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Cleaning / Infection Control
Our practice is committed to the control of infection within our buildings and in relation to the clinical procedures carried out within them.
Wherever possible or practicable the practice will seek to use washable or disposable materials for items such as soft furnishings and consumables, e.g. seating materials, wall coverings including paint, bedding, couch rolls, modesty sheets, curtains, floor coverings etc, and ensure that these are laundered, cleaned or changed frequently to minimise risk of infection.
Annual Statement for Infection prevention and Control (IPC)
This annual statement will be generated each year in July 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. The report demonstrates the commitment of West Somerset Healthcare to deliver high quality and safe care to our patients and uses effective prevention and control of infection measure to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and visitors.
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 any staff training.
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines.
The IPC Lead for the Practice: Assistant Practice Manager.
The IPC Deputy for the Practice: Lead HCA
Infection Transmission Incidents (Significant Events) and Complaints
There have been no reported significant events of transmission of infections in the last year.
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. All significant events are reviewed in the SEA meetings and learning is cascaded to all staff.
Antimicrobial Stewardship
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that impacts all countries and all people. The scale of the AMR threat, and the need to contain and control it, is widely acknowledged.
In addition, the plan has been designed to ensure progress towards the next 20 years vision on AMR, in which resistance is effectively controlled and contained.
The 3 key aims are:
- Reducing the need for, and unintentional exposure to, antimicrobials
- Optimising the use of antimicrobials
- Investing in innovation, supply and access
West Somerset Healthcare has clear guidelines for prescribing and monitoring prescribing of antibiotics and regular audits are performed.
Infection Control Room Check Audits
These are twice yearly by the Assistant Practice Manager and Lead HCA, and measure effectiveness of clean environment. The most recent audit was completed in July 2026. A selection of both clinical and non-clinical rooms are audited.
There is a total of:
Williton Surgery
- 8 Consulting Rooms
- 1 isolation Room
- 2 HCA Rooms
- 2 Nurse Treatment Rooms
- 1 Sluice Room
Watchet Surgery
- 5 Consulting Rooms
- 1 Isolation Room
- 1 Nurse Treatment Room
- 1 Minor Operating Room
The most common reasons for non-compliance were clutter on windowsills and desks, temporary closure of sharps bins and incorrect waste in the wrong waste bins. Staff are issued with reminders for the need to keep workstations clean and free from clutter and about management of sharps bins. There is an expectation that all staff clean their workstations at the end / start of each shift. The Assistant Practice Manager has regular meetings with the Nursing Team to discuss any infection control updates, this is also on the agenda at the GP Partners meetings, including management of sharps bins and cleaning of environment.
Quarterly Cleaning Audits
Cleaning Estates and Facilities - Cleaning of the whole building is carried out by a cleaning company and maintenance and servicing is managed by the Assistant Practice Manager. Cleaning audits are completed by Assistant Practice Manager and discussed with the cleaning company at regular meetings.
External Clinical Waste Audit
A pre-acceptance audit and duty of care audit are carried out and sent to Anenta for approval.
Annual IPC Audit
This was completed in February 2026 by the Assistant Practice Manager, with support from the Lead HCA.
Clinical Infection Prevention and Control Risk Assessments
The Practice has updated all risk assessments related to Infection Prevention and Control.
Risk assessments for safe use of cleaning and disinfectant products, which are classified as Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), as well as risk assessments for invasive procedures, are carried out so that best practice can be established and then followed. Risk assessments are reviewed annually.
Policies
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control are available to all staff and are reviewed and updated at least annually and are all amended on an ongoing basis as current advice, guidance and legislation changes.
IPC related policies and procedures include:
- Infection prevention and control
- Safe handling of sharps and management of needle stick injuries
- Cleaning
- Immunisations and vaccinations
- Injections
- Female contraception and sexual health
- Waste management
- Uniform and dress code
- Managing measles outbreaks
- Wound care assessment and leg ulcers
- Hazardous substances (COSHH)
Staff Training
All staff receive training in infection prevention and control appropriate to their job role, including general IPC, clinical waste, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe use and disposal of sharps, risk management and sepsis awareness.
Infection Prevention and Control training is assigned to all staff.
Current level of overall compliance is 76%
All staff with out-of-date training have been reminded.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Priorities and Objectives for the Coming Year
We continue to work on our annual programme of work based on the 10 criteria of the Health & Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections 2015 and related guidance, which is a working document that highlights any areas that require further work for the year. We now comply with the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness.
Review Date
July 2027
Review compiled by Maxine Cox (Assistant Practice Manager and Infection Prevention and Control Lead)