Purpose
This annual statement will be generated each year in June 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
The Brook Lane Surgery has 1 Lead for Infection Prevention and Control: Kathryn McClurg (Practice Nurse)
The IPC Lead is supported by: Paula Woolcock (Lead nurse)
Kathryn McClurg has attended an IPC Lead training course in 2025 and keeps updated on infection prevention practice.
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.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
The Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed by Kathryn McClurg in June 2025.
As a result of the audit, the following things have been changed in Brook Lane Surgery
- Isolation policy changed and updated
- Clinical waste bins are now compliant with infection control standards
- All posters including hand washing, sharps and splash injury, sharp disposal guides and resuscitation council UK all updated and available for clinical and non-clinical staff.
An audit on Minor Surgery was undertaken by Kathryn McClurg in June 2025.
No infections were reported for patients who had had minor surgery at the Surgery.
As a result of the audit, the following things have been changed:
- Minor surgery is undertaken in a clinical room compliant with infection control standards for minor surgeries and procedures.
An audit on hand washing was undertaken in May 2025. This was discussed at the practice meeting.
The Surgery plan to undertake the following audits in 2025:
- Annual Infection Prevention and Control audit
- Minor Surgery outcomes audit
- Domestic Cleaning audit
- Hand hygiene audit
- Aseptic technique audit
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out so that best practice can be established and then followed. In the last year the following risk assessments were carried out / reviewed:
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.
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). We take part in the National Immunisation campaigns for patients and offer vaccinations in house and via home visits to our patient population.
Curtains: Curtains are changed in line with the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021 guidelines. All curtains are regularly reviewed and changed if visibly soiled.
Toys: We have no toys in the practice OR we only have wipeable toys in consultation rooms.
Cleaning specifications, frequencies and cleanliness: We have cleaning specification and frequency schedules for clinical equipment. 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. Some of our sinks do not meet the latest standards for sinks but we have removed plugs, covered overflows and reminded staff to turn of taps that are not ‘hands free’ with paper towels to keep patients safe. We have also replaced our liquid soap with wall mounted soap dispensers to ensure cleanliness.
Training
All our staff receive annual training in infection prevention and control.
All clinical staff are up to date with level 2 infection prevention control by completing online training via e learning. This is completed annually
All non-clinical staff are up to date with level 1 infection prevention control by completing online training via learning. This is completed annually
Dr James has undertaken specialist training in undertaking implant procedures by completing annual training and Dr Dennison has undertaken specialist training in undertaking joint injections by completing annual training.
ad-hoc training takes place at Target, Practice Nurse forum sessions relating to infection and staff meetings.
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. Infection Control policies are circulated amongst staff for reading and discussed at meetings on an annual basis.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Review date
June 2026
Responsibility for Review
The Infection Prevention and Control Lead and the Practice Manager are responsible for reviewing and producing the Annual Statement.
Kathryn McClurg
Practice Nurse / Infection control lead
For and on behalf of Brook Lane Surgery