Infection prevention and control (IPC) is one of the clinical foundations surveyors examine closely. Having your IPC systems documented and current is essential accreditation evidence.
The IPC checklist
- Hand hygiene - facilities, products and staff practice.
- Sterilisation and reprocessing - reprocessing of reusable medical devices, or a documented single-use approach, with records.
- Cleaning - schedules and records for clinical and non-clinical areas.
- Personal protective equipment - availability and appropriate use.
- Sharps and clinical waste - safe handling, storage and disposal.
- Aseptic technique - where clinical procedures require it.
- Staff training and immunisation - records that support safe practice.
Evidence, kept current
IPC is the kind of area where policies exist but records lapse. Keep your cleaning logs, reprocessing records and training up to date and attached to the relevant indicators with the evidence tracker, and pair it with your cold chain evidence. Always follow current national infection-control guidance and the relevant standards for reprocessing.
Frequently asked questions
What infection control evidence is needed for accreditation?
Documented and current systems for hand hygiene, sterilisation and reprocessing of reusable devices, cleaning schedules, PPE, sharps and waste handling, aseptic technique and staff training.
Do we need to reprocess reusable instruments on site?
You need a documented, compliant approach - whether on-site reprocessing to the relevant standards or a single-use strategy. Refer to current national guidance and the applicable reprocessing standards.