The aim of this hospital is to provide a clean, safe environment for staff, patients and visitors in accordance with national and local guidelines.
Good hygiene procedures and infection prevention and control are essential for protection of the health of people using our services and The Health and Social Care act 2008 provides a foundation for activities undertaken by our hospital to uphold standards.
Purpose
An annual statement will be generated by the hospital each year in April and will summarise:
- Details of any infection transmission incidents and action taken (reported in accordance with our significant events procedure).
- Details of any infection control audits and risk assessments undertaken and any subsequent actions taken as a result.
- Details of any information and training received by staff in infection prevention and control.
- Any review or update of policies, procedures and guidelines which may be required.
Infection Control Leads
Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Jeremy Prydal is the Infection Control lead for the practice alongside theatre co-ordinator Lorraine Webster. Both have undertaken training in infection prevention and control and it is their responsibility to keep the hospital staff updated by cascading their knowledge at practice meetings and at any other time should support be required. They are also responsible for reviewing and updating protocols within the practice and carrying out infection control audits/risk assessments.
Significant Events
There have been no significant events recorded in the previous 12 months in relation to infection control.
Audits
In association with Newmedica – NHS cataract service for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, A Health and Safety and infection prevention and control risk assessment was undertaken on the 17th February 2017 and will be repeated annually or sooner if significant changes arise. The findings of the risks assessment were that the general level of cleanliness and safety was good. A full copy of the report will be made available in the patient guide for visitors to view.
Risk Assessment
A Legionella risk assessment was carried out on the 27th March 2017 at The Stoneygate Eye Hospital by ENKI Environmental and all recommendations followed and recorded. Specimens from the operating theatre plate tests and water testing all presented with negative bacteria. No risk was identified.
Cleaning specifications, frequencies and cleanliness of equipment
The practice employs external contractors for cleaning of the premises and operating theatres and they adhere to a daily schedule task list, which is signed and dated on completion. They are monitored by the theatre co-ordinator and practice manager every week.
Consultants, Nursing staff and reception staff are responsible for keeping their own workplace area and equipment clean in between patients and adhere to the hospital infection control policy.
Training
- Creating and maintaining a clean clinical environment
- Optimum hand hygiene
- Use of PPE correctly and effectively
- Safe handling of samples
- Safe handling and disposal of sharps
- Safe handling and disposal of clinical waste
- Safe management of blood and bodily fluids
- Decontamination of equipment
- Needlestick injury
- Uniform and dress code
Review
This infection control policy and all other infection control-related policies and protocols will be reviewed at least once annually, or in-line with new thinking or legislation changes.
Where necessary, advice will be sought from the CCG, Local Authority, HPA, Public Health England and other relevant bodies during the review process to ensure that policies, protocols and systems are as up-to-date and comprehensive as possible.