For more information, read the full Community communicable disease outbreak and incident management policy by downloading the accessible Word document at the end of this page.
Who the policy applies to
- People using NHS services
- Staff working in NHS Essex and partner organisations
- Care providers delivering NHS services
- Families, carers and visitors
Why this policy is important
Some illnesses can spread quickly in the community.
This policy helps the NHS to:
- spot outbreaks early
- act quickly to reduce the spread of infection
- protect people who may be at risk
- coordinate services across health and care organisations
It supports safe, effective services and helps protect public health.
What an outbreak means
An outbreak happens when:
- two or more people have the same illness in the same place or time
- infection levels are higher than expected
- there is a serious or rare case that needs urgent action
How outbreaks are identified
Public health teams monitor infection levels all the time.
When there are signs of a possible outbreak:
- specialist teams investigate
- they decide if action is needed
How the NHS responds
If an outbreak is confirmed, the NHS works with public health teams and partners.
This includes:
- sharing information quickly
- assessing the risks
- planning how to manage the situation
- coordinating services across the local area
The NHS may also:
- provide testing for patients and staff
- advise on protective equipment
- offer treatment or vaccination if needed
Working together
Managing an outbreak needs a joined-up response.
The NHS works closely with:
- public health experts
- local councils
- care providers and hospitals
A dedicated group may be set up to manage the response and make decisions.
Communication and updates
Clear communication is important during an outbreak.
The NHS will:
- keep staff and partners informed
- share updates with the public when needed
- make sure accurate information is available
After an outbreak
After the outbreak ends, the NHS reviews what happened.
This helps to:
- learn lessons
- improve future responses
- reduce the risk of similar outbreaks
Reviews are shared with relevant teams and used to improve services.
Roles and responsibilities
The NHS in Essex is responsible for:
- coordinating the local response to outbreaks
- working with public health organisations
- supporting providers to manage infections
- making sure action is clearly recorded and reviewed
All staff are expected to:
- recognise and report possible outbreaks
- follow guidance to help control infection spread
Policy review
This policy was approved on 1 April 2026 and is due for review in April 2029.
For full details, download the accessible Word version of the policy below.
Community communicable diseases outbreak and incident management policy (72kB docx)