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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Infection Prevention and Control Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} complies with the latest Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, Public Health Wales guidelines, and relevant legislation to prevent and control infections effectively. The policy establishes a framework to reduce the risk of infection transmission among residents, staff, and visitors, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment. It provides clear guidance to staff and CIW inspectors on how we efficiently manage infection prevention and control within our care home.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, residents, visitors, contractors, and healthcare professionals who interact with {{org_field_name}}. It covers all aspects of infection control, including hygiene protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, outbreak management, and staff training.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Ensures infection control measures are in place in regulated services.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to protect staff and residents from infection risks.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Governs the handling of hazardous materials, including biological agents.
• The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017 – Specifies provider responsibilities for infection prevention.
• Public Health Wales Infection Control Guidelines – Outlines best practices for infection control in healthcare settings.
• Food Safety Act 1990 – Regulates food hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses.

4. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

4.1. Hand Hygiene and Personal Hygiene Effective hand hygiene is the most critical measure in preventing infections. We ensure that:

• All staff, residents, and visitors follow the five moments of hand hygiene as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Alcohol-based hand sanitiser dispensers are available at key locations throughout the care home.
• Staff receive annual hand hygiene training and competency assessments.
• Residents are encouraged and supported to maintain personal hygiene routines.

4.2. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Proper use of PPE helps to prevent infection transmission. We implement this by:

• Ensuring adequate stocks of gloves, aprons, masks, and face shields are available at all times.
• Providing mandatory training on PPE donning and doffing procedures.
• Enforcing strict compliance with PPE guidelines, especially when providing direct care to residents with infections.
• Conducting regular PPE audits to ensure adherence to protocols.

4.3. Cleaning, Disinfection, and Waste Management Maintaining a clean environment is essential for infection control. We ensure this by:

• Implementing a daily and deep cleaning schedule using CIW-recommended disinfectants.
• Cleaning high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, handrails) at least four times daily.
• Using color-coded cleaning equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
• Ensuring waste, including clinical waste, is disposed of according to Public Health Wales guidelines.

4.4. Outbreak Management and Reporting In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, we follow Public Health Wales and CIW guidelines to contain and manage the spread. This includes:

• Immediate isolation of affected residents to prevent cross-infection.
• Enhanced infection control measures, including increased cleaning frequency and restricted visitor access.
• Timely reporting of outbreaks to local health protection teams and CIW.
• Conducting post-outbreak reviews to assess response effectiveness and implement lessons learned.

4.5. Staff Health and Training Our staff play a critical role in infection prevention. We ensure:

• All staff undergo annual infection control training.
• Staff are encouraged to report any symptoms of infectious illness and refrain from working if unwell.
• Vaccination programs (e.g., flu and COVID-19) are promoted and offered to staff and residents.
• Occupational health support is available to assist staff in infection-related concerns.

4.6. Resident Infection Prevention Strategies To safeguard our residents, we implement the following measures:

• Conduct infection risk assessments upon admission and regularly thereafter.
• Encourage social distancing measures during outbreaks.
• Educate residents and their families on infection prevention practices.
• Ensure residents with compromised immune systems receive individualised care plans.

4.7. Safe Handling of Linen and Laundry To prevent the spread of infection through contaminated laundry, we ensure:

• Segregation of contaminated laundry in designated bags.
• Use of high-temperature washing cycles (at least 60°C) for all bedding and clothing.
• Staff training in proper handling, storage, and transport of linens to avoid contamination.

4.8. Food Hygiene and Infection Control Foodborne illnesses pose a significant infection risk. To prevent this, we:

• Ensure all kitchen staff receive food hygiene training.
• Conduct regular audits of food storage, preparation, and handling procedures.
• Maintain separate kitchen areas for handling raw and cooked food.
• Implement strict handwashing protocols for all staff involved in food service.

4.9. Visiting and Infection Control Measures To ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors, we:

• Implement visitor screening during high-risk periods.
• Provide infection control guidance to visitors upon arrival.
• Encourage the use of hand hygiene stations before and after visits.
• Restrict visits during outbreaks, following public health recommendations.

4.10. Monitoring, Auditing, and Continuous Improvement We continuously monitor infection prevention measures through:

• Monthly infection control audits.
• Regular staff feedback sessions to discuss best practices and improvement areas.
• Implementing corrective actions in response to audit findings.
• Conducting annual reviews of infection control policies and procedures.

5. Related Policies

• CHW07: Person-Centred Care Policy
• CHW08: Dignity and Respect Policy
• CHW13: Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CHW16: Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CHW17: Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18: Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW19: Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
• CHW21: Medication Management and Administration Policy

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in legislation, CIW regulations, or operational needs occur. Updates will be communicated to all relevant staff to ensure compliance and best practice within {{org_field_name}}.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.