INFECTION CONTROL ANNUAL STATEMENT 2019 /2020

Purpose

The annual statement will be generated each year in November.

It will summarise:

• Any infection transmission incidents and action taken (these will be reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure or whatever this is called for your Surgery/CCG)
• The annual infection control audit summary and actions undertaken
• Control risk assessments undertaken
• Details of staff training (both as part of induction and annual training) with regards to infection prevention & control
• Details of infection control advise to patients
• Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines.

Background:

Thatcham Medical Practices Lead for Infection Prevention /Control is Liz Banner (Nurse Practitioner) who is supported by Naomi McKenna (Health & Safety Officer)

This team keep updated with infection prevention & control practices and share necessary information with staff and patients throughout the year.

Significant events:

In the past year 31st October 2018 to 1st November 2019 there have been no significant events that related to infection prevention & control.

Audits:

The following audits have taken place

Infection control audit
Minor Ops Audit
Hand hygiene audit
Waste Audit

Risk Assessments:

Regular risk assessments are undertaken to minimise the risk of infection and to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The following risk assessments related to infection prevention & controls have been completed in the past year and appropriate actions have been taken:

• Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) relating to biological substances
• Disposal of waste
• Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and occupational infections
• Sharps injury
• Use of personal protective clothing/equipment
• Risk of body fluid spills
• Legionella risk assessment

Staff training:

All new staff who joined Thatcham Medical Practice in the past 12-months have received infection control and hand-washing training.
Practice Clinical staff complete annual infection prevention & control update training.

The Infection Control Leads attended training updates for their role provided by the Infection Prevention & Control Nurse for Berkshire West CCGs.

Infection Control Advice to Patients:

Patients are encouraged to use the alcohol hand gel/sanitiser dispensers that are available throughout Thatcham Medical Practice.

There are leaflets/posters available on

• MRSA
• Chickenpox & shingles
• The importance of immunisations (e.g. in childhood and in preparation for overseas travel)
• Influenza

Policies, procedures and guidelines.

Documents related to infection prevention & control are reviewed in line with national and local guidance changes and are updated 2-yearly (or sooner in the event of new guidance).