Practice infection control lead (ICL): – Sister Karen Johnson.
Cleaning and decontamination lead: – Caroline Harker (Practice manager)
We aim to keep our practice clean and tidy and offer a clean, safe environment to our patients and staff. We are proud of our modern purpose-built medical centre and endeavour to ensure it is well always maintained.
If you have any concerns about cleanliness or infection control, please report these to reception.
Our GP’s and nursing staff follow our infection control policy to ensure the care we deliver, and the equipment we use is safe.
To maintain the highest standards, we take the following measures,
- Encourage staff and patients to raise awareness and report any incidents relating to cleanliness or infection control.
- Carry out an annual control audit.
- Provide annual staff updates and training.
- Review our policies and procedures.
- Maintain the premises and equipment to a high standard and ensure reasonable steps are taken to remove or reduce all infection risks.
- Use disposable materials such as couch rolls and modesty curtains. Where possible use disposable instruments for procedures which will only be used once for a single patient.
- Make sure alcohol gel is available throughout the building.
Significant Events
Since March 2020 all staff have followed recommended guidelines for the appropriate use of PPE (personal, protective equipment). Changes to guideline and updates have been cascaded to all staff via E Mail, webinars or zoom departmental meetings.
All surgery staff complete an annual Infection control questionnaire or workbook. All staff are assessed in hand washing technique. All clinical staff are assessed in aseptic technique for carrying out sterile procedures.
Audit
An annual infection control audit is undertaken in the practice. This is based on the Department of Health’s audit tool (2005). The result from this year’s audit that was completed on 14th April 2022, showed that we had acceptable standards of IPC in all areas.
Cleaning Specifications
The cleaning staff work to structured cleaning schedules and the daily cleaning of the medical centre is contracted to a company that follows NHS guidelines.
Policies, Protocols & Guidelines
We have adopted the infection, prevention and control policies produced by Harrogate & District NHS Trust in conjunction with CQC and work within the guidelines and requirements recommended. These are evaluated annually and adapted to suit the surgery.
SMC Infection Control Plan For 2022/2023
All staff will continue to be updated and assessed in handwashing technique.
Clinical staff will be assessed in aseptic technique.
All staff will complete an infection control questionnaire.
All staff will be re educated in the use of spill packs in the surgery.
All staff will continue to follow local and national guidelines to prevent the spread of covid.
All staff will be updated to any changes to current policies and guidelines when they occur. This will be achieved by the cascading of information at our regular departmental / GP & nurse meetings, E Mail. Infection control is a regular agenda item at both departmental and full practice meetings.