Infection Control Annual Statement – January 2025
This annual statement is prepared each year in December to comply with The Health and Social Care Act 2008, Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. It provides a summary of the following:
- Infection transmission incidents and actions taken (reported in accordance with the Significant Event procedure)
- Infection control audits and follow-up actions
- Risk assessments for the prevention and control of infection
- Staff training updates
- Review and updates to policies, procedures, and guidelines
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead
The Infection Control Lead Nurse is Cathy Reynolds, who is supported by Assistant Manager Hannah Holland. Cathy Reynolds ensures the practice remains updated on infection prevention practices.
Infection Transmission Incidents (Significant Events)
Significant events, including examples of good practice as well as challenges, are investigated in detail to identify learnings and potential improvements. All significant events are reviewed in the weekly meeting, with findings communicated to the relevant staff members.
There have been no significant events related to infection control during the past year.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
The Annual Infection Prevention and Control Audit was completed by Cathy Reynolds. Based on this audit, the following changes were implemented:
- The cleaning service level was found to be substandard, leading to the replacement of the previous cleaning contractor with a new provider.
A hand washing audit was conducted on 7th June 2024.
Future Infection Prevention Audits for 2025:
- Annual Infection Prevention and Control Audit
- Hand Hygiene Audit
- Monthly cleaning audits
- Waste Audits
- Sharps Bin Audits
- Cleaning Spot Checks
Risk Assessments
- Legionella (Water) Risk Assessment: A comprehensive review of the practice’s water safety risk assessment has been conducted to ensure the water supply is safe for patients, visitors, and staff.
- Immunisation: The practice ensures all clinical staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations and are offered any relevant occupational health vaccinations (e.g., MMR, Seasonal Flu, and COVID vaccinations). We actively participate in National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations both in-house and via home visits.
- Curtains: In accordance with NHS Cleaning Specifications, curtains are either cleaned or replaced every six months. Disposable curtains are used and replaced regularly. Window blinds are low-risk and are cleaned by regular vacuuming. Modesty curtains are handled only by clinicians, who are reminded to remove gloves and clean hands after examinations.
Cleaning Specifications and Frequency
We have established cleaning specifications and frequency policies that our cleaning staff adhere to. Cleanliness is regularly assessed and logged by the cleaning team. This includes all areas of the surgery, including equipment cleanliness.
Hand Washing Sinks
The practice provides clinical hand washing sinks in every room for staff use.
Training
All staff undergo annual training in infection prevention and control. Clinical and non-clinical staff have completed Teamnet e-learning training on infection control.
Policies
All Infection Prevention and Control policies are current and up to date for this year. Policies are reviewed and updated annually and amended as necessary based on the latest advice, guidance, and legislation. They are available to all staff.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all staff to be familiar with this statement and understand their roles and responsibilities regarding infection control.
Review Date
January 2026
Responsibility for Review
The Infection Prevention and Control Lead, Cathy Reynolds, is responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement.