The practice is committed to the prevention and control of infection at all times. As part of this commitment the practice publishes an annual statement as shown below.
Infection Control Annual Statement 2025-2026
PURPOSE
Our Annual Statement is produced to summarize:
- Any infection transmission incidents and action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure).
- Details of infection control audits undertaken and actions taken as a result.
- Details of infection control risk assessments undertaken and actions taken as a result.
- Reviews and updates of policies, procedures and guidelines.
INFECTION CONTROL LEADS
Dr. Emma Gayle is the Practice lead for infection control supported by Practices Nurses, Vanessa Starsmore & Jackie Findlater.
Annual risk assessments and audits are carried out by the Nurse team with support from the Claire Cox the Practice Manager.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
No significant IPC events have been reported in the last 12 months.
AUDITS
The annual infection control audit was carried out in May 2025 by Practices Nurses and Claire Cox. The findings of the audit showed that all infection control policies and protocols were being adhered to. The COSHH Audit was undertaken in May 2025 by the cleaning company and the PM.
It was agreed that an appropriate cleaning schedule was in place. The cleaning company works to a high standard, is aware of COSHH requirements and the color coded system for housekeeping. Patient feedback refers to a “clean, light and airy building”. Carpet cleaning in both patient and staff areas is to be undertaken 6 monthly.
In addition, the IPC measures identified in the Gold Standard Infection Prevention Society audit from 2025 were found to continue to be in place. Our management of the closure and positioning of sharps bins has been maintained as has the documentation of the cleaning required and undertaken for equipment used in the surgery.
RISK ASSESSMENTS
A Health and Safety Risk Assessment (including infection control) was carried out in May 2025.
Disposable curtains and disposable pillow covers are in use in clinical rooms. Disposable PPE is available in all clinical / treatment rooms.
The practice’s Legionella Risk Assessment identified minimal risk and monthly checks of water temperatures are undertaken in-house. All mechanical and electrical systems are serviced twice annually by Pro-Active Maintenance.
STAFF TRAINING AND LEARNING
Training is undertaken on a bi-annual basis in accordance with guidelines from the then NHS Calderdale. In addition, as required, training and updates are undertaken by the nurse team. The Practice has signed up to the IPC Champions strategy led by Calderdale MBC and also receives IPC information from Harrogate and District NHSFT which is shared across the team as required by subject of the update and staff roles.
All staff are briefed on COSHH and IPC requirements on arrival and provided with the Method Statement and Cleaning Schedule (by day) for the time they provide cover. IPC forms part of the induction of any new staff.
Staff training will be undertaken in May 2025 in conjunction with a review of the Risk Assessment.
POLICIES, PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES
The practice reviews all policies, protocols and guidelines relating to Infection Prevention and Control at least bi-annually or as required.
The practice ensures compliance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and uses NICE guidance, QS61 and the policies of CHFT as sources of IPC information and good practice.
FURTHER INFORMATION is available from the Practice Manager, to whom any patient feedback regarding any matters regarding infection control and prevention should be addressed.
Our Infection Control team is Calderdale Infection Control, contact number 01422 266163, during office hours. Out of office hours we contact UKHSA Yorkshire & Humber 0300 3030234. Our local Environmental Health Department is Calderdale Council 01422 288001.