Infection
Prevention and Control is about preventing infections particularly those that
are associated with healthcare – for example, ways of preventing infections
being spread on the hands of healthcare workers or carers.
We all
have a part to play in controlling infection.
Infections
are caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses entering the body. They can be minor and stay in one area, like
a boil or wound, or they can spread throughout the body, like Flu or a blood
stream infection. Often, infections are
easily dealt with, but sometimes they can cause serious problems.
OUR COMMITMENT
Social
care Alba takes preventing, minimising and controlling the risk of healthcare
associated infection to service users/staff/ and carers very seriously. Ways in which we do this include:
·
Education
and training in infection control for all staff employed by SCA
·
Staff
using good hand washing technique or using alcohol handrubs
·
The
use of disposable aprons and gloves
FUNCTIONS OF THE INFECTION CONTROL
CHAMPION
- Provision
of information education and advice on Infection Control
- Monitoring
and reviewing infections in the community eg MRSA and C difficile
- Development
of Infection Control policies and procedures for health care staff
- Advise
on measures to tackle healthcare associated infections
- Support in the prevention, management and control of
infection
- Monitoring
of infection control standards and practices
- Changing
behaviours, promoting a culture of cleanliness
- High
standards of cleanliness
- Making
sure equipment is clean
- How
to recognise signs of infection
- Educating
service users/healthcare professionals and carers
USEFUL RESOURCES
The Preventing Infection in Care at Home toolkit
allows staff to choose information when presented with common infection risks
when caring for someone in the home and reveals the "must do" SICP
guidance that should be followed to minimise the risk of spreading infection to
themselves, other staff and the person receiving care. It also highlights
key advice on factors "to consider" as part of the SICPs and
identifies other factors that keep staff and those being cared for safe. Alternatively
if information is required simply on each SICP and how they relate to community
care in the home then a quick link is provided.
The
toolkit is presented to community health and social care staff in the form of a
digital app and a pocket guide for easy reference.
Digital
App
The Apple
digital app is available HERE
The
Android digital app is available HERE
Pocket
Guide
The
pocket guide is currently out of print but Stephen has secured some copies
which he will distribute to everyone.
You can view the guide HERE
SUPPORT
AND ADVICE
If
you need more support or advice then please do not hesitate to contact me via
the office or blog.
Daniela
Angeli
Infection
Control Champion
