Physical Environment & Safe Systems

POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL 4

Physical Environment & Safe Systems

Policy No: 4.7 (47) INFECTION CONTROL

Risk Management

Visitors Pets

Responsibility: Visitors and all residential care facility staff

Distribution: All Staff and residents families

PURPOSE:

To enhance happiness and welfare of all the residents, allowing those who wish to enjoy the companionship of a visiting pet to do so whilst respecting the safety and choice of all residents, staff and visitors in the home.

POLICY:

1. Unusual pets will not be permitted into the home without special consent from the CEO/DON.

2. Subject to entry, prior approval is required from the CEO/DON with general information of what type of pet, size etc.

3. In keeping with Infection Control Guidelines (Department of Health and Ageing – Infection Control In The Health Care Setting) visiting animals must have annual veterinary checks and should be fully immunized and wormed.

4. All pets are to be supervised by their owner at all times, whilst in the home.

5. Definitely no pets allowed in the dining areas, particularly during mealtimes.

6. Definitely no feeding of pets inside the home.

7. All pets are to be restrained on a leash (if possible).

8. At no time are sick animals to enter the home. This responsibility shall be on the owners to ensure that the pet is in a healthy and safe condition.

9. All animal excreta must be cleaned and disposed of by the owner.

10. Any incident arising from the pet that creates cost shall be borne by the owner.

11. The organisation will have appropriate insurance policies in place.

12. Visitors and interested persons wanting to bring in pets will be made aware of these guidelines by a sign at the front door and at the sign in sheet. All pets brought into the facility must be signed in at the visitor book and a form outlining the responsibilities of the owner must be signed. Information is also be placed in the resident/relative handbook to this effect.

DEFINITION:

- Pets are deemed to be dogs, cats, birds and other common family pets.

- UNUSUAL PETS other than common family pets eg:, Possums, Minature Horses etc

I have read and agree to abide by the above policy for bringing my pet to Darlingford Nursing Home.

Type of pet Name of Pet

Signed Date

Unusual pet authorisation

Authorised by Nurse Unit Manager or delegated person in charge.

Signed Date

Designation

Authorised at Quality Meeting: January 2012 Version 4

Authorised DON/Manager: J. Cavill Date to be reviewed: January 2014

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