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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Infection Control Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines on infection prevention and control measures at {{org_field_name}}. Effective infection control is essential in maintaining the safety of service users, employees, agency workers, and visitors. This policy ensures compliance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, and other relevant legislation.

{{org_field_name}} is committed to minimising the risk of infections by implementing best practices, educating staff, and following national infection prevention standards set by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Care Quality Commission (CQC).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, service users, and visitors across all locations where {{org_field_name}} operates. It covers:

• Prevention of infections
• Hand hygiene
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Cleaning and decontamination
• Waste disposal
• Safe handling of sharps
• Management of infectious diseases

3. Infection Control Responsibilities

• Registered Manager: Ensures infection control policies and procedures are implemented and reviewed regularly.
• Infection Control Lead: Provides training, oversees compliance, and acts as the point of contact for infection-related concerns.
• All Employees & Agency Workers: Must adhere to infection control measures and report any concerns to the line managers of the care settings.
• Housekeeping & Cleaning Teams: Ensure effective cleaning and decontamination in line with infection control protocols.

4. Standard Infection Prevention Measures Hand Hygiene

• All staff must wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Hands must be washed:
  • Before and after patient contact
  • Before preparing or handling food
  • After contact with bodily fluids or waste
  • After using PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, aprons, gowns) must be worn based on risk assessment.
• PPE must be changed between service users and removed safely to avoid contamination.
• Staff must be trained on the correct use and disposal of PPE.

Cleaning & Decontamination

• High-touch surfaces must be disinfected regularly.
• Equipment must be decontaminated after each use following manufacturer guidelines.
• Cleaning schedules must be followed for all areas, particularly clinical and high-risk zones.

Waste Disposal

• Clinical waste (infectious or hazardous) must be disposed of in yellow bags and bins.
• General waste must be placed in black bags and disposed of appropriately.
• Sharps must be disposed of in designated sharps containers, and never re-capped.

5. Managing Infectious Diseases

• Isolation Procedures: Service users with infectious conditions must be isolated to prevent transmission.
• Notification of Infectious Diseases: Any outbreak or suspected case of a reportable disease must be reported to UKHSA, Public Health England, or the local authority.
• Vaccination & Immunisation: Staff are encouraged to be vaccinated against flu, hepatitis B, COVID-19, and other relevant diseases.
• Outbreak Management: If an outbreak occurs, enhanced cleaning, staff testing, and movement restrictions may be implemented.

6. Incident Reporting & Monitoring

• Any infection-related incidents, such as needlestick injuries, must be reported immediately to the Infection Control Lead or Registered Manager of the care provider.
• Records of infections must be kept for monitoring and regulatory compliance.
• Audits and risk assessments will be conducted regularly to improve infection control practices.

7. Training & Compliance

• All employees and agency workers must complete infection control training upon induction and annually.
• Regular updates on infection control policies will be provided.
• Non-compliance with infection control measures may result in disciplinary action.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or operational needs.

For further information, please contact: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}
Phone: {{org_field_registered_manager_phone}}

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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.