In line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections, this annual statement summarises:
- Any Infection-related incidents and actions taken
- IPC audits completed and actions arising
- IPC risks identified, with risk assessments and mitigations implemented
- Staff IPC training and competency assurance
- Review and updating of IPC policies, procedures and guidance
Practice Leads
- Clinical IPC Lead: Joanna Lynn (Lead Practice Nurse)
- Environmental Cleaning Lead: Duncan Mythen, Facilities Manager
IPC leads are the first point of contact for staff regarding IPC concerns and support a safe environment for patients, carers, visitors and staff. Patients can also raise any cleanliness or IPC concerns via the Care Coordinator (Reception) Team.
The IPC lead is responsible for:
- Monitoring IPC systems and compliance
- Completing and documenting IPC risk assessments
- Share IPC updates and promote good practice (posters, briefings, training)
- Implementing national and local IPC guidance
- Coordinating annual IPC audits and ensuring actions are completed
- Sharing key IPC messages with the practice team
- Attending relevant ICB / IPC updates
The Environmental Cleaning Lead is responsible for:
- Ensuring appropriate cleaning specifications, oversight, and documentation to support IPC
Infection-related incidents (Significant Events)
Infection-related significant events are reviewed as they occur in line with practice procedures and learning is shared with the team. No infection-related significant events were recorded for the period March 2025 – February 2026.
Audits
The IPC Lead undertakes an annual IPC and environment audit using the Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust Primary Care Audit Tool. Findings and actions are reviewed. Regular checks / audits are completed including hand hygiene, decontamination processes, PPE use, sharps management, and cold chain / fridge monitoring.
The IPC Lead has completed IPC Lead training and attends updates / webinars to remain current with best practice.
Risk Assessments and Controls
- Staff immunisation: occupational health vaccination checks appropriate to role (e.g. influenza, COVID-19, Hepatitis B where indicated).
- Patient immunisation: partaking in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offering vaccinations in-house and via home visits to our patients.
- Cleaning standards: documented cleaning specifications and frequencies, with routine monitoring and recorded checks including equipment cleanliness.
- Measles preparedness: we promote MMR catch-up and maintain vigilance for suspected cases. Patients with fever and rash are managed with enhanced infection control precautions and advised not to attend without contacting the practice first. Any suspected cases are managed and escalated in line with UKHSA guidance.
Staff Training
All staff complete IPC training (including hand hygiene, PPE, waste handling, management of spillages and needlestick injuries). Certificates are held and available for inspection.
Policies, Protocols and Guidelines
IPC policies and protocols are accessible to staff and are reviewed at least annually, and sooner if guidance or legislation changes.