Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
The Infection Prevention and Control Lead for the Practice is Suzanne Howard (Practice Nurse)
The IPC Link Worker is Amanda Antoniou (Healthcare Assistant)
The IPC Lead Administrator is Carrie McSpadden (Practice Manager)
Infection Control Statement
This annual statement covers the period from 15/5/26 to 14/5/27 and has been completed 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 Elizabeth Courtauld Partnership.
The report will be published on the organisation’s website and will include the following summary:
- Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken
- IPC audits undertaken and subsequent actions implemented
- Details of any risk assessments undertaken for the prevention and control of infection
- Details of staff training
- Antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines
The Lead for infection prevention and control (IPC) at North Chelmsford NHS Healthcare Centre and Beaulieu Healthcare Centre is Suzanne Howard (General Practice Nurse).
Infection transmission incidents (significant events)
None reported
All significant events are reviewed and discussed at several meetings each month. 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 0 significant events raised which related to infection control. There have also been 0 complaints made regarding cleanliness or infection control.
Infection prevention audit and actions
ICB Audit performed at North Chelmsford Healthcare Centre 2024 – all actions addressed
Beaulieu Healthcare Centre is in first year of operation (opened November 2025).
Annual Internal audits, 3-6 monthly hand hygiene audits
Regular monitoring/surveillance of all areas of both surgeries, documentation to evidence this to continue promoting high standards of IPC
Risk assessments
In the last year, the following risk assessments were carried out/reviewed:
- General IPC risks
- Staffing, new joiners and ongoing training
- COSHH
- Cleaning standards
- Privacy curtain cleaning or changes
- Staff vaccinations
- Sharps
- Water safety
- Assistance dogs
Risk assessments are carried out so that any risk is minimised and made to be as low as is reasonably practicable. Additionally, a risk assessment that can identify best practice can be established and then followed.
In the next year, the following risk assessment will also be reviewed:
- Handwashing Audit
- IPC Audit
- All of the above
Staff training
All staff receive IPC induction training
IPC workbook for all clinical staff – evidenced
Annual IPC Online Training
Bi- annual updates for IPC Lead/link Nurse
Ongoing changes/service improvements discussed at monthly clinical meetings
The Practice Manger is responsible for overseeing all governance activity, i.e. risk assessments, audit and significant events.
IPC policies and procedures
The infection prevention and control-related policies and procedures that have been written, updated or reviewed in the last year.
Policies relating to infection prevention and control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated annually. Additionally, all policies are amended on an ongoing basis as per current advice, guidance and legislation changes.
Antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship
The Primary Care Network (PCN) Lead Pharmacist attends antimicrobial meetings with Essex ICB and shares information with practices within the PCN. These details are distributed to all prescribers and also discussed at clinical meetings. The information is also shared with new starters who may be prescribers.
Quality improvement plan
An IPC audit is carried out annually, along with any relating action plan. Our IPC team continuously monitor IPC arrangements at both practices, and IPC is a standing agenda item at all internal meetings. This includes:
- Issue
- Actions required
- Completion date
- Responsible person(s)
- Progress
Review
The IPC Lead Suzanne Howard (GPN) is responsible for reviewing and producing the annual statement.
This annual statement will be updated on or before May 2027.
