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. It summarises: -
Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our 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 Lead for Infection Prevention is Zoe Udall (Prescribing Practice Nurse), and is supported by the practice management team who have all undertaken regular training and updates.
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 at the monthly practice meetings where Significant Events are an agenda item, and details cascaded to relevant staff.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
We carry out 2 Infection Prevention and Control Audits per calendar year, and these are documented and an action plan agreed following it’s findings.
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 Assessment: - This is conducted by a third party company who review our water safety to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors, or staff.
Immunisation: - We ensure that all of 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).
Other examples
PPE provisions are made available to all staff who require it, and regular stock checks are carried out to ensure a suitable amount of stock is kept on site at all times.
Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness
We have detailed cleaning specification and frequency policies in place which the cleaners and staff complete. An assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the IPC Lead.
Training
All staff receive annual training on infection prevention and control. All Staff undertake online training with TeamNet upon joining the practice, and renew this annually.
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, are reviewed, and updated every 3 years, and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance, and legislation changes. All Infection Control Policies are available to staff via the online intranet for their ease of viewing at any time during the working day.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Review Date
Last updated October 2024 – Review date October 2025
Responsibility for Review
The Infection Prevention and Control Lead is responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement