Ashford Medical Partnership
Purpose
This annual statement will be generated each year 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.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead
The lead for infection prevention and control at Ashford Medical Partnership is Dr James Wong.
The IPC Lead is supported by Lead practice nurse Áine Quigley.
a. Infection transmission incidents (significant events)
Significant events involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events.
Negative events are managed by the staff member who either identified or was advised of any potential shortcoming. This person will complete a Significant Event (SE) form that commences an investigation process to establish what can be learnt and to indicate changes that might lead to future improvements.
All significant events are reviewed and discussed in a meeting each month. Any learning points are cascaded to all relevant staff where an action plan, including audits or policy review, may follow.
b. Infection prevention audit and actions
Ashford Medical Partnership carry out monthly infection control audits of each site.
Annually Ashford Medical Partnership have an external IPC audit.
c. Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out so that any risk is minimised to be as low as reasonably practicable. Additionally, a risk assessment which can identify best practice can be established and then followed.
This list of risk assessments is not exhaustive;
- General IPC risks
- Staffing, new joiners and ongoing training
- COSHH
- Cleaning standards
- Curtain cleaning or changes
- Staff vaccinations
- Sharps
- Water safety
d. Training
In addition to staff being involved in risk assessments and significant events, at Ashford Medical Partnership all staff receive IPC induction training on commencing their post. Thereafter, all staff receive refresher training annually.
e. Policies and procedures
Policies relating to infection prevention and control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually. Additionally, all policies are amended on an ongoing basis as per current advice, guidance and legislation changes.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all staff members at Ashford Medical Partnership to be familiar with this statement and their roles and responsibilities under it.
Review
The IPC Lead Dr Wong and Áine Quigley Lead practice nurse are responsible for reviewing and producing the annual statement.
This annual statement will be updated on or before 29/01/2026
Signed by
Áine Quigley
For and on behalf of Ashford Medical Partnership