Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Annual statement 2025-2026
Holmhurst Medical Centre is committed to the control of infection within the building and in relation to the clinical procedures carried out within it. This statement has been produced in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and details the practice’s compliance with guidelines on infection control and cleanliness between the dates of 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026.
The IPC Lead for the practice is Michelle Sutton-Swannell (Advanced Paramedic Practitioner).
This annual statement will be generated in April each year and will summarise:
- Any infection transmission incidents and actions taken
- Details of IPC audits/risk assessments undertaken and actions taken
- Details of staff training
- Details of IPC advice to patients
- Any review/update of IPC policies and procedures
IPC Incidents
There were no IPC related incidents in April 2025-April 2026.
Staff Training
All staff were allocated annual IPC training in 2025. IPC issues/updates are discussed regularly throughout the year in clinical/practice meetings. Staff are encouraged to raise any IPC concerns with any of the managers or IPC lead.
Audits
IPC Audit undertaken February 2026, audit report available upon request. Next one due in August 2026.
Hand Hygiene Audits
A Hand Hygiene audit was carried out in February 2026. Staff are aware of the importance of hand hygiene in reducing healthcare associated infections and posters are displayed around the surgery.
Waste and Sharps Audits
Waste and Sharps Audits are completed annually, with the process for sharp injury displayed in all clinical rooms.
Cleaning Audits
Daily cleaning records are kept for all clinical rooms and are available upon request. These are reviewed quarterly and feedback in shared via the IPC with the rest of the team.
Cold Chain Review
- Cold Chain Policy in place
- Nursing staff were aware how to order, receive and care for vaccines
- Vaccines close-to-expiry stock are clearly labelled, and vaccines continue to be rotated in date order.
- Fridges have internal temperature readings inside the fridges and information downloaded weekly.
- A medical grade Cold Box is available in the practice in case emergency transfer of vaccinations is required.
- Fridge temperatures continue to be checked twice a day
Practice Annual IPC Audit
The last Annual IPC Audit was completed in February 2026 using the new NHS England Standard infection prevention and control precautions audit tool, published 22/10/24.
The following improvements were undertaken and are now in place further to these audits:
· Storage of full and empty sharps boxes was reviewed, and the sluice room was tidied to allow for this
· Carpet cleaning will be undertaken regularly in all clinical areas
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are performed on a required basis and are available upon request.
IPC Policy
The IPC Policy has been reviewed and updated for April 2026 and is available on request.