IPC annual Statement

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Annual Statement

Hersham Surgery

Reporting Period: 2025–2026

Introduction

This annual statement has been produced in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. The purpose of this statement is to provide a summary of:

  • Infection prevention and control (IPC) activities undertaken within Hersham Surgery.
  • Audits and reviews completed during the reporting period.
  • Areas of good practice.
  • Areas identified for improvement and actions taken.

Hersham Surgery remains committed to maintaining a safe, clean, and effective environment for patients, visitors, and staff, while continually improving infection prevention and control standards across the practice.

 

IPC Lead

The practice has designated IPC lead Sister Emily Whisker who is  responsible for overseeing infection prevention and control arrangements within the surgery, including:

  • Maintaining and reviewing IPC policies and procedures.
  • Supporting staff training and awareness.
  • Monitoring compliance through audits and assessments.
  • Implementing improvement actions where required.

 

Infection Prevention and Control Activities

During the reporting period, the following IPC activities were undertaken:

  • Regular infection prevention and control audits.
  • Hand hygiene assessments.
  • Cleaning and equipment monitoring.
  • Waste management monitoring.
  • Ongoing staff education and awareness.
  • Review of clinical environments and equipment.

Hersham Surgery continues to review national guidance and local IPC requirements to ensure standards remain compliant and effective.

 

Audit Findings Summary

Overall audit findings demonstrated a very good standard of infection prevention and control across the practice. Good processes and systems are in place throughout the surgery.

A small number of areas requiring improvement were identified during the audit process.

1. Hand Hygiene

Finding

Some clinicians were observed wearing wrist watches during clinical activity, which is not compliant with hand hygiene guidance.

Action Taken

  • Education was provided at the time of hand hygiene assessments for clinical staff.
  • An email reminder regarding hand hygiene standards and “bare below the elbows” requirements will be circulated to all relevant staff.

 

2. Equipment Checks

Finding

All equipment was visibly clean and good cleaning processes were in place. However, weighing scales were found to be dusty.

Action Taken

  • This issue will be discussed within the nurses’ clinical meeting to reinforce equipment cleaning standards and ensure ongoing monitoring.

 

3. State of Care Environment

Finding

Some areas of the practice require cosmetic improvement, including holes in walls, marks, and scuffing. Some clinical rooms also require repainting.

Action Taken

  • These maintenance issues have been reported to the Practice Nurse/Practice Management team for review and action.

 

4. Safe Management of Waste

Finding

External waste bins were lockable; however, there was a requirement for the bins to be further secured away from public access.

Action Taken

  • New fencing has been installed around the external waste bin area to improve security and reduce public access.

 

Staff Training

All staff are expected to complete mandatory infection prevention and control training appropriate to their role. Training compliance is monitored to ensure staff remain up to date with current IPC guidance and procedures.

 

Policies and Procedures

The practice maintains a range of IPC-related policies and procedures which are reviewed regularly and updated in line with current national guidance.

 

Conclusion

The overall findings from the IPC audit demonstrate that Hersham Surgery continues to maintain a good standard of infection prevention and control. The practice has appropriate systems and processes in place to support patient and staff safety.

Where areas requiring improvement were identified, actions have either been completed or are in progress to ensure continued compliance and quality improvement.

Hersham Surgery remains committed to providing a safe and clean environment for all patients, staff, and visitors.

 

Approved By: ______C Cheeseman ______________________________

Position: ____________Practice Manager ___________________________

Date: ___________31/03/2026________________________________

Published on 13 May 2026