NHS England’s Updated Infection Prevention and Control Manual

NHS England published its updated National Infection Prevention and Control Manual on April 24, 2023. The new manual provides recommendations and ways to prevent and manage infections in healthcare settings, serving as a crucial resource for healthcare practitioners. The updated manual contains the most recent evidence-based practices and is in line with the changing healthcare landscape, with an emphasis on patient safety. In this Article, we will provide a summary of the key highlights and recommendations from the updated manual.

Enhanced Hand Hygiene Protocols:

The manual emphasises the crucial role that ‘hand hygiene’ practices have in preventing infections. It offers detailed guidance on how to wash your hands properly, how to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and when to practice good hand hygiene. These recommendations aim to lessen the spread of dangerous infections within healthcare settings.

Improved Environmental Cleaning:

The manual stresses the need of thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection to reduce the risk of infections. It provides detailed instructions for cleaning different tools, surfaces, and patient care facilities. The new guidelines also stress the importance of using the correct disinfectants and adhering to the recommended cleaning frequencies.

Robust Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines:

The updated manual offers thorough instructions on the proper usage of PPE. It addresses a number of topics, such as appropriate donning and doffing practices, choosing PPE depending on particular processes and dangers, and properly disposing of contaminated items. These guidelines aim to improve safety precautions and lessen the chance of cross-contamination.

Effective Management of Infectious Diseases:

The management of infectious illnesses, particularly those brought on by emerging pathogens, is covered in the updated IPC Manual. It provides guidance on methods for isolation precaution, early identification and the proper use of antimicrobial drugs. It also emphasises the significance of efficient monitoring systems to keep track of and respond to outbreaks promptly.

Focus on Antimicrobial Stewardship:

Whilst recognising antimicrobial resistance as a global challenge, the updated Manual emphasises the responsible use of antimicrobial agents. It offers guidance to healthcare professionals on how to optimise antimicrobial prescribing procedures while encouraging responsible usage, and preventing the emergence of resistance.

Care Business Associate Training’s Infection Prevention Control Training:

The release of NHS England’s updated National IPC Manual, marks a significant milestone in reinforcing infection prevention strategies within healthcare settings. The Manual intends to improve patient safety and lower the risk of healthcare-associated infections by adopting evidence-based practises and addressing new concerns. To guarantee the best possible infection prevention and control, workers are urged to adopt the manual’s recommendations into their routine procedures.

To stay updated with the latest guidelines, best practices, and emerging threats in infection control, regular infection prevention training is crucial to all healthcare workers. For more information about CBAT’s Virtual Infection Prevention Control Lead Training give CBAT a call on 01772 816 922, email sales@cba-training.co.uk.

References:

NHS England. (2023). National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England. Retrieved from National infection prevention and control manual for England.