INTRODUCTION
This page sets out the surgery policy on infection control and should be used with reference to the principles outlined in the Practices Infection Control (biological substances) Protocol and the Infection Control Inspection Checklist (Available upon request)
Policy Statement
This practice is committed to the control of infection within the building and in relation to the clinical procedures carried out within it.
The practice will undertake to maintain the premises, equipment, drugs and procedures to the standards detailed within the Checklist and will undertake to provide facilities and the financial resources to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to reduce or remove all infection risk.
Wherever possible or practicable the practice will seek to use washable or disposable materials for items such as soft furnishings and consumables, e.g. seating materials, wall coverings including paint, bedding, couch rolls, modesty sheets, bed curtains, floor coverings, towels etc, and ensure that these are laundered, cleaned or changed frequently to minimise risk of infection.
Proposals for the Management of Infection Risk
The clinician responsible for Infection Control is Sister Maria Turner
The non-clinician responsible for Infection Control is Fraser Cherry
HCA Gwen Green will be responsible for the maintenance of personal protective equipment and the provision of personal cleaning supplies within clinical areas
GMS Cleaning Services Limited will be responsible for the maintenance of the provision of personal cleaning supplies within non-clinical areas
HCA Gwen Green will be responsible for the maintenance of sterile equipment and supplies, and for ensuring that all items remain “in date”
The following general precautions will apply:
- A daily, weekly and monthly cleaning specification will apply and will be followed by the cleaning staff
- Infection Control training will take place for all staff (new recruits within 4 weeks of start ) on a regular basis and will include hand washing procedures. See Hand washing Protocol (Available upon request)
- Hand washing posters will be displayed at each clinical hand basin.
- A random and unannounced Infection Control Inspection by the above named staff, using the Infection Control Checklist , will take place on at least a quarterly basis and the findings will be reported to the partners’ meeting for (any) remedial action.
- Patients are encouraged to report any issues that they believe may constitute an infection risk, to the Practice Manager, using a feedback form available on-line here or, in the waiting room.