All practices must have a written policy and procedures on infection prevention and control. Some practices may choose to create a single comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control policy or, alternatively, it might be more convenient to maintain several smaller policies covering relevant aspects of infection prevention and control (as is presented in the PSM templates). Irrespective of how the policy and procedures are developed, it is important that regular reviews take place and that the policy/ies and procedures are amended to reflect best practice.
Put together a comprehensive policy (or policies) that details the infection prevention and control activities in the practice, to include:
- staff training
- confidentiality (regarding patient histories and staff health information)
- health clearance and immunisation (including hepatitis B status)
- hand hygiene
- occupational exposure management (including sharps)
- control of legionella
- cleaning the care environment
- personal protective equipment
- safe management of waste
- procurement of infection prevention and control and decontamination items (including, single use items, reusable items and equipment)
- decontamination of reusable items (including cleaning and disinfection, sterilization and storage)
- dispatch to laboratories and equipment suppliers
- dispatch of biopsy/pathology specimens
- infection prevention and control for domiciliary procedures.
Refer to the NHS National Services Scotland National Infection Prevention and Control Manual [1] for guidance when developing policy/ies for your own practice or use the templates provided in the PSM.
Ensure all staff are aware of the IPC policy/ies and contents.
Keep up to date with the latest guidance on infection prevention and control (e.g. see National Services Scotland’ National Infection Prevention and Control Manual [1]), review your infection control policy/ies on a regular basis and make staff aware of any changes (e.g. at practice meetings).