The Mill Medical Practice Annual Infection Prevention and Control statement August 2023

 

The Mill’s Medical Practice infection prevention lead is Melisa Yeardley (Lead Practice Nurse) she is supported by Dr Steve Simons (Partner GP) Sue Bonner and Louise Bowers (Practice Managers) and Stephanie Berry and Caroline Fitzgerald (IT and Facilities Coordinators)

Purpose

This annual statement will be generated each year in August 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. The report will be published on the practice website and will include the following summary:

·         Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken

·         Details of any infection control audits undertaken, and actions undertaken

·         Details of any risk assessments undertaken for the prevention and control of infection

·         Details of staff training

·         Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines 

 

Infection transmission incidents

In the past year, there have been no significant events raised, that related to infection control. There have also been no complaints made regarding cleanliness or infection control. 

Chronic infected wounds have been isolated and no transmission to other patients has occurred. This was achieved by following microbiology guidance, appropriate use of oral antibiotics and antimicrobial dressings. In addition, strict techniques are adhered to.

 

 

In House Audits

A recent audit was carried out by Melisa Yeardley earlier this year. This was to audit all clinical rooms to ensure that they were maintained to a high standard of infection control and waste disposal. This was also to confirm compliance with the Infection control and waste management policies. All clinical rooms are maintained to a high level of compliance and suggestions for improvement have been shared with staff. 

Audits are carried out twice a year. Any findings from this are discussed as a practice and changes made if required.

 

Minor surgery

Dr Steve Simons is responsible for minor surgery here at The Practice. He audits all procedures for possible post-operative complications/ infections.

He also audited the treatment room, where he performs minor operations and is satisfied that it is maintained to a high standard.

This room is cleaned prior to operations and this is documented whenever used.

 

Risk Assessments and Policies

Risk assessments and policies are regularly updated to minimise the risk of infection and transmission to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff. Action and implementation has been carried out where necessary.  The following risk assessments are carried out COSHH, staff vaccinations, water safety, sharps, waste disposal, hand washing technique and cleaning standards.

 

Cleaning Specifications and Frequency.

The Mill has contracted cleaners which we have had for approximately four years. The cleaners have provided an exceptional level of cleanliness to our practice and we are very happy with their work. Rooms are cleaned according to their usage/ purpose and cleaned appropriately as per policy.  They are audited by the company manager to guarantee stands are maintained. This is also inspected by the practice infection prevention team to ensure high standards are maintained.  All equipment used by medical staff is either single use or cleaned regularly after patient usage. Cleaning logs are recoded for many items of equipment that has patient contact and risk of transmission of potential infection.

 

Staff Training

All staff are trained yearly on prevention and control of infection in general practice. New staff are trained as part of their induction and then annually

The infection control team meet for meetings to ensure we are providing the best practice in terms of infection control and prevention to patients, visitors and staff.

 

Policies and protocols

Protocols and policies are continually updated as advice changes and are subsequently distributed to all members of staff via emails or accessible on The Practice computer system.

 

Melisa Yeardley

Lead Practice Nurse

Lead Infection Prevention

August 2023