Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Edwin Therapeutic Unit Annual Statement

Reporting Period: 2024

1. Purpose of the Annual Statement

This Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Annual Statement provides an overview of the infection control measures implemented at Edwin Unit over the past year. It outlines key activities, audits, staff training, and any improvements made to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for service users, staff, and visitors.

2. Commitment to Infection Control

At Edwin Unit, we are committed to maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, UK Health Security Agency guidance, and Local Authority recommendations. Our approach ensures that all service users, particularly those with complex needs, receive care in a safe and clean environment.

3. Infection Control Lead

The IPC Lead for Edwin Unit is Basil Behanan Baby, responsible for overseeing infection prevention policies, staff training, and compliance with best practices.

4. Key Infection Prevention and Control Activities in the Past Year

a) Policies and Procedures

· All IPC policies have been reviewed and updated in line with national guidelines and best practices.

· Risk assessments have been conducted to identify and mitigate infection-related hazards within the unit.

b) Training and Awareness

· All staff have completed mandatory IPC training, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and outbreak management.

· Additional training sessions were conducted on COVID-19 precautions, norovirus prevention, and safe food handling.

· Staff competency assessments were completed during the training to ensure adherence to IPC protocols.

c) Audits and Compliance Checks

· Monthly environmental cleaning audits ensured that cleaning schedules were followed, with corrective actions taken where needed.

· Infection surveillance data was reviewed to monitor any emerging trends or concerns.

d) Infection Incidents and Outbreaks

· No Infection incident was reported during the reporting period.

e) Cleaning and Waste Management

· The cleaning schedule was reviewed and enhanced, ensuring high-touch areas were cleaned more frequently.

· Waste disposal procedures were reviewed as needed for compliance with local infection control policies.

f) Service User and Visitor Engagement

· Service users were educated on hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and general infection control practices.

· Visitor policies were updated to align with infection control guidelines, ensuring minimal risks to service users.

5. Planned IPC Improvements for the Next Year

· Further enhancement of staff training will be carried as needed, in outbreak response and antimicrobial stewardship.

· Review and upgrade of PPE stock management to ensure readiness for any future health emergencies.

· Strengthening of collaboration with local health authorities for infection surveillance and early response measures.

6. Conclusion

Edwin Unit remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of infection prevention and control to safeguard the health and well-being of service users and staff. We will continue to review and enhance our IPC measures, ensuring compliance with CQC expectations and national guidelines.

Prepared by:

Basil Behanan Baby

Registered Manager of Edwin Therapeutic Unit