This annual statement will be generated each year in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. It summarises:

• Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure)
• Details of any infection control audits undertaken, and actions undertaken
• Details of any risk assessments undertaken for prevention and control of infection
• Details of staff training
• Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead

The Leacroft Medical Practice has one Lead for Infection Prevention and Control: Joan Jefferis, Nurse Partner

The IPC Lead is supported by the practice nursing team, including healthcare assistants, and the GP partners.

Joan Jefferis has attended an IPC Lead training course 2022 in and keeps updated on infection prevention practice.

Vaccine Management Lead

The named vaccine management lead is Sarah Dance. She is deputised by Wendy Owen.

Decontamination Lead

The named medical device decontamination lead is Joan Jefferis, deputised by Sarah Dance.

Cleaning Lead

The named Cleaning Lead is Joan Jefferis, deputised by Eve Fretwell.

Infection transmission incidents (Significant Events)

Significant events (which may involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events) are investigated in detail to see what can be learnt and to indicate changes that might lead to future improvements. All significant events are discussed in partners meetings and the monthly practice meetings and learning is cascaded to all relevant staff.

In the past year there have been no significant events raised that related to infection control.

Infection Prevention Audit and Actions

The last Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed by Infection Prevention Solutions in June 2022.

As a result of the audit, the following things have been changed in Leacroft Medical Practice

• The mechanical ventilation in the minor surgery room was re-sealed to prevent water ingress, allowing for more thorough cleaning;
• Cleaning schedule for the minor surgery room is available.
• Blinds in minor surgery room have been removed and privacy screen installed on the glass
• Walls in clinical rooms have been plastered, painted and protective barriers installed where chair backs chip the plaster.
• Vaccine fridge cleaning schedules are completed
• A new cleaning company has been contracted to improve cleaning standards.

An audit on hand washing using a light box was last undertaken in June 2022.

The Leacroft Medical Practice plan to undertake the following audits in 2023-4

• Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit
• Cleaning audit
• Hand hygiene audit
• Annual clinical waste audit
• Quarterly sharps bin audit
• Weekly cleaning spot checks

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments and/or inspections are carried out or reviewed annually.

Legionella (Water) Risk Assessment: The practice has conducted/reviewed its water safety risk assessment to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors, or staff. The most recent inspection was carried out in July 2021.

Immunisation: As a practice we ensure that all our staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations and offered any occupational health vaccinations applicable to their role (i.e., MMR, Seasonal Flu and Covid vaccinations). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in house and via home visits to our patient population.

Curtains: The NHS Cleaning Specifications state the curtains should be cleaned or if using disposable curtains, replaced every 6 months. To this effect we use disposable curtains and ensure they are changed every 6 months. The window blinds are very low risk and therefore do not require a particular cleaning regime other than regular vacuuming to prevent build-up of dust. The modesty curtains although handled by clinicians are never handled by patients and clinicians have been reminded to always remove gloves and clean hands after an examination and before touching the curtains. All curtains are regularly reviewed and changed if visibly soiled.

Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness: We also have a cleaning specification and frequency policy which our cleaners and staff work to. An assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the cleaning team supervisors and logged. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment.

Hand washing sinks: The practice has clinical hand washing sinks in every room for staff to use.

Training

• All our staff receive annual training in infection prevention and control.
• All clinical and non -clinical staff have completed relevant training online or in the NHS
• IPC lead should attend IPC Lead Practice Nurse forums if and when they are organised by ICB

Policies

All Infection Prevention and Control related policies are in date for this year.
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance and legislation changes. Infection Control policies are circulated amongst staff for reading and discussed at meetings on an annual basis.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of everyone to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.

Review date: April 2023

Responsibility for Review

The Infection Prevention and Control Lead Joan Jefferis is responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement for and on behalf of the Leacroft Medical Practice

Date published: 30^th April 2023
Date last updated: 30^th April 2023