Infection Control Annual Statement

Infection Control Annual Statement 

Purpose 

This annual statement will be generated each year in November 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 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 staff training
• Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead 

The Friarsgate Practice has 2 Lead(s) for Infection Prevention and Control: Dr Elizabeth Meredith GP partner, Rebecca Farrell registered nurse. 

The IPC Leads are supported by: Victoria Peikarz Practice manager. 

Elizabeth Meredith and Rebecca Farrell have attended an IPC Lead training course in 2023 and keep updated on infection prevention practice. 

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 / bimonthly practice / staff / partner meetings and learning is cascaded to all relevant staff. 

(delete as appropriate) In the past year there have been no significant events raised that related to infection control. 

Infection Prevention Audit and Actions 

The Annual Infection Prevention and Control audits were completed by Jenny Hanson in  2023 

As a result of the audits, the following things have been changed in Friarsgate Practice: 

• External clinical waste bins secured to wall 
• Storage of couch rolls relocated 
• Clinical rooms decluttered 
• New furniture for waiting area 
• Cleaning cupboard storage changes 

An audit on Minor Surgery was undertaken by Dr Selvaratnam in 28/05/23 

Three post-operative infections were reported which involves 78 of patients having procedures at the Friarsgate Practice.  

The practice has not changed minor surgery procedures as these infections were considered to be unavoidable. 

The Friarsgate Practice plan to undertake the following audits in 2024: 

• Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit 
• Minor Surgery outcomes audit 
• Domestic Cleaning audit 
• Hand hygiene 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 Assessment: The practice has conducted/reviewed its water safety risk assessment to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors or staff. 

Immunisation: As a practice 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). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in house and via home visits to our patient population. 

Curtains: The NHS Cleaning Specifications state the curtains should be cleaned or if using disposable curtains, replaced every 6-12 months. To this effect we use disposable curtains and ensure they are changed every 6-12 months. The window blinds are very low risk and therefore do not require a particular cleaning regime other than regular vacuuming to prevent build-up of dust. All curtains are regularly reviewed and changed if visibly soiled. 

Toys: NHS Cleaning Specifications recommend that all toys are cleaned regularly and we therefore provide only wipeable toys in waiting / consultation rooms. 

Cleaning specifications, frequencies and cleanliness: We have added a cleaning specification and frequency policy poster in the waiting room to inform our patients of what they can expect in the way of cleanliness. We also have a cleaning specification and frequency policy which our cleaners and staff work to. An assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the cleaning team and logged. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment. 

Hand washing sinks: The practice has clinical hand washing sinks in every room for staff to use. Some of our sinks do not meet the latest standards for sinks but we have removed plugs, covered overflows and reminded staff to turn of taps that are not ‘hands free’ with paper towels to keep patients safe. We have also replaced our liquid soap with wall mounted soap dispensers to ensure cleanliness. 

 Training 

All our staff receive training in infection prevention and control. 

Yearly online training via bluestream academy for clinical staff 

3 yearly online training for non clinical staff 

Rebecca Farrell and Elizabeth Meredith have undertaken specialist training in infection prevention and control  

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 and are reviewed and updated bi-annually and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance and legislation changes. Infection Control policies are circulated amongst staff for reading and discussed at meetings on an annual basis.  

Responsibility 

It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.  

Review date 

20/11/2024 

Responsibility for Review 

The Infection Prevention and Control Leads and practice manager Victoria Piekarz are responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement. 

 Dr Elizabeth Meredith GP 

For and on behalf of the Friarsgate Practice