Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Background:
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are used by all health and social care staff in healthcare premises to reduce the risk of a service user/patient from acquiring a Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI).
Infection Prevention and Control is one of the fundamental standards assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Infection Prevention and Control standards against which all practices will be measured by the regulators are outlined within the Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections (2015). Appendix C of this guidance demonstrates how a proportionate approach to the guidance could apply in primary medical care practices.
‘Good infection prevention (including cleanliness) is essential to ensure that people who use health and social care services receive safe and effective care. Effective prevention and control of infection must be part of everyday practice and be applied consistently by everyone.
Good management and organisational processes are crucial to make sure that high standards of infection prevention (including cleanliness) are developed and maintained.’
Maintaining high standards of Infection Prevention and Control practice is therefore vital for supporting patient safety and wellbeing. Patients who acquire a Healthcare Associated Infection may have increased risks of morbidity and mortality, as a result this can lead to extended lengths of hospitalisation and further treatments being needed.
The National Infection Prevention and Control manual for England (NIPCM) has been adapted for use within England to facilitate healthcare providers to demonstrate compliance with the code of practice by providing an evidence-based practice manual for use by all those involved in care provision in England and should be adopted as guidance in NHS settings or settings where NHS services are delivered. The principles should be applied in all care settings. This will ensure a consistent UK wide approach to Infection Prevention and Control.
The following information and tools have been provided by Herts and West Essex (HWE) Integrated Care Board (ICB) Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) in order to support practices to achieve compliance with this Code of Practice.
Disclaimer:
All of the information contained on this page has been written and compiled by the HWE ICB IPCT and is hosted on the HWE Training Hub Website.
All items and documents on this webpage for Infection Prevention and Control are uncontrolled if printed or downloaded. All items on this page are intended for use by Hertfordshire and West Essex GP Practices/Surgeries only.
The HWE ICB Training Hub is not responsible for ensuring that the individual user downloads or accesses the most recent or relevant documents. The responsibility for ensuring that the most recent and relevant information that is accessed rests with the individual. Whilst we endeavour to make sure that all links to current guidance provided in our documents are up to date, please ensure you check online for the latest version.
Please contact the HWE ICB IPCT if further information or support is required by email, hwe.hcai@nhs.net or phone, 01442 284022.
Resources
- ARRS
- Apprenticeships
- Children and Young People’s Services
- Clinical Learning Environment
- COVID-19
- CVD Training and Resources
- DAL Service Guidance Videos
- Diagnostic Respiratory Hubs
-
Enhanced Commissioning Framework (ECF)
- A.1. Compliance and Engagement Requirements
- A.2. Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation
- A.3. Anticoagulation
- A.4. Primary Care Planning
- A.5. OPEL Framework for General Practice
- A.6. Carers
- A.7. Patient Participation, Engagement and Involvement
- A.8. Safeguarding
- B.1. Clinical Transformation
- B.2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- B.3. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)
- B.4. Diabetes and Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia (NDH)
- B.5. Learning Disabilities (LD)
- B.6. Mental Health (MH)
- B.7. Frailty
- B.8. End of Life (EoL)
- C.1. Transactional Services
- C.2. Spirometry
- D. Out of Scope
- Getting Ready For Patients To Have Access To Their Future Information
- Guidance for Primary Care Networks Protected Time for Learning Events
- Hertfordshire CAMHS News Bulletin for GPs
- Induction Programme
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
- New to Practice Programme
- NHS Knowledge for Healthcare Learning Academy
- Palliative Care Training and Development Opportunities
- PCN Training Teams
- Primary Care Bulletin
- Reasonable Adjustments Learning Disability and Autism Training Resources
- Recovering Primary Care Access
- Safeguarding
- Succession Planning
- Suicide Prevention Pathway
- Diabetes Type 2 Path to Remission
- Trauma Informed Care