Infection prevention guidance: a reality check

Richard Newton, principal of independent care home consultancy Opeque, reflects on recent government guidance on infection prevention and control

The new government guidance for care homes published in April 20221 is really no different in principle to the 2013 Department of Health document, but the content is re-packaged and provides far greater emphasis and instruction on the need to control and reduce the risks posed by infections as well as giving guidance on how to achieve compliance.

This guidance, which sets out general infection prevention and control (IPC) principles to be used in combination with advice and guidance on managing specific infections, is for those responsible for setting and maintaining standards of IPC within adult social care in England. ‘Adult social care’ is a broad term covering a wide range of activities which help people who are older, living with disability or physical or mental illness, or people with a learning disability, to live independently and stay well and safe.

Preventing and reducing the transmission of infectious diseases is essential to ensuring people stay healthy. People who have contact with social care should have confidence in the cleanliness and hygiene of services and services provided. Not all the contents of this guidance will be applicable to every situation or type of care and support

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