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Preventing infection in social care settings
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Potential infection risks
Sputum (mucous), nasal discharge (runny nose), or coughing

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Sputum (mucous), nasal discharge (runny nose), or coughing

Preventing infection in social care settings

NHS Education for Scotland

Potential infection risk guideline

During routine care you are in close contact with those that you care for, and coughs and sneezes are common causes of cross infection. Viruses/ bacteria (germs/bugs) can easily spread from care giver to care receiver and vice versa.

By following these Standard Infection Control Precautions you can minimise infection risks to yourself but, in particular, take a look at the guidance on respiratory and cough hygiene.

Scenario: Mr. McDonald has mobility issues and is unable to reach his tissues when he suddenly sneezes. He uses his hands to cover his mouth prior to holding his walking frame to stand up.

What Standard Infection Control Precautions should I use?

For detailed instruction on how to apply these Standard Infection Control Precautions, please see the links below.

Do this

Respiratory and cough hygiene

Personal protective equipment

Safe disposal of waste (including sharps)

Consider this

Resident/person placement

Safe management of care environment

Safe management of blood and body fluid spillages

Other factors

Occupational safety: prevention and exposure management (including sharps)

Safe management of care equipment

Safe management of linen