Infection Prevention and Control Policy
The management of infections within care homes is addressed through the S.P.I.C.E framework
- Strategy
- Prevention
- Isolation
- Containment
- Elimination
There are 11 ‘Standard infection control precautions’ (SICPs) referred to by Public Health England and these can be viewed on the government website. An additional SICP has been introduced due to COVID-19.
This Infection Control policy uses the S.P.I.C.E framework, utilises and refers to the chain of infection. By the SICPs being the foundation of all physical and social contact for people living in a home we can collectively break the chain of infection thus protecting and assuring the people we support, our teams and visitors feel safe.
Infections cannot always be seen; it is not always clear who may have an infection therefore, separating within safe systems and applying the SICPs through the S.P.I.C.E framework we can assure best practice becomes common place within the home.
Strategy – Infection Control Champions
A fundamental aspect of the Strategy is ensuring the infection control polices are understood and adhered to by the whole team. This requires a twofold approach that encompasses and echoes the values within the home.
- Leadership understanding and commitment is critical when working within the S.P.I.C.E framework.
- Appointing an Infection Control Champion for the home or within houses within the home to raise awareness.
Infection Control Champion[s]
Definition
‘To actively embed the safe practises and systems within the home or for each house within the home. Through agreed and effective communication channels this role will enable a clear communication path, recognise, and celebrate good practice and work with the teams to identify solutions quickly’.
There are 11 Standard Infection Control Precautions
- Patient placement and assessment for infection risk (screening/triaging/testing)
- Hand hygiene
- Respiratory and cough hygiene
- Personal protective equipment
- Safe management of the care environment
- Safe management of care equipment
- Safe management of healthcare linen
- Safe management of blood and body fluids
- Safe disposal of waste
- Occupational safety: prevention and exposure management
- Maintaining social/physical distancing (new SICP due to COVID-19)
The 11 SIPC’s will be demonstrated through the S.P.I.C.E framework. So, lets define S.P.I.C.E
The ‘S’ represents the Strategy.
Prevention of infections spreading should always be the focus. This framework is required to run through every process and system that is in place that enables a care home to run safely and effectively.
