The practice is committed to the prevention and control of infection at all times. As part of this commitment the practice publishes an annual statement as shown below.
Infection Control Annual Statement 2019
PURPOSE
Our Annual Statement is produced to summarise:
· Any infection transmission incidents and action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure).
· Details of infection control audits undertaken and actions taken as a result.
· Details of infection control risk assessments undertaken and actions taken as a result.
· Reviews and updates of policies, procedures and guidelines.
INFECTION CONTROL LEADS
Dr Lisa Pickles is the practice lead for infection control supported by nurses Vanessa Starsmore and Karran Eames.
Annual risk assessments and audits are carried out by the nurse team, led by nurses Starsmore and Eames with support from Sue Rosborough, Practice Manager.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
No significant IPC events have been reported in the last 12 months.
INFECTION CONTROL LEADS
Dr Lisa Pickles is the Practice lead for infection control supported by Nurses Vanessa Starsmore and Karran Eames.
Annual risk assessments and audits are carried out by the Nurse team, led by Nurses Eames and Starsmore with support from Sue Rosborough, Practice Manager.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
No significant IPC events have been reported in the last 12 months.
AUDITS
The annual infection control audit was carried out in January 2019 by nurse Eames and Sue Rosborough. The findings of the audit showed that all infection control policies and protocols were being adhered to. The COSHH Audit was undertaken in January 2019 by the housekeeper and the PM.
It was agreed that an appropriate cleaning schedule was in place. The housekeeper works to a high standard, is aware of COSHH requirements and the colour coded system for housekeeping. Patient feedback refers to a “clean, light and airy building”. Carpet cleaning in both patient and staff areas is to be undertaken after the winter.
In addition the IPC measures identified in the Gold Standard Infection Prevention Society audit from 2018 by nurse Eames and Sue Rosborough were found to continue to be in place. Our management of the closure and positioning of sharps bins has been maintained as has the documentation of the cleaning required and undertaken for equipment used in the surgery and loaned to patients.
RISK ASSESSMENTS
A Health and Safety Risk Assessment (including infection control) was carried out in June 2012 and updated in August 2013, October 2014, October 2015 and February 2017 and will be repeated in February 2019.
The treatment of patients with MRSA and HIV was reviewed and the good practice adopted in 2016 that the highest standards of IPC should be used for all patients was reinforced. Patients with known infections continue to be seen at the end of surgeries after which rooms can be correctly cleaned.
Disposable curtains and disposable pillow covers are in use in clinical rooms.
The assessment confirmed that all clinical rooms are fully sealed with wrap-over flooring.
The practice’s Legionella Risk Assessment identified minimal risk and monthly checks of water temperatures are undertaken in-house. All mechanical and electrical systems are serviced twice annually by Pro-Active Maintenance.
STAFF TRAINING AND LEARNING
Training is undertaken on a bi-annual basis in accordance with guidelines from the then NHS Calderdale. In addition, as required, training and updates are undertaken by the nurse team. The Practice has signed up to the IPC Champions strategy led by Calderdale MBC and also receives IPC information from Harrogate and District NHSFT which is shared across the team as required by subject of the update and staff roles.
In addition the details of additional online IPC resources including NICE and Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust have been summarised and saved to the IPC folder in room 11.
During 2018 the practice contracted relief cleaning to a specialist cleaning agency. All staff are briefed on COSHH and IPC requirements on arrival and provided with the Method Statement and Cleaning Schedule (by day) for the time they provide cover. IPC formed part of the induction of a new HCA and three new receptionists who joined the practice in 2018.
Staff training will be undertaken in February 2019, including handwashing techniques and a review of the Risk Assessment.
POLICIES, PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES
The practice reviews all policies, protocols and guidelines relating to Infection Prevention and Control at least bi-annually or as required.
The practice ensures compliance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and uses NICE guidance, QS61 and the policies of CHFT as sources of IPC information and good practice.
FURTHER INFORMATION is available from Sue Rosborough, Practice Manager, to whom any patient feedback regarding any matters regarding infection control and prevention should be addressed.
January 2019