INFECTION CONTROL STATEMENT
It is a requirement of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance that the Infection Prevention and Control Lead produces and annual statement with regard to Compliance with good practice on infection prevention and control.
It summarises:-
- 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 any staff training.
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines.
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 in the monthly Partners Meetings and learning is cascaded to all relevant staff. They are logged on GPTN and discussed at the Time In sessions at the practice.
As a result of these events, Betts Avenue Medical Centre has:
- Continued with annual infection control updates for both clinical and non clinical staff.
- Ensure infection control guidance remains accessible to all staff via GPTN.
- Training is logged on GPTN and in Personnel Files.
Infection Prevention Audits and Actions
The Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed by Michelle Cairns in July 2017
As a results of the audits, the following things have been changed
- Kitchen Domestic Fridges - schedule for defrosting.
An audit of Minor Surgery was undertaken by Dr Kerry and Margaret O'Neill in July 2017.
No infections were reported for patients who had had minor surgery at Betts Avenue Medical Centre (both sites).
Hand washing/infection control training was undertaken in April 2017 by NUTH Infection Control Nurse.
The Practice plan to undertake the following audits in 2018:
- Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit
- Minor Surgery Outcomes audit
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.
- Legionella (Water) Risk Assessments: The practice reviews its water safety risk assessment to ensure that the water supply does not post a risk to patients, visitors or staff.
- Immunistion: As a practice we ensure that all our 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). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in house and via home visits to our patient population.
- Curtains: Disposable curtains are used in clinical rooms and are changed every 18 months according to manufacturer instruction. All curtains are regularly reviewed and changed more frequently if damaged or soiled.
Training
All our staff receives annual training in infection prevention and control.
The staff either attend an annual Infection Control Update or complete an e-learning update.
Policies
All Infection Prevention Control related policies are in date.
Policies relating to Infection Control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually, and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance and legislation changes. Infection Control policies are available on GPTN for all staff to read.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Review Date
July 2018
Responsibility for Review
The Infection Prevention and Control Lead and the Practice Manager are responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement.
Julie Wade (Practice Manager): J Wade
Michelle Cairns (Nurse Prescriber): M Cairns
For and on behalf of Betts Avenue Medical Centre.