Introduction
Policy statement
In accordance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008, Ashford Medical Partnership is committed to the prevention of healthcare associated infection and patient safety is of the utmost priority. Good management and organisational processes are crucial to ensure that high standards of infection prevention (including cleanliness) are maintained.
Status
This document and any procedures contained within it are non-contractual and may be modified or withdrawn at any time. For the avoidance of doubt, it does not form part of your contract of employment.
Training and support
The practice will provide guidance and support to help those to whom it applies to understand their rights and responsibilities under this policy. Additional support will be provided to managers and supervisors to enable them to deal more effectively with matters arising from this policy.
Scope
Who it applies to
This document applies to all employees of the practice, other individuals performing functions in relation to the practice, such as agency workers, locums, and contractors.
Why and how it applies to them
Infection prevention control is the responsibility of all staff at Ashford Medical Partnership. All personnel are to be fully au fait with the guidance given in the policies associated with this statement.
The practice aims to design and implement policies and procedures that meet the diverse needs of our service and workforce, ensuring that none are placed at a disadvantage over others, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Consideration has been given to the impact this policy might have in respect to the individual protected characteristics of those to whom it applies.
Infection Prevention Control Statement
Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead
At Ashford Medical Partnership the IPC lead is Dr James Wong and Lead practice nurse Áine Quigley.
Responsibilities
The IPC lead is responsible for promoting good infection control practice within Ashford Medical Partnership. They are to ensure that:
- They provide timely advice to colleagues, service users and relatives (where applicable)
- Training is provided regarding the standard principles of infection prevention control, specifically training in hand decontamination, the use of PPE and the safe use of and disposal of sharps (this list is not exhaustive)
- Appropriate supplies of sharps containers, PPE and materials for hand decontamination are available
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are undertaken to control risks in the workplace
Recommendation
Following the above risk assessments, the following recommendations were made/actions taken:
Significant events
Significant event analysis (SEA) should act as a learning process for the whole practice, as significant events can reflect good as well as poor practice.
Audit
Audit is an essential component of any infection prevention and control strategy weekly, monthly and quarterly audits are undertaken at Ashford Medical Partnership.
The IPC lead can provide further detailed information regarding the audits and subsequent action plans.
Guidance documentation and policies
Ashford Medical Partnership refers to the following guidance documentation and policies which are related to infection prevent and control:
- AMP Red Zone policy
- Infection Control Policy
- Infection Control Inspection Checklist
- Infection Control Protocol
Summary
All staff undertake infection prevention and control training and are committed to maintaining high standards of infection prevention and cleanliness within Ashford Medical Partnership.
Regular training, audits and reviews are key to the prevention of healthcare associated infection.
Annex A – Example Infection Control Annual Statement
Ashford Medical Partnership
- 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 the prevention and control of infection
- Details of staff training
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines
- General IPC risks
- Staffing, new joiners and ongoing training
- COSHH
- Cleaning standards
- Curtain cleaning or changes
- Staff vaccinations
- Sharps
- Water safety