Welcome
Our IP&C team has responsibility for advice information and support for staff, patients and vistors regarding our infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
IP&C Campaigns, Meetings & Events
Please be aware we are seeing a rise in cases of Parvovirus which is a common and highly contagious childhood illness sometimes called slapped-cheek disease because of the distinctive rash that develops. Please be aware that it does present a risk to pregnant women, for more information please read the attached information sheet. Please contact the IP&C team for any support or guidance.
You can read more here.
Please be aware that the Hajj is taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from 14 June to 19 June 2024. This is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and many pilgrims from around the world are expected to travel there including from the UK. Umrah pilgrimage also takes place to KSA throughout the year. Clinicians are reminded that travellers to the Hajj are exposed both to infections endemic to KSA, and infections associated with mass gatherings. Pilgrims returning from the Hajj may have respiratory symptoms after their visit. Some may therefore meet the case definitions for MERS. Please see the attached for further information. Please contact the IP&C team for any support or guidance.
You can read more here.
Below is linked a webinar created for health professionals responding to the rise in Pertussis (Whooping cough).
The overuse of gloves;
- Reduces the opportunity to clean our hands.
- Increases environmental contamination
- Increases our environmental impact through the production and the disposal of gloves
- Increases the risk of skin conditions, such as occupational dermatitis.
Theme One: Taking Physical and Non-physical Observations.
Theme Two: Talking to patients and visitors in healthcare settings and patient's own home, scene of an accident
Theme Three: Transferring infectious patients to another part of the healthcare setting, including bring a paient into a healthcare setting.
Theme Four: Completing patient documentation (electronic and paper)
Theme Five: When moving a bed, wheelchair, stretcher, carry chair, patient trolley
Theme Six: Managing patient's belongings and environment in healthcare settings or a patient's home, including transporting a patient to and from hospital, using key safes, touching door handles.
Theme Seven: Personal care where there is no exposure to mucous membranes or bodily fluids
Theme Eight: Making a bed, stretcher, trolley & providing blankets
Theme Nine: Touching patients where skin is intact - including holding patient's hands, pat down (over clothing), searches, safe patient restraint.
Theme Ten: Preparing and administering IM injections, SC injections, NG and oral medications and topical preparations where there is no pharmalogical risk.
Theme Eleven: Stripping a non-contaminated bed, stretcher, trolley or patient couch
Theme Twelve: Handing out patient dinners, drinks and collecting in used plates, cups and trays. Preparing drinks/food in a patient's own home.
Click here to read more on our new Covid-related absence policies.
- UKHSA Measles Toolkit 2024
- JUCD Measles Action Card
- Section 6.23 Measles
- Measles Q&A
- Measles FAQ NHS England V2 April 2024
- Update of National Measles Guidance 31.10
- Measles: guidance, data and analysis (GOV.UK)
- Measles Resurgence - Letter For NHS Trusts 31.10
- Measles Resurgence - Letter For Primary Care 31.10
- Measles - Secondary Care Letter Midlands
The Infection Prevention & Control Team are excited to announce that we are holding several IP&C Face to Face sessions around the county in 2024-2025. We enjoyed engaging with our colleagues at our IP&C Face to Face sessions last year and would like to welcome all of our colleagues from across DCHS, alongside our IP&C champions to join us again this year. Colleagues are not required to book in advance and will be provided with a certificate of attendance following the session. Please see location, dates and times below.
|
Date |
Location |
|
Wednesday 24th July 2024 (09:30hrs - 12:30hrs and 13:00hrs-16:00hrs) |
Walton Hospital Committee Room |
|
Wednesday 7th August 2024 (09:30hrs 12:30hrs) |
St. Oswald’s Hospital Small meeting room |
|
Wednesday 11th September 2024 (09:30hrs - 12:30hrs) |
Long Eaton Health Centre Meeting room 1 |
|
Tuesday 22nd October 2024 (09:30hrs - 12:30hrs) |
Cavendish Hospital Meeting room (099) |
|
Tuesday 5th Nov 2024 (09:30hrs - 12:30hrs) |
Ilkeston Community Hospital Charnos Hall |
|
Wednesday 11th December 2024 (09:00hrs - 12:00hrs) |
Florence Nightingale Community Hospital Room to be arranged |
|
Wednesday 22nd January 2025 (09:30hrs - 12:30hrs and 13:00hrs-16:00hrs) |
Walton Hospital Committee Room |
|
Tuesday 18th February 2025 (09:30hrs - 12:30hrs) |
St. Oswald’s Hospital Small meeting room |
Policies, guidance documents and information leaflets
- DCHS Infection Prevention and Control Policy
- DCHS COSHH Operating Standards
- DCHS Influenza Like Illness (ILI) Management Guidelines
- DCHS Local Decontamination of Reusable Medical Devices - Dental & Podiatry
- DCHS PPE Operating Standards
- DCHS Prevention & Management of Sharps Injuries & Contamination Incidents Policy
- DCHS SOP for Cleaning of patient Bed Space
- DCHS SOP for Examples of Cleaning Clinical Equipment
- DCHS Uniform and Dress Code Policy
- DCHS Diphtheria Guidelines Quick Guide
- DCHS Strep A and related infections
- Guidance changes October 2023 Inpatients
Environmental/Food Safety Policies
- DCHS Food Safety Policy
- DCHS Waste Management Operational Standards
- DCHS Water Safety Policy
- DCHS Ventilation (buildings) Policy
*Coming soon - Standard Operating Procedure for DCHS Complex Wound Care Clinics
Pathways/Flowcharts
Sepsis flowchartFrailty pathwayDelirium pathway
- Department of Health (2014) Decontamination and Infection Control
- Department of Health (2008) Clostridium difficile infection: how to deal with the problem
- Health & Safety Executive (2015) It’s in Your Hands.
- NICE guidance relating to Infection Control (search August 2016)
- Public Health England (2014) Antimicrobial Prescribing: Resources for professional development and practice.
- Measles - Secondary Care Letter Midlands
- Clostridium difficile for inpatients patients leaflet
- Clostridium difficile for community patients leaflet
- ESBL and AMP C in urine leaflet
- ESBL and AMP C in wounds and sputum leaflet
Influenza (Flu) in the community leaflet- Influenza (Flu) outbreaks in community hospitals leaflet
- MRSA and MRSA screening information leaflet
- Measles Quick Guide
MRSA decolonisation therapy information leaflet- Norovirus/winter vomiting bug leaflet
- Scabies information leaflet
- Shingles information leaflet
- Staying Safe Booklet (includes sections on Sepsis, urinary tract and catheter associated infections)
Outbreaks/Barrier Nursing Documents
- Patient Under Barrier Precuation Door Poster
- Daily barrier cleaning schedule for individual patients form
- Terminal barrier cleaning schedule for individual patients form
- Norovirus outbreak chart - patients
- Norovirus outbreak chart - staff
- Norovirus outbreak daily barrier cleaning schedule
- Norovirus outbreak terminal cleaning schedule
- COVID outbreak form for patients
- COVID outbreak form for staff
Other Documents
| Poster Name | Link |
|---|---|
| ANTT - Podiatry wound care procedure | Link |
|
ANTT - Wound care clinic procedure |
Link |
| DCHS Management of In-Patients with Diarrhoea or suspected Clostridioides Difficile (Cdiff) | Link |
| Dry hands | Link |
| Management of blood and body fluid spillages | Link |
| Myth Busters - Bare below the elbows (BBE) | Link |
| Myth Busters - Hand hygiene | Link |
| Myth Busters - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Link |
| Myth Busters - Standard precautions for infection control | Link |
| Myth Busters - Uniform poster | Link |
| Myth Busters - Using face masks | Link |
| Patient under barrier precautions poster | Link |
| Sore red hands | Link |
| Top tips for hand hygiene | Link |
- ANTT
- Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP)
- Department of Health & Social Care
- Infection Prevention Society (IPS)
- One Together UK – Reducing the risk of infection on patient’s surgical pathway
- Public Health England (PHE)
- Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
- Royal Marsden Manual online
- The UK Sepsis Trust
- World Health Organisation
Information for champions and students
Infection Prevention and Control Quality and Safe Care Champions (QSCC)
IP & C Quality & Safe Care Champions (QSCCs) are nominated members of staff who receive support to ‘embed’ best practice in relation to infection prevention and control within their clinical areas and support improvements to patient care within the Quality Always Clinical Assessment and Accreditation Scheme (CAAS) standards. The champions utilise the World Health Organisation's 5 moments of hand hygiene as the framework for the programme. Hand hygiene, including audit of practice, is a key focus for the champions.
Staff interested in becoming champions must read the agreement form with their manager. A QSCC nomination form must then be completed and submitted to Quality Always.
Please see Quality Always intranet page on MY DCHS for information on:
- QSCC Role Overview
- QSCC Agreement
- QSCC Nomination Form
- Support Sessions Timetable for Year
- QSCC Register
IP & C Self-assessment Tool for Quality & Safe Care Champions
- Inpatient Wards
- Community
- Out Patients/Planned Care
PPE – Gloves, aprons & masks
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
|
Do I need to wear gloves for venepuncture (taking blood)? |
Yes, Royal Marsden Manual recommends wearing well‐fitting gloves during venepuncture and cannulation to prevent contamination from potential blood spills. |
| Do I need to wear gloves for giving injections? | No, World Health Organisation guidance - gloves should not be worn for routine intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections providing your skin is intact. |
|
Do I need to change my gloves & apron between wounds or tasks on the same patient? |
Yes, you need to change your gloves, but you do not need to change your apron unless it is contaminated or damaged. |
| Do I need to wear a sterile apron for wound care? | No, as the apron should not come into contact with key parts. |
|
When do I need to wear a visor/face protection? |
Where there is a risk of splashing to the face/eyes with blood or body fluids and for patients on the respiratory pathway or patients with Monkey Pox or Chicken Pox. |
| When do I need to wear and FFP3 mask? | You only need to wear an FFP3 mask when carrying out an Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) on patients on the respiratory pathway and when caring for patients with Monkey Pox or Chicken Pox. |
| When do I need to wear a long-sleeved coverall/gown? |
You only need to wear a long-sleeved gown/coverall when carrying out an Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) on patients on the respiratory pathway and when caring for patients with Monkey Pox or Chicken Pox. |
Patient Care
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use Clinell Universal Wipes on patient’s skin? |
No, Although Clinell Universal wipes are dermatologically tested and are “skin kind” they are designed to be used for cleaning surfaces and equipment. Other more suitable skin cleansing wipes are available from Clinell. |
|
Do I need to clean patient’s skin prior to venepuncture? |
Yes, in line with the Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures - Chapter 10.1 "Clean the patient's skin carefully for 30 seconds using an appropriate preparation, such as skin cleansing wipes containing “Chlorhexidine 2% and alcohol 70%”, and allow to dry. Do not re-palpate or touch the skin” “This is to maintain asepsis, minimize the risk of infection and to prevent pain on insertion.” A link to suitable products available on NHS Supply Chain can be found here. For further information contact E: DCHST.infectioncontrol@nhs.net. |
Cleaning equipment and the environment
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use Clinell Universal Wipes for cleaning surfaces/ equipment between patients? |
Yes, as long as surfaces are not visibly dirty, contaminated with blood or body fluids or the patient has a known or suspected infection. |
|
Do I need to wear gloves when using Clinell (green) universal wipes? |
Yes, the manufacturers of Clinell recommend wearing gloves when using the wipes as the products used in their manufacture may over time lead to irritation, allergies and skin conditions. |
| When do I need to use chlorine base solutions e.g. Actichlor? | You need to use chlorine based solutions as part of the “5 step cleaning process” if equipment or surfaces are visibly dirty, contaminated with blood or body fluids and for patients with gastrointestinal infections such as Norovirus or C. Diff. |
|
How often do fabric and disposable curtains need to be changed in DCHS? |
Every 3 months, curtains should be dated when the next curtain change is due. |
|
Do the Laerdal pocket masks in rigid plastic containers have an expiry date? |
Yes, the expiry date is recognised to be 5 years after manufacture. However masks should be checked regularly and if they look old, worn and out of date then they should be replaced. |
|
Can portable be fans be used in clinical and non-clinical areas? |
Yes, portable fans may be used in both clinical and non-clinical areas but must not be allowed to blow air directly onto areas where clinical procedures such as wound care are taking place. They must also be on regular cleaning schedules and have a cage surrounding the blades that can be unclipped for cleaning. |
| Can portable air conditioning units be used in any areas of DCHS? |
No, due to the risk from Legionella and issues around maintenance DCHS do not support the use of portable air conditioning units. Contact Estates for further information - dchst.estateshelpdesk@nhs.net. |
Sharps and sharps containers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
|
How long may sharps containers be used for once started? |
Once opened sharps containers may only be used for 3 months. This does not apply to sharps containers on the resus trolley, these should be closed, disposed of and replaced once used. |
Hand hygiene, Uniform & Bare Below the Elbows
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
|
Can I wash my hands with cold water? |
Yes, although it is preferable to use warm water, if this is not available then cold water may be used. It is the use of liquid hand soap and the mechanical action of hand washing that loosens dirt and microorganisms and allows them to be removed. |
| When can I use alcohol hand gel? | When hands are not visibly contaminated or when patient has a known or suspected infection, including diarrhoeal infection. |
| When do I need to wash my hands with soap and water? |
When hands are visibly soiled, when caring for patients with a known or suspected infection, when there is an obvious build-up of alcohol hand gel on hands, when caring for patients with diarrhoea and/or vomiting. |
|
What can I do if I have dry or sore red hands? |
See DCHS leaflets on “dry hands” and “sore red hands” and if necessary contact Occupational Health dchst.occupationalhealth@nhs.net for advice and support. |
|
Do I need to wash my uniform separate from other laundry and at 60 degrees? |
Yes, extensive literature searches and research has concluded that washing uniforms at 60 degrees is the safest option as it removes all microorganisms, including Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) to as safe level. |
|
What jewellery can I wear as part of DCHS Uniform and Dress Code Policy? |
You may wear one plain, smooth wedding band and one pair of plain stud earrings. |
| Can I wear a bangle e.g. Kara for religious reasons? |
Yes, in agreement with your line manager, however you must remove it or ensure it is secured up your arm to enable effective hand hygiene to take place. |
|
Can I wear an SOS medic alert bracelet? |
Yes, in agreement with your line manager, however you must remove it or ensure it is secured up your arm to enable effective hand hygiene to take place. |
|
I work in the community can I use patient’s own fabric towels or kitchen roll for drying my hands? |
No, to standardise practice and minimise the risk of infection you should use your own stock of paper hand towels. These can be obtained for your service via the NHS Supply Chain. |
| Can I use patients own liquid hand soap or bar of soap when carrying out hand hygiene? |
No, to standardise practice and minimise the risk of infection you should use your own stock of liquid hand soap or alcohol hand gel. These can be obtained for your service via the NHS Supply Chain. |
| Can I work clinically if I have a wound with a dressing on my hand or arm below the elbows? |
No, if the dressing is not waterproof then you would be unable to carry out effective hand hygiene in order to minimise the risk of cross infection. |
|
Can I work clinically if I need to wear a splint, brace or support to the hand or arm below the elbow for clinical activities? |
No, unless the appliance can be removed to enable you to carry out effective hand hygiene and is fully wipeable to reduce the risk of cross infection. |
Diarrhoea & vomiting
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
|
What type of stools on the Bristol Stool chart do I need to send for testing if a gastro-intestinal infection such as Norovirus or Clostridium difficile is suspected? |
True diarrhoea consists entirely of liquid/water and takes the shape of the container it is in and a pipette used to obtain a sample for testing, Type 5, 6 and 7 on the Bristol Stool Chart. |
|
How long do patients with diarrhoea and vomiting need to remain isolated following symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting? |
Patients need to remain isolated for 48 hours after symptoms have subsided. |
|
How long do I need to stay off work if I have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting? |
You need to be free of symptoms for 48 hours before returning to work. |
|
Can I come into work with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting if I am not working clinically or work in an office environment? |
No, you must not attend work with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting whatever environment you work in. |
Specific infections & barrier nursing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
|
Do patients with shingles or chickenpox need barrier nursing? |
Yes, until blisters/spots have scabbed over and are dry. |
|
Do patients with scabies need barrier nursing? |
No, patients may be nursed in an open ward however linen should be treated as infectious until all treatment is completed. Standard precautions apply for use of gloves and apron. |
MRSA swabbing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do we routinely swab patients for MRSA within DCHS? |
No, only patients having podiatric surgery or nail surgery where the nails appears to be infected or patients have a history of MRSA and have not been swabbed within the last 6 weeks are swabbed for MRSA within DCHS. |
AMaT Audits and IP & C Champions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often do AMaT audits need to be carried out? |
AMaT audits need to be carried out on a quarterly basis, the number of returns depends on the size of the team and refers to the number for the whole quarter. “One audit cycle” refers to a quarter. |
|
Why do AMaT audits need to be carried out even in non-clinical areas/teams? |
We need to ensure work areas and teams are working safely and correctly to minimise the risk of infections and outbreaks. The AMaT audits provide evidence that staff are complying with local and national guidance and this in turn provides assurance for the Trust board and external bodies such as NHSEI in the event of any outbreaks. |
| What can we do if it difficult to observe members of our team e.g. due to remote working? |
In this case a scenario based observation can be completed e.g. at a base for example at handover, team meetings or time out days. |
| Can non-clinical staff become IP & C Champions? |
Yes, non-clinical staff can receive information and training by contacting the Quality Always Team - dchst.qualityalways@nhs.net. |
| How can I receive training, advice or support on using the AMaT tools? |
Training, advice and support, including the answers to queries related to the AMaT can be obtained via the Improvement, Innovation and Effectiveness Team - dchst.cet@nhs.net. |
Equipment and supplies
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
|
Do the IP & C Team carry supplies that other staff can access e.g. Lateral Flow Tests (LFT), gloves, aprons, hand wash and gel? |
No, the IP & C Team only have a small supply of resources for their own use and order their own supplies via the PPE Team as all other areas - dchst.covid19ppe@nhs.net. |
|
Is the IP & C Team able to provide product information or order codes for equipment and supplies such as gloves, wipes, masks etc? |
No, the IP & C Team do not have access to information on products or order codes. Staff need to access the PPE Team dchst.covid19ppe@nhs.net or Procurement Queries - dchst.procurementqueries@nhs.net. |
March
20th March - World Oral Health Day
The current 3 year campaign running until 2026, focuses on the link between good oral health and good general health because “A HAPPY MOUTH IS….A HAPPY BODY”
May
5 May - World Hand Hygiene Day
Lead by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as part of the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign. The campaign aims to improve hand hygiene in healthcare workers and support the prevention of healthcare acquired infections.
September
All September - Sepsis Awareness Month
Aims to educate as may people as possible about this medical emergency to help them recognise the signs and symptoms to help save lives.
15 September - World Sepsis Day
Part of the above campaign
October
1 Week in October - International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), established in 1986, aims to shine a light on infection prevention each and every year. Each year has a different theme.
19 October - International Stop Wound Infection Day
Aims to reduce wound infections in acute surgical wounds and non-healing chronic wounds, The site encourages the showcasing of research, technologies and initiatives using social media and has campaign resources to assist with this.
20 October - Clean Hospitals Day
Aims to raise standards in hospital cleanliness to protect patients and staff and bring international awareness to the importance of hospital cleanliness.
November
18 - 24 November - World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)
Lead by the World Health Organisation (WHO).Aims to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Encourages the appropriate use and correct disposal of antimicrobials.
December
1 December - World Aids Day
Aims to bring people together worldwide in the fight against HIV, to support those living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. The UK government has set a goal of ending HIV transmissions by 2030
Information for ALL staff
Anybody that needs to report an absence of any sort must contact their manager in the first instance, as soon as they are aware that they cannot attend work, so that they can make arrangements for covering the gap that you will leave. Click here for more information.
Managers
If you have a member of staff off sick with Covid-19, you would need to complete this form and return to the IP&C inbox - E: DCHST.infectioncontrol@nhs.net.
You also need to report as normal on ESR using this as reference:
Manager Self Service - Absence
- Absence Type - Sickness
- Level 1 reason - S27 Infectious diseases
- Level 2 reason - S27998 Other infectious disease
- Related reason - Coronavirus (Covid-19)