Infection Control Annual Statement April 2025
Purpose
This annual statement will be generated each year in April. It will summarise:
- 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 control risk assessments undertaken
- Details of staff training
- Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines
Background
Woodside Surgery has one lead for Infection, Prevention and Control, our Paramedic Nicola Downes, supported by our cleaning staff.
Nicola keeps us updated on infection control and shares necessary information with the team.
Significant Events
In the last year 2024/2025 there have been no significant events raised that related to infection control.
Audits
An audit on Minor Surgery was undertaken by Heather Steven, Practice Manager. No infections were reported for patients who had had minor surgery at the practice.
An Infection Prevention and Control in General Practice audit was completed by Caroline Petch, Nurse Practitioner, no major problems were noted, some minor issues were identified, these include:
- GP room untidy, with cluttered workspace and countertops
- No antibacterial wipes in room
- a cluttered work station/shelving in room
- Untidy storage area between rooms
- Cluttered nurses room.
The inadequacies that were noted have been addressed to ensure compliance. We will aim to do more to share information with our patients and will therefore place a copy of this Annual Statement on our practice website and will notify patients of any seasonal outbreaks that they may need to be aware of via posters in the surgery and on our website.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out so best practice can be established and then followed.
Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness
We have added a cleaning specification and frequency policy poster in the waiting room to inform our patients of what they can expect in the way of cleanliness.
We also have a cleaning specification and frequency policy which our cleaners work to. An annual assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the cleaning team and logged. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment. The practice cleaning team have been on board with this risk assessment.
No problems were identified in this year’s cleaning audit. New procedures have been put in place to ensure cleaning specifications and frequencies are adequate for a General Practice environment.
Toys, books, and magazines
We have taken the decision to no longer provide magazines or toys to entertain adults or children whilst they are in the waiting room. We feel it is more important to manage the risk of potential infection than to entertain patients.
Curtains
Modesty curtains in treatment rooms are disposable and once opened are changed every 6 months as per practice policy.
Decorating
Over the past few months, we have painted the internal walls and doors of the surgery as part of our ongoing reviews.
Staff training
The GP’s, nurse practitioner, paramedic, practice nurses and HCA completed a training course for the prevention of infection and infection control specifically for clinical staff, and refresh by completing the course annually, our admin team also complete on-line training for infection control for administrative staff.
All our staff (including admin team are aware of the importance of hand hygiene and complete basic infection control training)
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control are reviewed and updated annually, and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance, and legislation changes.
Heather Steven
Practice Manager
For and on behalf of Woodside Surgery
Next Statement: April 2026