Infection Control Annual Statement
Purpose
This annual statement will be generated each year in January in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. It details:
- Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure)
- Details of any infection control audits undertaken and actions undertaken
- Details of any risk assessments undertaken for prevention and control of infection
- Details of staff training
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead
The IPC lead for Swineshead Medical group is David Harding (Practice Manager). He is supported by IPC link Nurse Siobhan Elsam (Practice Nurse) and Deputy link Beverly Gilliard (HCA).
Infection transmission incidents (Significant Events)
Significant events (which may involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events) are investigated in detail to see what can be learnt and to indicate changes that might lead to future improvements. All significant events are reviewed six monthly with Estates Manager and Nursing Lead with learning cascaded to all relevant staff.
In the past year there have been 0 significant events raised that relate to infection control. There have also been 0 complaints made regarding cleanliness and infection control.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
The Annual Infection Prevention and Control Audit was completed by Siobhan Elsam and David Harding in January 2022
Dr Z Alam undertakes a Minor Ops Audit on an annual basis and will inform the Infection Control leads of any reported incidents.
Swineshead Medical group plan to undertake the following audits in 2022/2023:
- Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit
- Minor Surgery outcomes audit
- Domestic Cleaning audit
- Hand hygiene audit
- Sharps
- Cold Chain
- Environmental cleanliness
- Decontamination of equipment
- Waste management
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out so that best practice can be established and then followed. In the last year the following risk assessments were carried out / reviewed:
Immunisation: As a practice we ensure all staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations and offered any occupational health vaccinations applicable to their role (i.e. MMR, Seasonal Flu, Covid-19). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in house and via home visits to our patient population.
Other examples:
Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness: We have a cleaning specification and frequency policy which our cleaners and staff work to. An assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the cleaning team and logged. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment.
Hand washing sinks: The practice has clinical hand washing sinks in every room for staff to use, which meet the latest standards. We have also wall mounted soap dispensers to ensure cleanliness.
Training
All staff receives annual online training in infection prevention and control.
Hand Hygiene training and Audit is carried out 3 times a year and as required by IPC links.
Policies
All Infection Prevention and Control related policies are in date for this year.
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually. All are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance and legislation changes. The Infection Control policy is uploaded onto the Practice Intranet once reviewed with notification sent to staff.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Review date
November 2023
Responsibility for Review
The Practice Manager and the Infection Prevention and Control link Nurse/HCA are responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement.