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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Infection Control Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how {{org_field_name}}, as a domiciliary care provider in England, will prevent and control infections to protect service users and staff. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential for ensuring people stay healthy and safe in care​. By minimizing the spread of illnesses such as COVID-19, MRSA, and norovirus, we safeguard the well-being of those receiving and delivering care. The policy aligns with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which require care providers to “prevent and control the spread of infection”​. We follow current national guidance (including UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice and the Department of Health & Social Care’s Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections) to ensure high standards of cleanliness and infection control. Ultimately, adhering to this policy helps us provide safe, high-quality domiciliary care that protects everyone from avoidable harm.

2. Scope

This Infection Control Policy applies to all employees of {{org_field_name}} (care workers, supervisors, managers, and office staff), all service users receiving care in their own homes, and any visitors present during care visits (including family members, friends, and other professionals). It covers all locations where care is delivered under our auspices (primarily clients’ homes and any community settings where staff perform care duties). Everyone has a responsibility to follow the infection control measures in this policy – staff at all levels, the service users themselves (as far as they are able), and visitors. We will also ensure that information about infection risks and required precautions is shared appropriately with service users and their families/visitors​. This policy works in tandem with our other procedures to maintain a safe and clean care environment. Compliance with this policy is a condition of working for {{org_field_name}} and a condition of receiving our services, as it is crucial for the health and safety of all.

3. Infection Control Measures

Key infection control measures in domiciliary care include strict hygiene practices, correct use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection routines, and prompt response to infectious outbreaks. The following core measures must be implemented at all times:

• Hand Hygiene: Care staff must perform thorough handwashing with liquid soap and warm running water at key moments (before and after any personal care or food handling, after using the toilet or cleaning tasks, after removing gloves/PPE, and whenever hands are visibly soiled).

Washing hands for at least 20 seconds, then rinsing and drying with a disposable paper towel, is the gold standard for removing germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser (60%+ alcohol) should be used if soap and water are not immediately available or as an additional step, but it is not effective against some pathogens (for example, norovirus or Clostridioides difficile) and must not replace soap-and-water handwashing when dealing with vomiting/diarrhea incidents​. Staff should also encourage service users to clean their hands before meals and after toileting, and assist them if needed. Good hand hygiene is the single most important practice to prevent infection spread.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

PPE Stock

The Registered Manager is ultimately responsible for ordering PPE stocks.

Staff can collect PPE from our office:

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Personal Protective Equipment is used as a barrier to protect both the service user and the caregiver from infection. Staff are expected to wear disposable gloves and plastic aprons for any direct care that involves contact with body fluids (e.g. assisting with personal hygiene, handling soiled bedding, cleaning up spills). Face masks (such as Type IIR surgical masks) and eye protection (goggles or face shields) are worn if there is a risk of splashes or if dealing with an airborne infectious disease (for example, caring for someone with suspected COVID-19 or another respiratory infection)​. PPE selection will follow current UKHSA guidance for the specific infection risk. For example, during a COVID-19 outbreak, staff may use masks and eye protection for droplet precautions​, and during routine care of an individual with MRSA, gloves and apron are usually sufficient. All PPE must be used and disposed of correctly: perform hand hygiene before putting it on, put on gloves last and remove them first, and discard used PPE into a designated waste bag immediately after use. Staff should change gloves and aprons between tasks and between different service users to prevent cross-contamination. For instance, if moving from assisting one person with toileting to assisting another with feeding, fresh PPE is required. Managers will ensure appropriate PPE supplies (gloves, aprons, masks, etc.) are available to staff at all times. Using PPE properly is crucial to break the chain of infection by creating a protective barrier between the caregiver and any germs​.

• Cleaning and Disinfection: Maintaining a clean environment in the service user’s home is vital for infection control. Care workers should regularly clean frequently-touched surfaces they come into contact with during visits (such as mobility equipment handles, bathroom surfaces after personal care, and any devices used for care) using appropriate disinfectant wipes or cleaning solutions. Any spillages of bodily fluids (vomit, faeces, blood) must be cleaned up immediately with detergent and disinfectant (following the manufacturer’s instructions or using a chlorine-releasing solution if safe for the surface). We advise service users and their families on proper cleaning routines as part of care planning. If a service user is known to have an infection like norovirus or C. diff, extra attention is paid to cleaning toilets, commodes, and wash hand basins with bleach-based products to kill these germs. Laundry handling should also follow IPC precautions: soiled linens or clothes should be handled with gloves, kept separate from clean items, placed in a plastic bag for transport, and washed at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric. Staff must never rinse soiled linens by hand or place them on the floor – instead, put them directly into a bag or container to be washed.
• Waste Management: Contaminated waste (e.g. used dressings, used gloves, masks, incontinence pads) should be disposed of in a plastic rubbish bag, tied securely and disposed of as per local regulations. In many cases, double-bagging and holding for 72 hours before normal disposal is recommended for infectious waste generated in home settings (per UKHSA COVID-19 domestic waste guidance), or collection as clinical waste if arranged. Sharps (like used needles) must go into a sharps container immediately; caregivers should never re-sheath needles or leave sharps unsecured. By keeping the environment, equipment, and materials clean, we remove reservoirs where pathogens can survive or spread.
• Managing Infectious Diseases and Outbreaks: Care staff must be vigilant and respond quickly if they suspect an infection in a service user or themselves. If a service user shows symptoms of an infectious illness (e.g. fever, new cough, diarrhoea/vomiting, unexplained rashes), staff should don appropriate PPE and isolate the immediate area as much as possible. They should report the situation to their manager for further advice. For respiratory infections like COVID-19 or influenza: ensure the service user is supported to stay in a well-ventilated room away from others if feasible and encourage them to wear a face mask (if tolerated) when carers or visitors are in close contact. Staff will follow current UKHSA guidance on testing and isolation – for example, if COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, arrange a test if eligible and take precautions as if positive until confirmed. If a service user is confirmed COVID-19 positive or has another serious contagious disease, we will adjust the care visit schedule to minimise contact (only essential visits with enhanced PPE) and notify other healthcare professionals involved. Similarly, for norovirus or other gastrointestinal bug: if the client has vomiting or diarrhoea, staff should wear gloves and apron for all contact, ensure meticulous handwashing with soap (not just alcohol gel)​, and advise the client to stay hydrated and avoid contact with others. We may reschedule non-urgent visits until 48 hours after symptoms resolve to limit exposure. Service users colonised with MRSA (e.g. found to carry MRSA on their skin or wounds) will be cared for with standard precautions – gloves, aprons, good hand hygiene – but they are not to be socially isolated or treated as infectious in everyday life, since MRSA colonisation alone does not harm healthy people and carriers can continue normal activities without restriction​. We will keep any wounds covered and dispose of dressings carefully but otherwise encourage MRSA-positive clients to live as usual while we maintain hygiene. In all cases of known infection, staff should “team isolate” by dedicating specific equipment to that individual (to avoid sharing items between clients) and by extra cleaning of anything that must be used elsewhere. If multiple service users or staff become ill with the same infection (indicative of an outbreak), management will escalate the issue: e.g. inform the local UKHSA Health Protection Team or Public Health England (as applicable) for guidance: Local Health Protection Team website – {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}}, and inform the Care Quality Commission if required. We will cooperate with any outbreak control measures advised by public health authorities. Staff sickness: Employees have a duty to not work while they are infectious. Any staff member who has symptoms of a respiratory infection and feels unwell or has a fever should stay at home and inform their manager, seeking a COVID-19 test if eligible​. Staff who test positive for COVID-19 must not attend work for at least 5 days after the test​, and only return when they feel well and have no fever​. Even after returning, for up to 10 days from onset they should take extra care (e.g. wearing a mask and avoiding vulnerable clients)​. Similarly, staff with gastroenteritis (norovirus, etc.) must stay off until 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea​. These sickness rules are in line with UKHSA guidance and are critical to prevent caregivers from bringing infections into clients’ homes. Managers will support staff in following these rules (e.g. arranging cover for shifts) so no one feels pressured to work while ill.

By rigorously applying the above infection control measures, we “break the chain of infection” at multiple points – reducing the chance for pathogens to spread from one person or surface to another. Every staff member must treat infection control as part of routine care, not as an optional add-on. In practice, this means consistently using good hygiene and PPE for all service users (standard precautions), because anyone could be carrying germs unknowingly. When specific risks are identified, we add extra precautions as described. Through these proactive steps, {{org_field_name}} creates a safer environment for clients in their own homes and for our care teams.

4. Staff Responsibilities

Care Staff (Caregivers): All care workers are responsible for following this policy and the associated procedures at all times. Frontline staff must practice good infection control daily, which includes: performing hand hygiene correctly and frequently; using PPE as instructed for each task; cleaning up after providing care; and safely disposing of waste. Care staff should remain vigilant for any signs of infection in service users (for example, new cough, fever, diarrhoea, skin lesions) and promptly report these to their line manager so appropriate action can be taken. If a caregiver is unsure about the precautions needed for a particular situation, it is their responsibility to seek guidance (e.g. contacting a supervisor or referring to our infection control manual) rather than proceeding unsafely. Staff must also report immediately if they themselves feel unwell or have symptoms of an infectious illness, and should refrain from working while contagious (per the sickness rules in Section 3).

Report illness:

Call the office to inform the Registered Manager or Infection Control Lead at {{org_field_phone_no}}.

If the concern arises out of office hours, call the out-of-hours phone number: {{out_of_hours}}. If it is the same number as office hours, the call will be redirected to the on-call person.

Concealing an illness and coming to work is a serious breach of duty, as it endangers clients. Care staff are expected to keep their uniform or clothing clean and presentable, changing daily and laundering uniforms at high temperature after each shift (or as soon as possible if contaminated during a visit). They should cover any cuts or wounds on their hands with waterproof dressings. Additionally, all employees must cooperate with infection control monitoring activities (such as hand hygiene audits or spot checks) and attend required training (see Section 5). In summary, each caregiver has a duty of care to consistently implement infection prevention practices and to uphold the health and safety of clients and colleagues​. By accepting employment with {{org_field_name}}, staff also accept accountability for adhering to this policy as part of their professional responsibilities.

Management and Supervisors: Management personnel (including the Registered Manager, care coordinators, and field supervisors) are responsible for creating an environment that enables and enforces good infection control.

Registered Manager

• Registered Manager first name: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}}
• Registered Manager last name: {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
• Registered Manager email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}
• Registered Manager phone number: {{org_field_registered_manager_phone}}

Infection Control Lead

• Infection Control Lead name: {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}
• Infection Control Lead role: {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}}

Management will provide clear guidance, resources, and support to staff: for example, ensuring that this policy and related procedures are easily accessible; supplying adequate stocks of PPE, hand sanitiser, and cleaning materials for care staff; and scheduling work in a way that allows proper infection control (e.g. allowing enough time between client visits for handwashing and change of PPE).

The management must also lead by example – supervisors should follow all IPC measures themselves during any client visits or staff observations. Specific duties include: conducting risk assessments for infection control (both general assessments and person-specific – e.g. identifying if a client is at higher risk of infection or if their home environment poses any infection hazards, and planning care accordingly); monitoring compliance by staff (through spot inspections of caregivers during visits, audits of documentation, and asking for client feedback regarding hygiene practices); and taking action on any breaches or issues. If a staff member is found to be non-compliant (for instance, not washing hands or not wearing PPE properly), management will address it through supervision and re-training, and use disciplinary procedures for repeated or serious violations. Management also ensures that incidents related to infection (such as an outbreak in a client’s home or staff contracting a work-related infection) are properly reported, investigated, and learned from. Another key responsibility is to stay updated on latest public health guidance and update the policy and practices as needed – for example, if UKHSA issues new guidelines for COVID-19 or if CQC updates its standards, the Registered Manager will incorporate those changes and inform the team. Lastly, managers should foster a culture of safety and openness where staff feel comfortable reporting problems (like insufficient supplies or a mistake in infection control) so that these can be resolved – a learning culture rather than a blaming one. By clearly defining these roles, we ensure there are “clear roles and responsibilities around infection prevention and control” within the organisation​, which is a fundamental expectation of the Care Quality Commission. All staff, from junior carers to senior managers, must work in partnership, each fulfilling their part, to achieve the common goal of effective infection control.

5. Training and Education

Training is mandatory for all {{org_field_name}} staff to ensure they understand infection risks and know how to apply proper IPC practices. Every new employee will receive infection control training as part of their induction (initial training before or at the start of delivering care)​. This induction training covers the basic principles of infection prevention in domiciliary care, including hand hygiene technique, use of PPE (with demonstration of donning and doffing gloves, aprons, masks correctly), safe waste disposal, cleaning procedures, and recognising/reporting common infections (like how to spot signs of COVID-19 or sepsis). We also educate staff on the rationale behind these practices – for example, explaining how infections spread in home settings and how our measures break the chain of infection – so they appreciate the importance of following protocols. In addition to the initial training, all care staff must attend annual refresher training in infection control​. Yearly refreshers ensure that staff skills remain up-to-date and that any changes in guidance (for instance, new PPE recommendations or emerging disease threats) are communicated. The refreshers may be in-person workshops, e-learning modules, or competency assessments (such as observed hand washing audits) as appropriate.

Specialised or additional training will be provided when needed. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic or winter flu season, we may run extra briefing sessions on specific measures (like how to fit-check an N95/FFP3 mask or how to perform lateral flow tests, if those become relevant). If a new piece of equipment or new disinfectant product is introduced, training will be given on its proper use. Records of all infection control training are maintained by management – each employee’s training dates and any certificates are logged, and renewal dates are monitored so no one goes overdue. Supervisors will also perform on-the-job coaching: they might quiz staff during spot checks (e.g. “Can you tell me the proper handwashing steps?”) or demonstrate techniques in the client’s home if improvements are needed. We encourage a learning environment where staff can ask questions and clarify doubts about infection control at any time. Educational posters and reminders (for example, hand hygiene posters) may be provided to staff or even displayed in clients’ homes (with permission) to reinforce good practices daily. By investing in continuous training and education, we empower our team to maintain high IPC standards. Well-trained staff are confident and competent in preventing infection, which in turn reassures service users that they are receiving safe care.

6. Monitoring and Compliance

{{org_field_name}} is committed to routinely monitoring infection control practices to ensure compliance with this policy and identify areas for improvement. Several methods will be used to assess adherence:

• Spot Checks and Observations: Supervisors or managers will periodically accompany or visit care staff during their rounds (with consent of the service user) to directly observe whether proper hand washing, PPE use, and cleaning are being carried out. They may use a checklist to evaluate key points (e.g., Did the caregiver wash hands on arrival?, Is the apron being worn during personal care?). Feedback (both positive and corrective) will be given to the staff member on the spot and recorded.
• Audits: We will conduct formal infection control audits at defined intervals (at least annually, and more frequently if needed). These audits review various aspects of our service: checking that all staff have up-to-date training; reviewing documentation (for instance, that any infection incidents were logged and managed properly); auditing supplies (ensuring PPE stock levels are adequate and stored correctly); and possibly auditing a sample of care records to see if infection risks for clients were assessed and planned for. Audit results will be documented in a report. Management will develop an action plan for any deficiencies found. For example, if an audit finds that hand hygiene compliance was 90% (target 100%), we will take actions such as additional staff training or increased reminders, then follow up to see if compliance improves.
• Service User Feedback: We take into account the feedback from service users and their families regarding cleanliness and infection control. This might be through periodic surveys or during care reviews. If a client reports, for instance, that a caregiver did not wear gloves during a certain task, we will investigate and address it. Positive feedback (e.g. a client feeling that staff are very clean and careful) will also be noted and passed on to reinforce good practice.
• Incident Monitoring: All infection-related incidents (such as if a service user develops a serious infection, or if there is a known transmission of infection linked to our care) are reported via our incident reporting system. These reports are reviewed by management to identify any lapses or lessons. For example, if two clients in the same week develop norovirus, we examine whether those clients shared a caregiver, and if so, whether proper precautions were taken.
• Trends will be monitored – an unusual increase in infections will trigger an analysis and response. Additionally, certain infectious diseases are notifiable under public health law (e.g. COVID-19 outbreaks, or other significant infections); management will ensure that the appropriate notifications to local Health Protection Teams or CQC are made in a timely manner.
• Compliance with Standards: We periodically self-assess our service against external standards and guidance. The Care Quality Commission’s fundamental standards (especially Regulation 12 on safe care and treatment) serve as a benchmark. We expect to always meet these standards; thus, part of our monitoring is to ensure this policy remains in line with CQC’s latest expectations. We also incorporate any best practice guidance updates from UKHSA, NHS or NICE into our monitoring criteria. For instance, if UKHSA updates guidance on PPE usage in homecare, we will check that our staff comply with the new guidance. During CQC inspections or contract monitoring visits by local authorities, any feedback on our infection control will be taken seriously and acted upon.

Non-compliance: If monitoring finds that certain staff or locations are not fully complying with the policy, we will take corrective action. Minor lapses will be addressed through coaching and reminder memos. Repeated or serious breaches (like wilfully ignoring PPE rules) may result in formal disciplinary action, as such behaviour can put vulnerable people at risk. Our goal, however, is to support staff to get it right – compliance is more likely when staff have the knowledge, tools, and time needed for good practice. Thus, monitoring isn’t about blaming but about identifying obstacles and solving them (for example, if we find staff skip handwashing due to tight scheduling, we will adjust schedules). By maintaining a robust monitoring and quality assurance process, we strive for continuous improvement in infection prevention and control. This helps us assure that the care we provide remains safe and effective, and it prepares us to demonstrate compliance during any external inspection or audit.

7. Related Policies

Infection control is closely linked with other operational policies and procedures. Staff should be aware of and refer to the following related documents for further guidance:

• Health and Safety Policy: Overarching policy on maintaining a safe environment – includes responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act for reducing risks (of which infection risk is one) and guidance on incident reporting and risk assessments. Our infection control measures are a key part of keeping workers and clients safe from hazards.
• Risk Assessment Policy: Describes how we conduct and record risk assessments for service users and tasks. Infection risks (e.g. a client with a chronic wound or a home with poor sanitation) should be identified in the initial assessment and care plan. Staff should refer to individual risk assessment documents for any client-specific infection control instructions (for example, “Client X has MRSA – wear gloves for contact with wound and handle laundry as infectious per guidelines”). We regularly review risk assessments to update any changing infection risks.
• Hand Washing Policy: Some organisations have a specific hand hygiene protocol – if we have one, it will detail the proper hand washing technique, when to use soap vs. hand rub, hand care (to prevent skin damage), and possibly the use of hand hygiene audit tools. Even if not a separate policy, the procedure is outlined in this Infection Control Policy (Section 3).
• Clinical Waste Disposal Policy: Guidance on disposing of hazardous or infectious waste. While much of our waste will go via household streams (with precautions), this policy outlines any arrangements we have for clinical waste bags, sharps bins, and how staff obtain and return these, as well as local council or waste contractor procedures we follow. Staff should consult this when dealing with large amounts of contaminated waste or sharps.
• Incident Reporting and Management Policy: The steps for reporting incidents (including infection incidents or occupational exposures like needle-stick injuries) and how they are investigated. For example, if a staff member is exposed to blood or bodily fluids, this policy would cover seeking medical advice (like HIV/hepatitis prophylaxis) and reporting requirements (RIDDOR, if applicable, for occupational infection exposures).
• Outbreak Contingency Plan (Pandemic/Epidemic Plan): In light of COVID-19, we have plans for managing widespread outbreaks that affect staffing and service delivery. This would include what to do if multiple staff are off sick (business continuity), how to cohort staff or prioritise critical visits, etc. Such plans complement the infection control policy by providing a strategy for unusual crisis situations.
• Safeguarding Policy: Infection control has a safeguarding element – neglecting a client’s hygiene or leaving them in unsafe sanitary conditions could be a safeguarding issue. Our staff should recognise that good infection control is part of safeguarding vulnerable adults’ dignity and health.

(Note: The above list is not exhaustive. Other documents like the Medication Policy (for antimicrobial use and fridge temperature monitoring if storing medications), Equipment Cleaning Protocols, or Uniform/Dress Code Policy (which might address wearing of short sleeves for hand hygiene, no false nails or jewelry, etc.) are also relevant. Staff should see all these policies as interconnected in promoting overall safety and quality.)

8. Policy Review

This Infection Control Policy will be reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains up-to-date with current laws, regulations, and best practices. The Registered Manager (or designated Infection Control Lead) is responsible for initiating the review. The next scheduled review date is recorded on the policy document (typically 12 months from the last approval date). However, the policy will be updated sooner if needed in response to significant changes – for example, if the UK Health Security Agency or Department of Health issues new guidance that affects domiciliary care (such as updated COVID-19 precautions or new vaccination recommendations), or if an internal audit/incident investigation identifies gaps that need to be addressed. When changes are made, all staff will be notified and given training or briefing on the new requirements.

Managers will ensure that every care worker has read and understood the latest policy (signature or electronic confirmation may be used as evidence). Additionally, we may involve staff in the review process by inviting feedback or suggestions based on their frontline experience – this helps keep the policy practical and effective.

By regularly reviewing and updating our Infection Control Policy, {{org_field_name}} demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and compliance with the latest standards. This proactive approach ensures that our infection prevention measures remain robust and that we continue to protect our service users and staff to the highest possible degree.

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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}}
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