about the correct measures.

What does airborne isolation mean for you as a visitor?

If you would like to visit a patient being cared for in airborne isolation, you may visit him/her as usual.
However, children less than 12 years of age are not permitted, with the exception of the patient’s own children who may visit after consultation with the pulmonologist or other physician.

You must report to the ward nurse prior to the visit.

As a visitor you must wear an FFP2 mask while in the patient’s room. It is important that this mask fits you properly. The mask is removed (in the anteroom) when you leave the room.
You must disinfect your hands with hand alcohol after the visit, before leaving the room.
Additional measures apply only if indicated, in which case the nurse will instruct you.

If you work in a healthcare setting yourself, it is recommended that you take the same measures as staff members.
If you are visiting more than one person in the hospital, we request that you visit the patient in airborne isolation last.

Finally

• The visiting hours can be extended in consultation with the nurse.
• It can be nice to read, do puzzles, listen to music, etc. Also consider needlework materials, writing utensils, paper, stamps and your mobile phone. Wireless internet is also available.

Contact

If you have any questions or problems related to the isolation, please feel free to speak to the nurse or the attending physician.

Zwolle

Dokter van Heesweg 2
8025 AB  Zwolle
Postbus 10400
8000 GK Zwolle

Meppel

Hoogeveenseweg 38
7943 KA Meppel
Postbus 502
7940 AM Meppel