Purpose
The annual statement will be generated each year in March.
It will summarise:
- Any infection transmission incidents and action taken (these will be reported in accordance with our significant event procedure)
- 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 and control
- Details of infection control advice to patients
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines
Background
The surgery lead for infection prevention/control is Fiona Loverdos, Advanced Nurse Practitioner supported by Jane Kirkwood, Practice Manager.
This team keep updated with infection prevention and control practices and share necessary information with staff and patients throughout the year.
Significant events
In the past year March 2024 to March 2025 there has been 1 significant event that related to infection prevention and control.
This related to a Cold Chain Incident when a power outage on 6 March 2025 resulted in our 3 clinical fridges temperature readings temporarily reading too high. The issue was quickly identified and resolved, and relevant documentation sent to the Thames Valley Screening and Immunisation Team. This team were satisfied that we had followed appropriate procedure, and closed the call on 12 March 2025.
Audits
- Infection control
- Staff hand hygiene technique
- Clinical rooms – daily
- Monthly cleaning inspection with cleaning company supervisor
- Waste management
- PPE management
- ANTT (Aseptic non-touch technique)
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 and control have been completed in the past year and appropriate actions have been taken:
- Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
- 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
7 new staff members joined this medical practice in the past 12 months and received infection control training (via el-h online learning or via Bluestream Academy) and hand washing training within 1 month of employment.
100% of the practice clinical staff have completed or are currently completing their annual infection prevention and control update training (via either formal training session or online).
100% of the practice non-clinical staff have completed or are completing their annual infection prevention and control update training via el-h online learning.
The infection control lead has attended training updates (or are due to attend their updates) for their role provided by the lead infection control nurse for Bucks, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
A spreadsheet that records all staff training is located on the shared drive for staff to check and update.
Infection control advice to patients
Patients are encouraged to use the alcohol hand gel/sanitiser dispensers that are available throughout the practice.
There is information available in the practice (via leaflets/posters and/or TV information screen) on:
- MRSA
- Influenza
- Recognising symptoms of TB
- Norovirus
- Chickenpox and shingles
- MMR
- The importance of immunisations (eg. in childhood and in preparation for overseas travel)
New Wokingham Road Surgery
March 2025