Moving out of cubicles

Infection Prevention and Control Department

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Moving Out of Cubicles PIAG 132 (215kB)

At times when large numbers of children and young people are admitted to Alder Hey with respiratory or other infections, such as diarrhoea and vomiting, the demand for cubicles can be greater than the number available.

Why may you be asked to move out of a cubicle?

When children and young people are admitted, swabs are taken to identify if they have infections such as Covid or antibiotic resistant bacteria. Samples may also be taken to identify any other suspected infections such as sepsis, gastroenterititis or respiratory viruses.

Babies or children and young people who are found not to have an infection, or those at low risk of developing an infection may then be moved out of a cubicle onto a multi-bedded bay. This allows us to admit any children and young people with infections into cubicles, protecting others from catching these illnesses.

Children and young people who are no longer infectious

It may also be necessary to move children and young people who have had an infection out of a cubicle when they are no longer infectious, for the same reason as above, e.g. if they had diarrhoea and vomiting and they have had no symptoms for 2 days, or if they had a respiratory infection and they no longer have any symptoms such as a cough or runny nose.

Nursing Children and young people together with the same infection

On occasions it is necessary to place children and young people with the same infection together in a bay – this is called a cohort. This practice can reduce the time children and young people who need a cubicle will have to wait in A&E before being admitted. It has an additional benefit for families because they are able to gain some support from other families in the bay.

Nursing Children and young people in the bay with infections spread through touch

Rarely, it may be necessary for children and young people who have infections, or carry resistant bacteria, to be moved out of a cubicle and into an area of the ward behind mobile screens, where the child can be more closely observed, but transmission of the infection can be prevented by strict handwashing and cleaning of equipment between children and young people.

Making the decision

The decision to move a patient out of a cubicle is never taken lightly and is done with the advice of Senior nurses and the Infection Prevention & Control team as the safety of all our children and young people is our number one priority.

Parents in the bay

Whilst in the bay one parent or carer is able to stay with their child overnight.Two parents may be present during the day. The bays have social distancing is in place and screens divide the bed spaces. Parents should remain in their own bedspace and wear a face mask

For further Information about the prevention & control of infections please discuss with your child’s nurse or contact the Infection Prevention & Control Team directly on 0151 252 5485.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 132