Infection Prevention and Control Statement

Annual Infection Prevention and Control Statement

Introduction

This Annual Infection Prevention and Control Statement has been produced in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections and Related Guidance. The purpose of this statement is to summarise the infection prevention and control activities undertaken by the practice during the reporting period and demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Infection Prevention and Control Lead

The Practice has a designated Infection Prevention and Control Lead (Practice Nurse supported by Practice Manager) who is responsible for:

• Developing and reviewing infection prevention policies.
• Monitoring compliance with infection control standards.
• Coordinating staff training.
• Conducting infection control audits.
• Advising staff on infection prevention issues.
• Investigating and responding to any infection control incidents.

Policies and Procedures

The practice maintains up-to-date infection prevention and control policies, which are reviewed regularly or sooner if national guidance changes. Our Practice Infection Control Policy includes:

• Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs)
• Hand hygiene
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Safe management of sharps
• Cleaning and decontamination
• Waste management
• Management of blood and body fluid spillages
• Respiratory hygiene
• Management of communicable diseases

Staff Training

All clinical and non-clinical staff complete mandatory infection prevention and control training at induction and receive annual updates. Training records are maintained and monitored to ensure compliance.
All staff are reminded about hand hygiene at the Practice meetings/PLT afternoons.

Audits

The following audits were completed during the reporting period:

• Hand hygiene audit
• Environmental cleanliness audit – according to each room/areas functional risk
• Waste segregation audit
• Sharps safety audit
• Equipment cleaning and decontamination audit
• Vaccination stock audit

Any areas identified for improvement were addressed through action plans and follow-up monitoring.

As a result of our recent audits, some actions & changes planned are:

-          Haz tablets ordered

-          Close bin lid to be ordered for the Reception waiting area

-          Tissue boxes placed on Reception desk for patient use

-          Hand sanitiser ordered that fits in the holders on the walls located around the Practice

-          Waste audit due to be conducted

-          Ensure plan with GP Partners to declutter all areas of the Practice.

Cleaning and Decontamination

The Practice follows an established cleaning schedule covering clinical and non-clinical areas. Cleaning responsibilities are clearly defined, and records are maintained. Clinical equipment is cleaned and decontaminated between patients in accordance with manufacturer guidance and national standards.

Immunisation of Staff

The Practice encourages staff to maintain appropriate occupational immunisations in line with national guidance, including Hepatitis B where indicated. Seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are offered where applicable.

Significant Events

During this reporting period:

• No significant infection prevention and control incidents requiring external investigation occurred.
• Any infection-related concerns were managed appropriately in accordance with Practice policies.
• Lessons learned from incidents or near misses were shared with the Practice team where appropriate either in Practice meetings or Practice PLT afternoons where we conduct our six-monthly Incident Reviews.

Risk Assessments

Regular infection prevention risk assessments have been undertaken, including:

• Clinical environment assessments
• Cleaning standards
• Legionella management
• Waste disposal
• Sharps safety
• Vaccination status where appropriate

Actions identified through risk assessments have been implemented and monitored.

Future Priorities

The Practice will continue to:

• Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control.
• Complete regular audits and implement improvements.
• Ensure all staff remain compliant with mandatory IPC training.
• Review policies in line with updated national guidance.
• Promote good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette among staff and patients.
• It is the responsibility of staff at the Fountain Practice to be familiar with this statement and their roles & responsibilities for Infection Control.

Declaration

The Practice remains committed to providing a clean, safe environment and complying with current infection prevention and control legislation and guidance.