Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Statement – June 2026

Statement of Intent

Abbey Medical Practice is committed to ensuring that patients, staff, and visitors are protected from the risk of healthcare-associated infections. We have established effective systems and processes to prevent, identify, and manage infections in line with Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (Safe Care and Treatment).

Purpose  
This annual statement will be generated each year. The report will be published on the practice website and will include the following summary:  

• 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 the prevention and control of infection 
• Details of staff training  
• Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines 

Compliance with Standards

The practice operates in accordance with:

- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards

- Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections

- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England guidance

Leadership and Governance

- A designated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead is responsible for oversight of IPC arrangements, policy implementation, and assurance. The lead at the Practice is Dr Bazurulla Khan, GP Partner.

- IPC forms part of the practice’s governance framework, with regular review at clinical and practice meetings.

- Risks relating to infection prevention are identified, recorded, and mitigated through the practice risk register/reporting of significant events

Infection transmission incidents (significant events)  
Significant events involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events. 

Events are discussed at our educational or team meetings to allow all staff to be appraised of areas of best practice and identify any training opportunities. Any learning points are cascaded to all relevant staff where an action plan, including audits or policy review, may follow.  

In the past year there have been 2 significant events raised that related to infection control. There have been no complaints made regarding cleanliness or infection control.  The outcome of the significant events was that we do have processes in place but at times these were not being adhered to. We have discussed this with the team and are more vigilant .

Safe Systems and Processes

Standard Infection Control Precautions

We implement standard precautions consistently across all clinical activities, including:

- Hand hygiene in line with national guidelines

- Appropriate use of PPE

- Safe management of blood and body fluid spillages

- Respiratory hygiene measures

Clean Environment and Equipment

- Premises are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness with documented cleaning schedules and audits, including scheduled deep cleans and regular lunchtime “touch point” cleaning.

- Clinical equipment is decontaminated according to manufacturer instructions and national guidance

- Single-use devices are used where appropriate

Waste Management

- Clinical and non-clinical waste is segregated, stored, and disposed of in line with current legislation

- Sharps are handled and disposed of safely to minimise risk of injury and infection

Management of Infectious Risks

- Patients with suspected infections are identified through triage and managed appropriately, including isolation where required

- The practice follows guidance for managing outbreaks and notifiable diseases

Effective Care and Staff Competence Training

- All staff receive mandatory IPC training, upon commencing their post as part of their induction training and annually thereafter, including updates appropriate to their role. Staff are also involved in the risk assessments and significant events.

- Staff are supported through occupational health services, including immunisation programmes where applicable

- Policies and procedures are accessible and regularly reviewed and include updates on current advise, guidance and legislation changes.

Monitoring, Audit, and Improvement

- Regular IPC audits (e.g., hand hygiene, cleaning, waste management) are undertaken

- Action plans are developed to address any identified gaps

- Significant events and incidents relating to IPC are reviewed, and learning is shared

Antimicrobial Stewardship

- Prescribing is monitored to ensure antibiotics are used appropriately and in accordance with national guidance

- Clinicians are supported to reduce antimicrobial resistance risks

Assurance and Continuous Improvement

The practice maintains evidence to demonstrate compliance, including:

- IPC audit results and action plans

- Staff training records

- Cleaning logs and maintenance schedules

- Policies aligned with current guidance

We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review IPC practices to ensure they remain effective and compliant with evolving standards.

Responsibility 
It is the responsibility of all staff members at Abbey Medical Practice to be familiar with this statement and their roles and responsibilities under it.   

Review

The IPC lead is responsible for reviewing and producing the annual statement.  

This annual statement will be updated on or before 22nd June 2027. 

Dr Bazurulla Khan