Infection Protection and Control

The Heavitree Practice Infection Control Annual Statement March 2024

Person(s) responsible for reviewing the Practice’s infection control policies and procedures Dr Katherine Ball (Partner) and Lizzie Harding (Practice Nurse)
Date of Last full Review March 2024
Date of Next full Review March 2026
Reference:
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 – Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections & related guidance.
Purpose
This annual statement will be generated each year. It will summarise:
  • Any infection transmission incidents and action taken (these will be reported in accordance with our Significant Event Procedure)  
  • The latest infection control audit and actions undertaken
  • Control risk assessments undertaken
  • Details of staff training
  • Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines

Background
The Heavitree Practice Lead for Infection Prevention and Control is Dr Katherine Ball supported by Lizzie Harding (Practice Nurse) and Jane Shooter (Practice Manager).

The Practice ensures compliance with “The Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Infection and Related Guidance (Hygiene Code) DOH 2010”

This team will keep updated on infection control and share necessary information with staff and patients throughout the year.

Significant Events
The Practice has regular monthly meetings whereby any significant or critical events are discussed.

In the past year (01/03/23-01/03/24) there have been 1 Significant Event raised that related to infection control.
Audits
A full audit is undertaken every 2 years  by the IPC lead Nurse Lizzie Harding. All areas of the Health Centre are audited and action plans for improvements are produced. The completed audit sheets are stored in the IPC file at The Heavitree Practice.  Lizzie also carries out interim IPC checks every 6 months.

The Practice policies and procedures are reviewed by the Practice IPC team to ensure compliance with best practice. The current policies have all been checked and are in date.

We aim to share information with our patients and a copy of this Annual Statement will be published on our Practice website.
Risk Assessment
Regular risk assessments are undertaken to minimise the risk of infection and ensure the safety of patients and staff.
Cleaning Specifications, Frequencies and Cleanliness of Equipment
The Practice has an environmental hygiene policy for staff to follow. The policy specifies how to clean all areas, fixtures and fittings, and what products to use. Cleaning schedules and audits are reviewed and updated regularly. Nursing staff clean treatment areas and equipment between patients. Personal Protective Equipment policies are in place.

All the cleaning for our surgery is carried out by an external cleaning company (Green Machine) who work to CQC Standards, their cleaning schedules and audits are reviewed and updated regularly.
Staff Training
All staff are aware of the Practice hand washing policy and instructions for hand washing are displayed in all clinical rooms and health centre toilets.   All members of staff have hand washing training.
Patients
We attempt to inform our patients about any infection issues, eg. flu season, on notice boards at the surgery and on our Practice website.

Patients who are thought to have an infection that may be contagious may be offered a phone call instead of a face to face consultation or asked to wait in a designated area.
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control will be updated if current advice changes, otherwise they are reviewed every 2 years.