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, Operations 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 2022– March 2023 there have been no significant events that related to infection prevention & control.

Audits:

• Infection Control
• Staff hand hygiene technique
• Waste Management
• Clinical Rooms – daily
• Monthly cleaning check with Cleaning Company Supervisor

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 & 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:

4 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 (via Michelle Yeates, HCA).

100% of the practice clinical staff have completed or are currently completing their annual infection prevention & 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 & control update training via el-h online learning.

The Infection Control Leads have 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 & shingles
• The importance of immunisations (eg. in childhood and in preparation for overseas travel)

Covid-19 Response Plan

When the Pandemic began, we responded appropriately to the rapid developments of Covid-19.

The Government has since lifted all Covid-19 restrictions. We continue to monitor and review all surgery infection control processes.

All surgery staff continue to follow the latest Government guidelines – Managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 test result – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

New Wokingham Road Surgery

March 2023