INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (IPC) ANNUAL STATEMENT
2024 – 2025
This practice is committed to the control of infection within the building and in relation to the clinical procedures carried out within it. This statement has been produced in line with the health and Social Care Act 2008 and details the practice’s compliance with guidelines on infection control and cleanliness between the dates of 01.04.2024 and 31.03.2025.
From 2024 this statement will be generated in April each year and will summarise:
- Any infection transmission incidents and actions taken for the previous year - 0
- Details of IPC audits/risk assessments undertaken and actions taken, available on request
- Details of staff training – yearly mandatory training for all staff, via eLearning for Health
- Details of IPC advice to patients, recorded in patient notes as part of consultation.
- Any review/update of IPC policies and procedures as and when due.
Datix Incidents
There have been no incidents relating to infection prevention and control.
Staff Training
All staff undergo yearly mandatory training, which has an IPC component, with a completion rate of 90%
IPC Issues/updates are discussed regularly throughout the year in clinical/practice meetings.
Staff are encouraged to raise any IPC concerns with any of the managers or IPC lead.
Audit
External audit will be carried out in August each year, audit report available upon request.
Hand Hygiene Audit
Hand Hygiene audits have not been completed on a yearly basis, instead the Operations Manager audits monthly, as part of the risk assessment walkthrough, randomly checking different members of staff for their understanding and a practical demonstration. Staff are aware of the importance of hand hygiene in reducing healthcare associated infections.
Waste and Sharps Audits
These are incorporated as part of the Operations Manager monthly walkthrough. An Anenta audit is carried out on a three yearly basis, ensuring that all types of waste are dealt with appropriately.
Cleaning Audit
Weekly self-audit of all rooms, areas and clinical spaces. A program of buddy audits, where two members of staff check each others work areas. This will be rolled out in 2024.
Cold Chain Review
- · Cold Chain Policy in place
- · Staff are aware of how to order, receive and care for vaccines
- · Vaccines close-to-expiry stock are clearly labelled and vaccines are rotated in date order
- · Fridges have internal temperature readings taken within each of the vaccine fridges and these are recorded by the nurse responsible.
- · Fridge temperatures continue to be checked once a day
Practice Annual IPC Audit
The last Annual IPC Audit was run on 3rd June 2024. Following each annual audit, any action points that may arise are discussed with the practice manager and doctors, as appropriate.
IPC Policy
The surgery’s IPC policy is based on that provided by the Lincolnshire ICB infection prevention team and updated in accordance with any changes they make. Most recent update was April 2024 and this has been implemented by the practice.