Annual Infection Control Statement
2024/2025
This annual statement will be generated each year in January in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. It 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 staff training
- Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead
Cowfold Medical Group has one Lead for Infection Prevention and Control: Dr Lucy Webb, GP Partner
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 in the monthly staff meetings and learning is cascaded to all relevant staff.
In the past year there has been no significant events raised that related to infection control.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
The Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed by Dr Lucy Webb in May 2025
As a result of the audit, the following things have been changed at Cowfold Medical Group:
We are planning for redecoration of Cowfold surgery.
We are looking to install a deep sink to enable more effective cleaning.
Risk assessments have been updated with regard to carpeted areas and permeable chairs.
Regular meetings have been held with our cleaning company to address where cleaning does not meet expected standards.
An audit on hand washing was last undertaken in May 2025.
Cowfold Medical Group plan to undertake the following audits in 2025/2026
- Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit tool of compliance.
- Hand hygiene audit – annual.
- Aseptic technique competency record and audit tool – rolling annual.
- Personal protective equipment audit tool – rolling annual.
- Safe management of care equipment audit tool – monthly.
- Safe management of the care environment audit tool – weekly.
- Quarterly Waste audit
- Quarterly Sharps bin audit
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out Annually at a minimum.
Legionella (Water) Risk Assessment: The practice has conducted/reviewed its water safety risk assessment to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors, or staff, last reviewed
Immunisation: As a practice we ensure that all our staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations and offered any occupational health vaccinations applicable to their role (i.e., MMR, Seasonal Flu and Covid vaccinations). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in house and via home visits to our patient population.
Curtains: The NHS Cleaning Specifications state the curtains should be cleaned or if using disposable curtains, replaced every 6 months. To this effect we use disposable curtains and ensure they are changed every 6 months. The window blinds are very low risk and therefore do not require a particular cleaning regime other than regular vacuuming to prevent build-up of dust. The modesty curtains although handled by clinicians are never handled by patients and clinicians have been reminded to always remove gloves and clean hands after an examination and before touching the curtains. All curtains are regularly reviewed and changed if visibly soiled
Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness: We also have a cleaning specification and frequency policy which our cleaners and staff work to. An assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the cleaning team and logged. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment.
Hand washing sinks: The practice has clinical hand washing sinks in every room for staff to use.
Training
- All our staff receive training in infection prevention control using the IPC workbook.
- All clinical and non -clinical staff have completed e-learning training via Agilio teamnet.
Policies
All Infection Prevention and Control related policies are in date for this year.
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and 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 everyone to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Review date
September 2026
The Infection Prevention and Control Lead Dr Lucy Webb who is responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement for and on behalf of the Cowfold Medical Group.