Infection Control

Long Furlong Medical Centre

45 Loyd Close | Abingdon | Oxon | OX14 1XR

Infection Control Annual Statement 2016-17

Purpose

This annual statement will be generated each year in May. 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 and actions taken.
• Control risk assessments undertaken
• Details of staff training
• Details of infection control advice to patients
• Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Identify lead personnel for infection control.

Accountability and Responsibilities

The Practice Lead for Infection Control and Decontamination is: RGN Alison Plaistow

The Practice Manager, Diana Donald, has responsibility to ensure compliance with legislation and national guidance for Infection prevention and control and for cleanliness.

Significant Events

In the past year (1 April 2016 – 31 Mar 2017) there have been no significant events raised that relate to infection control.

Audits

The following audits are completed each year:

• Minor Surgery – Dr Moore completes an audit of minor surgery procedures each January. No infections have been reported in the previous 2 years
  
  
• LARCs – Dr Allan completes an audit of procedures each January. No infections have been reported following IUDs and Subdermal implants in the previous 2 years
  
  
• Following an audit by the Clinical Commissioning Group of high risk antibiotics we have reduced our use of them and are one of the lowest prescribers of these high risk antibiotics in the county.
  
  
• Infection Control Inspection Audit – Completed in May 2017 by PN, Alison Plaistow and PM, Diana Donald. Actions identified following the audit include:

Risk Assessment

Regular risk assessments are undertaken to minimise the risk of infection and to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The following risk assessments relating to infection control have been completed and appropriate actions have been taken.

• Children’s toys
• Disposal of clinical waste
• Healthcare associated infections & occupational infections
• Needle stick injuries
• Use of PPE
• Use of sharps boxes
• Risk of body fluid spills

Prescribing

To support our prescribing of antibiotics we use a system protocol that requires us to justify when we are considering prescribing a high risk antibiotic.

Cleaning specifications, frequencies and cleanliness of equipment

The Practice has appointed Wyclean Group Ltd as their cleaning contractor of choice. The company has a wealth of knowledge and experience of cleaning standards required in general practice to comply with infection control and health & safety.  Cleaning specifications are set in liaison with their representative and standards monitored daily by the Practice Manager.

The Practice has adopted an environmental cleaning policy for clinical and non-clinical staff to follow.

Toys, Books and Magazines

We provide minimal toys to help entertain children whilst they are in the waiting room and during consultations. Toys are carefully selected to allow for cleaning and minimise the risk of contamination.

Magazines are replenished regularly.

Curtains

All consulting and treatment rooms have disposable curtains. All windows are fitted with washable vertical blinds.

Flooring

Hard flooring is in all patient areas, including the waiting room, corridors, consulting and treatment rooms.

Furniture

All seating in patient areas is of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal fabrics and vinyls.

Staff Training

All practice staff, clinical and non-clinical are required to participate in regular training for the management and control of HCAIs and hand washing techniques. To facilitate this we have access to on-line training material which staff are required to complete at regular and appropriate intervals according to their role.

Patients

Patients who are thought to have an infection that may be contagious e.g. chickenpox are, when possible, isolated on arrival at reception.

There have been no reported cases of MRSA or Clostridium-difficile acquired in the Practice.

Patients will be provided with information leaflets on these infections prior to a hospital admission.

Patients are encouraged to use antibacterial gel to combat cross infection. Dispensers are available throughout the practice including the waiting room.

We will ensure that patients with infections are treated promptly, appropriately and provided with the relevant information.

Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Policies relating to infection prevention and control will be reviewed as current advice changes and updated annually if appropriate.

Diana Donald

Practice Manager | June 2017