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INFECTION CONTROL STATEMENT

It is vital to Dr Freeman and Partners to ensure that our patients receive excellent care in a place safe from the risk of infection. It is of the upmost importance to us to keep our patients safe and regular reviews of our infection control practices help us to maintain our high standards of care

The statement summarises:-

• Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event Procedure).
• Details of any infection control audits undertaken and actions undertaken.
• Details of any risk assessments undertaken for prevention and control of infection.
• Details of any staff training.
• Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines.

Infection Transmission Incidents (Significant Events)

Significant events (which may involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events) are investigated in detail to see what can be learnt and to indicate changes that might lead to future improvements.  All significant events are reviewed and discussed in the time in session and cascaded to all relevant staff.

COVID-19 being a significant event in 2020/21, which is ongoing. Dr Freeman and Partners are following all NHS England Guidance and Standard Operating Procedures for General Practice

As a result of any events, Dr Freeman and Partners:

• Continue with annual infection control updates for both clinical and non-clinical staff.
• Ensure infection control guidance remains accessible to all staff
• Training is recorded and monitored

 

 

Infection Prevention Audits and Actions

The Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed Vicky Hindle Infection Control Leads in August 2022.

All staff had handwashing assessments for all staff, clinical and nonclinical and will be completed by August 31st 2022.

Cleaning Specifications

Dr Freeman and Partners have contracted cleaners which we closely monitor. Rooms are cleaned according to their usage/purpose and cleaned appropriately.

All equipment used by clinical staff is either single use or cleaned after patient usage. Cleaning logs are maintained

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are carried out so that best practice can be established and then followed.

• Legionella (Water) Risk Assessments: The practice reviews its water safety risk assessment to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors or staff.
• Coli incidences
• Immunisation: As a practice we ensure that all our staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations and any occupational health vaccinations applicable to their role (i.e., MMR, Seasonal Flu, COVID-19). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in surgery at PCN sites (COVID-19 Vaccinations only) and via home visits to our patient population.
• Curtains: Disposable curtains are used in clinical rooms and are changed every 12 months according to manufacturer instruction.

Training

All our staff complete an annual e-learning infection control update. The practice Infection Control lead and Practice Manger attends an annual Infection Control Update. Updates for 20/21 have been remote due to COVID-19 restrictions. Dates for 21/22 are been looked at to be able to attend.

 

Policies

All Infection Prevention Control related policies are in date. Policies relating to Infection Control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually, and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance and legislation changes.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.

Responsibility for Review

The Infection Prevention and Control Lead and the Practice Manager are responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement.

 

Hilary Farrar (Practice Manager)

Vicky Hindle (Lead Nurse)

 

V.Hindle 18/8/22

 

Private Work Fees

Private Fees and Charges

DWP Support Letters

We make every effort to make the surgery accessible for disabled patients. There is access through the main door and we have a wheelchair available for use in surgery.

Hearing Difficulties

If you are experiencing hearing difficulties when being called in to see the doctor or nurse, please do let us know in order for us to set up an alert on your medical records and personally collect you from the waiting room. Alternatively, we do have the facility of a portable induction loop. If you would like to use this, please ask at reception for assistance.

IS PROUD TO BE A SAFE SURGERY FOR
EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY
In recognition of the barriers to healthcare access faced by people in vulnerable
circumstances, including migrants, we commit to protecting the human right to health.
We will take steps to ensure that everyone in our community may fulfil their
entitlement to quality healthcare.
In partnership with Doctors of the World UK, we will ensure that our practice offers a
welcoming space for everyone who seeks to use our services.
Mindful of our duties to uphold equality and human rights law, we will implement
patient registration policies which do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual
orientation, immigration status or any other characteristic.
Supported by the Safe Surgeries initiative, we will ensure that our staff understand
the specific barriers faced by migrants in vulnerable circumstances and that they are
empowered to mitigate these barriers, where possible.
We will ensure that a lack of identification or proof of address, immigration status or
language do not prevent patient registration.
As a member of the Safe Surgeries community, we will endeavour to support other
Safe Surgeries and, where appropriate, provide feedback to Doctors of the World UK
to support the development of the network.