Infection Prevention and Control

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Annual statement 2025-2026

 Medwyn 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 01/04/2024 and 31/03/2025.

 IPC lead for the practice is Hannah Woodards (Practice Nurse)

IPC deputy is Joanna Seidel-Haas (Practice Nurse)

 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 was one incident regarding IPC between 01/04/2024 and 31/03/2025 relating to aseptic technique during a dressing change. The practice conducted a thorough review and the clinician involved was able to reflect on their practice. A competency document has since been introduced to insure standardisation of practice.

 Staff Training

All staff have been allocated annual IPC training in 2024, with 100% completion rate.

IPC issues/updates are discussed regularly throughout the year in clinical/practice meetings and a monthly IPC newsletter was commenced in April 2024 so that the IPC lead can share information. Staff are encouraged to raise any IPC concerns with any of the managers or IPC lead.

 Audits

IPC Audit undertaken May 2025, audit report available upon request.

 Hand Hygiene Audits

Hand Hygiene audits recommenced from April 2024 and results are available upon request. 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 continues 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 continues to be checked twice a day
• Audit of cold chain methods to be determined

Practice Annual IPC Audit

The last Annual IPC Audit was completed in May 2025 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:

• Cleaning schedule reviewed and updated
• Update IPC signage around practice, in clinical rooms and patient areas
• Review of storage for PPE, new shelving ordered.
• Wall mounted soap and hand gel dispensers ordered to reduce clutter around hand washing sinks.

Infectious Patient Policy

Protecting Patients is important to us. An Infectious Patient Policy has been produced to reduce the risk of onward spread of infectious illnesses such a measles. It details clearly a recommended pathway for patients to minimise contact with others. Thanks to our remote triage system many of these patients will not have to enter the building and can be safely treated remotely. 

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 May 2025 and is available on request.