Protective isolation (EN) Protective isolation (EN)

Beschermende isolatie

What does protective 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 protective isolation, staff members wear gloves, aprons, mask, safety glasses or goggles and in some cases a cap, when they are in contact with you. Protective 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.
In principle, examinations or tests taking place in other departments of the hospital can still proceed. The nurse will notify the department in question about your visit so that measures can also be taken there if necessary.

When is protective isolation necessary?

Protective isolation is used for severely immunocompromised patients in order to prevent contamination and/or infection with microorganisms (bacteria and viruses). For example, protective isolation is used for patients with burns or leukemia.

Implementation of protective isolation

When implementing protective 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 protective isolation mean for you as a visitor?

You may only visit a patient in protective isolation if you do not have any infections yourself. Intensive contact with the patient should be avoided.
Children less than 12 years of age are not permitted to visit, with the exception of the patient’s own children or grandchildren, who may visit, provided that there are no infections/epidemics at their schools/daycare centers (after consultation with the attending physician).

You must report to the ward nurse prior to the visit.
You must disinfect your hands before entering the room. You must wear protective clothing and a mask while in the room. The protective clothing and the mask are removed (in the anteroom) when you leave the room. You must disinfect your hands with hand alcohol after the visit, before leaving the room.
Objects and food items may only be taken into the isolation room following consultation with the nurses.
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.

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