Infection Control Annual Statement 2023
The annual statement will be generated each year in April in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and regulated guidance.
It summarises:
Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance within our Significant Event meetings)
Details of any infection control audits undertaken and actions undertaken.
Details of any risk assessments undertaken for prevention and infection control.
Details of staff training
Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines.
Lead Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nurse
Sarah Pringle
IPC Non Clinical lead
Ella Bailey
Our aim is for Sarah and Ella to attend appropriate infection control training and meetings. The information will then be cascaded to the surgery teams.
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 challenges that might lead to future improvements.
All significant events are reviewed on a regular basis at practice / staff / partner meetings. The outcomes from the meetings and events discussed are cascaded to all relevant staff.
This year there has been one significant event raised that related to infection control.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
An annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed in June 2022 by Sarah Pringle and Ella Bailey.
As a result of the audit the following items / procedures listed have changed in Dr Baxter and Partners:
New consultation room equipment, including, but not inclusive of new couches / chairs ( if previous items ripped or not wipe able )
Sample deposit area for patients to use (no samples taken by reception)
Disposable curtains in consultation rooms changed every 6 months.
Sharps boxes changed every 3 months
Information about correct equipment decontamination.
The audit will be repeated in 2023 to ensure all areas within Dr Baxter and Partners meet required standards.
Audits taken place:
Hand washing audit
Staff were advised of guidelines about rings and being bare below elbows.
Hand washing technique posters were placed in both clinical and non-clinical rooms.
Aseptic Technique audit
Staff were assessed upon their aseptic wound care technique.
Guidance given as appropriate.
Sharps bin audit
Clinical rooms were assessed to ensure sharps bins were changed when required (full to line) or at 3 months.
Sharps bins are now changed 3 monthly by IPC.
Clinicians change and replace when appropriate.
Room cleaning Audit
Daily checklists are in every clinical room for clinicians to sign daily advising they have cleaned as per guidelines.
3 Monthly Audit for chosen clinical and minor surgery room.
Action taken are required.
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:
Annual Infection Control Audit
Legionnaires risk assessment annually
Staff immunisations as applicable to their roll.
National Immunisation campaigns
Infectious disease awareness
Cleaning Policy
Training
All staff receive ELFH training and face to face infection control induction.
Any relevant learning and updates are cascaded.
Policies
All Infection Prevention and control related policies are in date for this year.
All policies are updated as needed.
