This RCN accredited course is aimed at Practice Nurses; Practice Managers; Senior staff responsible for managing IPC risks; Nurse Practitioners and/or GP’s.

Managing the risks and preventing the spread of infections is a priority for all registered providers of health and care. Compliance with the Health & Social Care Action 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 requires compliance with a range of fundamental standards to provide assurance relating to the delivery of care. The Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of infections and Related Guidance (DOH 2022) provides a framework for the delivery (and assurance) of standards relating to Infection Prevention and Control and forms the basis of the content of this 2-day course.

The aims of the course are:

• To provide knowledge and facilitate learning and the development of IPC Leads and link practitioners including a knowledge base for the 10 criteria of The Health & Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance (DH) 2022;
• To provide workshop opportunities to enhance learning;
• To generate debate, critical appraisal and reflection;
• To empower IPC Leads and link practitioners to role model and drive appropriate infection prevention practice in their place of work thus embedding IPC processes in the transformation agenda;
• To facilitate the implementation, maintenance and assurance of Standard Precautions and related principles of practice in primary medical care;
• To provide delegates with current knowledge and guidance for prevention and control of infections in primary care settings;

Learning Outcomes

• To understand the regulatory frameworks and their application to providers of primary medical care in a range of practice settings;
• To understand and discuss the role and responsibilities of IPC leads and link practitioners;
• To discuss the Chain of Infection and utilise this in understanding the transmission of infections most commonly seen in primary care settings;
• To identify and discuss principles of infection prevention and control and describe how the lead/ link practitioner lead can encourage and support their implementation;
• To perform and teach correct hand-washing procedures;
• To discuss the implementation, maintenance and assurance of key practice issues in primary medical care settings inc. the challenges of working in hosted (leased) premises;
• To understand the importance of risk assessment and its role in improving practice / ensuring compliance by identifying gaps in service provision and developing action plans to address issues identified.