Clinical Risk Manager Kate Taylor shares her top tips for controlling infection in general practice.

Practices must adhere to the CQC’s standards to comply with CQC registration. Follow these top tips to ensure you do.

1. Ensure the practice has a nominated lead responsible for infection control issues within the practice.
2. Make sure the premises are clean, with a designated person responsible for the cleaning of the practice.
3. Provide accurate information for patients about infection control issues.
4. Provide accurate information on infections to all persons providing support or nursing/medical care.
5. Patients who have infections should receive appropriate initial advice and treatment.
6. All staff in the practice should receive appropriate infection control training, including hand washing, safe handling and disposal of clinical waste, dealing with spillages, etc.
7. Provide adequate isolation facilities for patients presenting with an infectious condition.
8. Secure adequate access to diagnostic, microbiology and virology laboratory services.
9. Discuss and maintain infection control policies, such as safe handling and disposal of sharps, aseptic technique, decontamination of instruments, etc.
10. Ensure healthcare workers are protected from exposure to infections, including risk assessing for relevant vaccinations and regular screening for TB and BBVs.