Infection Control Annual Statement 2023/2024

Purpose

The annual statement will be generated each year. It will summarise:

  • Any learning connected to cases of C. difficile infection and Meticillin-resistant
    Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections and action undertaken;
  • The annual infection control audit summary and actions undertaken;
  • Infection Control risk assessments and actions undertaken;
  • Details of staff training (both as part of induction and annual training) with
    regards to infection prevention & control;
  • Details of infection control advice to patients;
  • Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Background

Wokingham Medical Centre, Lead for Infection Prevention/ Control is Catherine Froggatt role Advanced Nurse Practitioner, who is supported by Zoe Storrow role Health Care Assistant. This team keeps updated with infection prevention & control practices and share necessary information with staff and patients throughout the year.

Significant events

Detailed post-infection reviews are carried out across the whole health economy for
cases of C. difficile infection and Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
blood stream infections. This includes reviewing the care given by the GP and other
primary care colleagues. Any learning is identified and fed back to the surgery for
actioning.

This year the surgery has been involved in 7 C. difficile case reviews and 4
MRSA blood stream infection reviews. Feedback has included: No further action
required.

Audits

Detail what audits were undertaken and by whom and any key changes to practice
implemented as a result.

Audit Date Auditor/s Key changes
Infection Prevention Control and Efficacy Jan 2024 CF and GC No key changes
Hand Hygiene Ongoing CF
ANTT
National Standards of Healthcare  Cleanliness Jan 2024 CF/GC Ongoing monitoring

Infection Control Risk Assessments

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

  • COVID-19 outbreak
  • 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
  • Buildings and facilities that do not meet IPC best practice

NB – only list risk assessments that have been completed in the past 12 months & ensure there is evidence of actions taken as a result (as the CQC may ask to see these documents). List any Cold Chain events and actions taken.

Staff training

No. 07 new clinical staff joined this Medical Centre/Surgery in the past 12-months and received infection control, hand-washing, and donning and doffing training within 1 months of employment. 100% of the practice patient-facing staff (clinical and reception staff) completed their annual infection prevention & control update training (specific whether this was in a formal training session or online). 100% of the practice non-patient-facing staff completed their 3-yearly/annual infection prevention & control update training. The IPC nurse/practitioner attended training updates for their role. Training is provided by the BOB ICB Webinars.

Infection Control Advice to Patients

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

There are leaflets/posters available in the Medical Centre/Surgery -regarding:

  • Childhood immunisations
  • Chickenpox & shingles
  • COVID-19
  • Norovirus
  • Influenza

Policies, procedures, and guidelines

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