Custom House Surgery

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Annual Statement

Reporting Period: 2024 –2025

Date of Statement: May 02, 2025

Purpose

This annual statement is produced in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections. It summarises the infection prevention and control activities undertaken by Custom House Surgery over the past year and outlines our ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

IPC Leadership

• Clinical IPC Lead: Anisah Mohammed, Practice Nurse

• Non-Clinical IPC Lead: Dahlia Gardner, Practice Manager

Together, the leads oversee the implementation and monitoring of infection prevention measures across all areas of the practice.

Key Achievements and Activities

During the reporting period, the following infection control measures and improvements have been implemented:

1.       1. IPC Policy and Audit

- The IPC policy has been reviewed and updated in line with current national guidance.
- Regular IPC audits were carried out, including hand hygiene, sharps management, and environmental cleanliness. Actions from audits have been tracked and completed.

2.       2. Staff Training

- All clinical and non-clinical staff completed mandatory annual IPC training.
- Additional training sessions were held for new staff and to address Audit findings.

3.       3. Cleaning and Environmental Hygiene

- Routine and enhanced cleaning protocols are in place and regularly reviewed.
- Non-clinical areas are monitored with scheduled inspections, led by Dahlia Gardner.

4.       4. Vaccinations

- Staff are encouraged to take flu vaccinations on a yearly basis
- COVID-19 vaccination guidance and support continued for staff and patients.

5.       5. Infection Incidents

- No significant infection control breaches or outbreaks were reported during this period.
- Minor incidents were reviewed through significant event audits and learning was shared with staff.

6.       6. Patient Involvement

- IPC information is displayed clearly in patient areas.
- Patients are encouraged to participate in hand hygiene and report cleanliness issues.

7.       7. Improvements and Future Plans

- Installation of new hand sanitiser stations in high-traffic areas.
- Planned review of waste management and disposal protocols.
- Continued focus on antimicrobial stewardship and Audit of antibiotic prescribing.

Conclusion

Custom House Surgery remains committed to maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control. The practice continues to review and improve processes to ensure a safe environment for all, led by Anisah Mohammed (clinical) and Dahlia Gardner (non-clinical) in their respective IPC leadership roles.

Signed

Anisah Mohammed – Clinical IPC Lead

Dahlia Gardner – Non-Clinical IPC Lead & Practice Manager

May 02, 2025