Hospitals and healthcare institutions are common locations for outbreaks of infection and can cause extensive disruption to a very vulnerable group of individuals. The number of outbreaks and their extent within the healthcare sectors can place a considerable burden on the health system. Outbreaks are not eradicable, but they are controllable. Within hospitals and other healthcare settings, an early, rapid response to an outbreak is the key to its control. Having an agreed outbreak plan in place is the best method for ensuring uniformity and effectiveness of response