Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Annual Statement

Purpose

This annual statement will be generated each year in August 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. The report will be published on the practice website and will include the following summary:

• 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 the 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 lead for infection prevention and control is Verity Belsey, Nurse Manager.
The IPC lead is supported by Stacie Pughe, Practice Manager (H&S Lead)

a. Infection Transmission Incidents (Significant Events)

Significant events involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events.

Positive events are discussed at meetings to allow all staff to be appraised of areas of best practice.

Negative events are managed by the staff member who either identified or was advised of any potential shortcoming. This person will complete a Significant Event Analysis (SEA) form that commences an investigation process to establish what can be learnt and to indicate changes that might lead to future improvements.

All significant events are reviewed and discussed at several meetings each month. Any learning points are cascaded to all relevant staff where an action plan, including audits or policy review, may follow.

In the past year there have been no significant events raised that related to infection control. There have also been no complaints made regarding cleanliness or infection control.

b. Infection Prevention Audit and Actions

External Infection Control Audits will be carried out by an Infection Prevention Solutions Auditor in September 2025.

Internal IPC Audits carried out yearly in April 2025:

• Hand Hygiene Audit – Clinical and Non-Clinical Staff. April 2025
• Waste Audit – April 2025
• Sharps Audit – as part of Waste Audits

In 2025:

• Hand hygiene audit will be done yearly on all staff
• National Standards of Cleanliness to be implemented
• Aseptic Technique Procedure Audit
• PPE (putting on and removing PPE) on a rolling programme as per hand hygiene audit
• Safe Management of Care Equipment Audit Monthly
• Safe Management of the Care Environment Audit Monthly

Additional Actions Taken in Response to Internal and External IPC Recommendations:

• The waiting room and hallway areas have been re-floored with washable surfaces to support improved hygiene standards
• Both upstairs and downstairs waiting areas, as well as internal corridors and back hallways, have been redecorated
• One treatment room has been refurbished with ‘Whiterock’ wall cladding to prevent flaking paint and ensure a cleanable surface
• All clinical worktops have been fitted with edge stoppers to prevent fluid ingress and improve durability
• Clinical beds have undergone professional repair to maintain safety and hygiene
• In the minor surgery room, enclosed lighting and radiator covers have been installed, along with a rise-and-fall non-permeable desk
• All recommendations from the external infection control company have been actioned in full, with the exception of sinks that are on a current rolling programme of replacement

c. Risk Assessments

• Risk Assessments following IPC internal audits – Carpeted waiting completed 2025
• Non-wipeable chairs in consultation rooms replaced
• Non-lidded general waste bins replaced in all clinical rooms with pedal operated lidded bins
• COSHH risk assessments updated yearly and as new substances are introduced
• Assessment of staff training on induction and annual updates
• 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.
• Immunisations: As a practice we ensure that all 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 and COVID vaccinations). 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 months. To this effect we use disposable curtains and ensure they are changed every 6 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. The modesty curtains although handled by clinicians are never handled by patients and clinicians have been reminded to always remove gloves and clean hands after an examination and before touching the curtains. All curtains are regularly reviewed and changed if visibly soiled.
• Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and 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.

d. Training

In addition to staff being involved in risk assessments and significant events, all staff receive refresher training annually.

e. Policies and Procedures

Policies relating to infection prevention and control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually. Additionally, all policies are amended on an ongoing basis as per current advice, guidance, and legislation changes.

f. Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all staff members at the Practice to be familiar with this statement and their roles and responsibilities under it.

g. Review

The IPC lead Verity Belsey is responsible for reviewing and producing the annual statement.
This annual statement will be updated on or before August 2026.