Ridgmount Practice Annual Statement Report

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Purpose of the Statement

In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance), this annual statement summarises:

• Any infection transmission incidents and action taken.
• Details of any IPC audits undertaken and subsequent actions.
• Details of any IPC risk assessments undertaken.
• Details of staff IPC training.
• Reviews and updates of IPC policies, procedures, and guidance.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Governance

The practice ensures that IPC is prioritized and managed effectively through designated leads.

• Infection Control Lead (Clinical): E. Zhang
• Infection Control Lead (Non-Clinical/Administrative): E. Zhang, C. Sheils
• The IPC Leads attend regular updates, cascade information to the practice team, and oversee the implementation of IPC standard operating procedures.

Significant IPC Incidents / Breaches

Over the past 12 months (February 2025 to February 2026):

• Summary of Incidents: There were zero significant infection control incidents or outbreaks reported within the practice.

IPC Audits Conducted

To maintain high standards, the practice routinely conducts comprehensive IPC audits.

Annual IPC Environmental Audit

• Date Conducted: 9th February 2026
• Key Findings: Felt notice boards needs to be covered by water repellent material.
• Actions Taken / Outcomes: Laminated sheet to be purchased for the boards.

Hand Hygiene Audit

• Date Conducted: 11th February 2026
• Key Findings: 100% compliance across clinical and administrative staff.
• Actions Taken / Outcomes: Demonstration and re-education provided in the general meeting to all staff.

Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)

• Date Conducted: 11th February 2026
• Key Findings: High competency demonstrated during observations of wound dressing.
• Actions Taken / Outcomes: Continued monitoring; competencies signed off for the year.

Waste Management Audit

• Date Conducted: 11th February 2026
• Key Findings: Occasional incorrect disposal of non-clinical waste in clinical bins.
• Actions Taken / Outcomes: Reminded waste streams in the general meeting/confidential infor to be placed in the confidential bins for shredding; compliance improved.

Risk Assessments

The following IPC-related risk assessments were performed or reviewed during the past year:

• Legionella Risk Assessment: A formal Legionella risk assessment will be conducted September 2026, company name to be confirmed )CS 7 MG working jointly on this). Daily flushing of infrequently used taps and weekly monthly water temperature checks are performed (is this logged?).
• Decontamination of Medical Equipment: Risk assessments are in place for the cleaning of reusable medical devices. Single-use items are utilised wherever practical.
• Immunisation Status: A review of staff immunisation records (including Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella) was conducted to ensure all clinical and patient-facing staff are adequately protected.

Staff Training and Development

All staff members are required to complete annual IPC training appropriate to their roles. Reminders sent on 11th February 2026

• Clinical Staff: Completed Level 2/3 IPC training, including practical hand hygiene assessments, sharps safety, and ANTT.
• Non-Clinical Staff: Completed Level 1 IPC training, focusing on hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and recognizing infectious symptoms.
• Completion Rate: Current staff training compliance stands at [100%].

Cleaning and Environment

• Cleaning Contractor: Environmental cleaning is provided by D B Services and is performed daily in accordance with the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness. Meeting with cleaning supervisor was conducted on 4th March 2026
• Cleaning Audits: Meeting with cleaning supervisor was conducted on 4th March 2026
• Curtains and Blinds: Clinical modesty curtains are 100% disposable. Disposable curtains were last changed in May 2025 (low risk rooms) and in December 2025 (high risk room 4/5/6/11).

IPC Policy Review

All IPC policies are aligned with national guidance and are reviewed annually or in response to updated national directives. The following policies were reviewed and re-issued this year:

• Hand Hygiene Policy
• Sharps Safety and Needle-stick Injury Protocol
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance
• Management of Blood and Body Fluid Spills

Key Priorities and Objectives for the Coming Year

For the period of February 2026 to February 2027, the practice aims to:

1. Maintain a minimum of [95%] compliance in all monthly cleanliness and hand hygiene audits.
2. Upgrade the notice boards to optimize decontamination.
3. To ensure new staff (when appropriate) receive appropriate infection control training and vaccine checks.