POLICY BULLETIN

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What is new/changed?

PROTOCOL 821-1 -
MANAGING EXPOSURE TO BLOOD AND/OR BODY FLUIDS

Why was the policy changed?

Commissioner's Directive 821 on the Management of infectious Diseases is being updated; the revised CD is expected to be issued in the spring. The Protocol on follow-up to significant exposure to blood and/or body fluids is being issued separately in order to ensure procedures and practices are clear with respect to managing this risk.

What has changed?

The protocol replaces the 1998 Interim Instruction which required that inmates always be transferred to an outside facility for treatment. It applies to staff, inmates, and offenders residing in a CCC and permits follow-up by CSC Health Care staff of an inmate who has incurred a significant exposure.

The two hour timeframe for access to the appropriate post-exposure medications has been removed in order to emphasize the importance of immediate action by the exposed individual and by CSC following exposure to blood or body fluids.

How was it developed?

The protocol was developed jointly by the Health Services Branch, Correctional Operations and Programs Sector, and the Workplace Wellbeing Branch, Human Resource Management Sector, in consultation with the Assistant Deputy Commissioners, Operations, and other regional and unit officials. As well, the Unions provided comments in December 2003 and on the final version in mid-March..

Accountabilities?

Institutional Heads are responsible for the effective implementation of this protocol.

Who will be affected by the protocol?

This protocol impacts on staff, inmates, and offenders residing in a CCC.

Expected cost?

No new costs are anticipated.

Other impacts?

None identified.

Contacts:

Dr. Françoise Bouchard
Director General, Health Services
(613) 995-6277

Jim Vladyka
Director, Workforce Wellbeing
(613) 995-6382

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