IPC Annual Statement (2025)

Annual statement on compliance with IPC practice for Woodbrook Medical Centre 2025

Introduction

This Annual statement has been drawn up on 2nd April 2025 in accordance with the requirement of the Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance for Woodbrook Medical Centre. It summarises:

  1. Infection transmission incidents and actions taken
  2. IPC audits undertaken and subsequent actions implemented
  3. Risk assessments undertaken and any actions taken for prevention and control of infection
  4. Staff training
  5. Review and update of IPC policies, procedures and guidelines
  6. Antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship

 

This statement has been drawn up by:

 

Name: Miss Emily Sumner

Infection Prevent and Control (IPC) Lead

Supported by Anna Ingle, Business Manager

 

 

Infection transmission incidents

Significant 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 in the monthly staff meetings and learning is cascaded to all relevant staff.

In the past year there have been no significant events raised related to infection control.

Infection control audits and actions

The annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed by Emily Sumner and Claire Dawson in January 2025.

The following things have been changed at Woodbrook Medical Practice.

  • The flooring in all clinical rooms has been replaced.
  • The clinical rooms and waiting areas have been repainted.
  • We are currently in the process of replacing the clinician’s desk chairs with wipeable chairs and closed general waste bins in clinical areas.
  • Clinical rooms have daily cleaning schedules in situ which are uploaded onto Teamnet using a QR code.
  • Regular audits with cleaning contractors to highlight any issues and maintain continuity.
  • New uniform policy implemented.

An audit on hand washing was last undertaken on 13th January 2025.

An annual personal protective equipment audit was undertaken December 2024-January 2025.

An aseptic technique audit was completed on 7th February 2025.

The 3 monthly safe management of the care environment audit was last completed on 17th February 2025.

The 3 monthly sharps bin audit was last completed on 19th March 2025.

The waste audit is completed by Business Manager Anna Ingle annually.

Cold Chain Review

  • There is a cold chain policy in place
  • Vaccines are rotated in date order and regular stock checks are undertaken
  • 2 fridges are available for vaccine storage
  • Fridge temperatures are recorded daily
  • Fridges have internal temperature readings via data loggers which are downloaded weekly
  • A medical grade cold box is available for home visits and vaccine transfer

 

Woodbrook Medical Centre plan to undertake the following audits in 2025.

  • Annual Hand hygiene audit of clinical staff
  • Annual ANTT audit
  • Annual PPE audit
  • 3 monthly safe management of the care environment audit
  • 3 monthly sharps bin audit
  • Annual Waste audit
  • Annual Infection Prevention and Control Audit due early 2026.

 

Risk assessments

Legionella (water) risk assessment: Water quality is monitored to ensure the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors, or staff. External testing was last carried out on 20th March 2025.

Immunisations: As a practice we ensure our clinical staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations and are offered any occupational health vaccinations applicable to their role (i.e., MMR, seasonal flu). We take part in the national immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations via in house and home visits to our patient population.

Curtains: Disposable curtains are used in clinical rooms and are replaced on a 6 monthly basis or more frequently if damaged or soiled.

Window blinds: Considered very low risk and therefore do not require a particular cleaning regime other that regular vacuuming to prevent dust build up.

We no longer provide toys or magazines in the waiting rooms.

Hand washing sinks: The practice has clinical hand washing sinks in every room for staff to use. We have wall mounted soap dispensers. If any sinks are to be replaced in the future, these should be sealed sinks with no overflow holes.

Training

All our clinical staff undertake annual online Infection Control training.

All clinical and non-clinical staff have completed blue stream e-learning training.

Policies

All infection Prevention Control related policies are up to date.

Policies relating to Infection Control are available for all staff and a reviewed and updated as required. Infection Control policies are available on GP Teamnet for all staff to read.

Responsibility

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

Review date

April 2026

Responsibility for review

The Infection and Control Lead is responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement.

Signed by

SUMNER, Practice Nurse

For and on behalf of Woodbrook Medical Centre