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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}


Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Cleanliness Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the infection prevention and control measures at {{org_field_name}} to ensure the safety of service users, staff, and visitors. It aligns with the Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections under The Health and Social Care Act 2008 and follows guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Public Health England (PHE).

This policy applies to:

2. Infection Control Management and Monitoring Systems

To ensure effective infection prevention and control (IPC), {{org_field_name}} has established a structured governance framework that includes leadership responsibilities, infection prevention systems, and monitoring mechanisms.

2.1 Governance and Leadership

Governance and leadership in infection control are essential to ensuring a safe and hygienic care environment for service users, staff, and visitors.

Registered Manager Responsibilities

The Registered Manager ({{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}) holds overall responsibility for infection prevention and control, including:

Designated Infection Control Lead (ICL) Responsibilities

Designated Infection Control Lead (ICL) – {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}} – ({{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}}) is appointed to oversee daily infection prevention compliance and support staff in maintaining best practices. The ICL will:

The Registered Manager and ICL will collaborate to ensure continuous improvement in infection prevention and control measures.

2.2 Infection Prevention Systems

A comprehensive infection prevention system is in place to minimise the risk of infection transmission in Supported Living settings. This includes risk assessments, daily hygiene practices, and an incident reporting system.

Risk Assessment Process

Before delivering care, we will conduct infection control risk assessments for:

Risk assessments will be regularly updated based on changes in a service user’s condition or environment.

Daily Infection Prevention Practices

All staff must adhere to Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs), including:

Infection Reporting and Outbreak Management

A robust reporting system will be in place to track infections, suspected outbreaks, and incidents.

2.3 Monitoring and Audits

To maintain high infection control standards, we will implement regular monitoring and auditing processes.

Monthly Infection Control Audits

Staff Compliance Checks

Annual Infection Control Training

3. Infection Risk Assessment and Management

Infection risk assessment and management are critical components of our infection control strategy at {{org_field_name}}. By identifying potential infection risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies, we ensure the safety of our service users and staff.

3.1 Identifying and Assessing Infection Risks

Each service user will undergo an individualised infection risk assessment to determine their susceptibility to infections and potential exposure risks. The assessment will be conducted at:

Factors Considered in the Infection Risk Assessment:

1. Underlying Health Conditions

Certain health conditions increase the likelihood of infections. Our risk assessment will consider:

2. Environmental Risks

The service user’s living environment plays a significant role in infection control. Risk factors include:

3. Contact Risks

The service user’s interactions with others can pose infection risks. Considerations include:

4. Risk Level Classification

Each service user will be categorised into one of the following risk levels:

5. Documentation and Review

3.2 Mitigation Strategies

Once risks are identified, tailored infection control measures will be implemented to reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) for All Service Users

SICPs are the minimum precautions that all care workers must follow to prevent infection. These include:

Enhanced Precautions for High-Risk Service Users

For service users classified as high risk, additional measures will be taken:

Hand Hygiene Protocols for Care Workers

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections. All staff must:

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

Regular cleaning and sanitation of the service user’s environment will be prioritised:

Additional Measures During Outbreaks

If an infection outbreak occurs, additional containment strategies will be implemented:

4. Compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice

The Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections under The Health and Social Care Act 2008 sets out the legal framework for infection control in health and social care settings. {{org_field_name}} is committed to full compliance with this Code to ensure the safety of service users, staff, and visitors.

Compliance is achieved through clear governance, risk assessment, staff training, and infection control protocols that align with CQC standards and Public Health England (PHE) guidelines.

Maintaining a robust infection prevention and control governance framework

A structured infection control governance system is in place to ensure effective leadership and accountability.

Ensuring effective risk assessments and monitoring systems are in place

Risk assessments play a critical role in identifying infection risks and implementing appropriate control measures.

Providing ongoing infection control training for all staff

A well-trained workforce is essential for maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control.

Implementing evidence-based protocols for managing infections and outbreaks

Following national guidelines and scientific evidence, {{org_field_name}} ensures that all infection control procedures align with best practices in healthcare and domiciliary settings.

5. Staff Vaccination Protocols

Vaccinations play a crucial role in infection prevention and control within Supported Living settings. {{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all staff have access to recommended vaccinations to protect themselves, service users, and the wider community. By maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, we reduce the risk of outbreaks and ensure the safe delivery of care services.

Importance of Vaccinations in Infection Control

Vaccination Requirements for Staff

All care staff are encouraged to be vaccinated against high-risk infections to comply with infection control best practices. The following vaccinations are recommended:

Annual Flu Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Other Recommended Vaccinations

Maintaining Staff Vaccination Records

Alternative Infection Control Measures for Non-Vaccinated Staff

Staff who decline or are unable to receive vaccinations will be advised on alternative infection control precautions to mitigate risks. These may include:

Staff Awareness and Support

6. Access to PPE and PPE Usage

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential component of infection prevention and control (IPC) in Supported Living. Proper selection, usage, and disposal of PPE helps protect both care staff and service users from the transmission of infections. {{org_field_name}} ensures that all staff have continuous access to PPE and are trained on its correct use in line with Public Health England (PHE) guidelines, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) protocols, and CQC requirements.

PPE Provided for Care Staff

All care staff will be provided with appropriate PPE based on the level of risk and the type of care being provided. The following PPE items will be made available:

PPE Distribution and Storage

To ensure continuous access to PPE, the following procedures are in place:

7. PPE Usage Protocols

Care staff must follow strict PPE usage protocols to ensure effectiveness in preventing infection spread:

PPE Disposal Procedures

Proper disposal of used PPE is critical to preventing cross-contamination. Staff must:

PPE Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure proper adherence to PPE protocols, {{org_field_name}} will:

8. Reporting and Incident Management

A robust reporting and incident management system is essential for ensuring that infection control measures are effective and that any infection-related incidents are quickly addressed. {{org_field_name}} has established a structured approach to reporting, investigating, and managing infection-related events to prevent further spread and improve overall infection prevention practices.

Reporting Infection-Related Incidents

All staff members are required to report any suspected or confirmed infection-related incidents to the Registered Manager and the Infection Control Lead. This includes:

Reports must be submitted through the designated incident reporting system as soon as possible.

This can be done verbally or:

Email the manager: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}

Phone: {{org_field_registered_manager_phone}}

Staff will receive training on how to recognise, document, and escalate infection risks appropriately.

Outbreak Notification to Public Health Authorities

If multiple infection cases occur within a short timeframe among service users or staff, this may indicate an outbreak. In such cases:

Investigation and Follow-Up Measures

After an infection incident is reported, an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and assess any potential breaches in infection control protocols. This process will include:

Service users and staff directly affected by the incident will be provided with appropriate support and medical advice, including referral to healthcare professionals if necessary.

Documentation and Learning from Incidents

All infection-related reports will be logged and reviewed regularly to identify trends and areas for improvement. This includes:

9. Policy Review and Updates This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if national guidelines or regulations change.


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.

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