An Introduction to the NHS Supply Chain Infection Prevention and Control Policy
We are pleased to announce the launch of our recently developed Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policy. This policy has been introduced to ensure the safety of our staff, patients, and visitors in partner organisations that we work with, regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Its aim is to minimise the risks of healthcare-associated infections being introduced, through our interactions with them. In developing and implementing the policy, we are keen to support NHS partners in achieving clinical and quality goals as well as the commercial aspects more traditionally associated with our relationship.
It is a practical, evidence-based manual, which fully aligns with the organisations we visit. It has been developed from the same guidance and source materials used by our partner organisations, The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England.
See our Useful Links section for more information on The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England.
The policy has been peer reviewed approved by colleagues working in some of our NHS partner organisations, as well as our NHS Supply Chain Clinical and Quality Assurance Group.
The expectation is for the policy to be read, understood and followed by all the NHS Supply Chain team who interact with NHS partner colleagues whilst visiting their sites: hospitals, clinics, and offices. There is specific guidance, depending on who is being visited, where the visit is taking place and how the public and patients might perceive our role.
Importantly, guidance received directly from our partner organisations should be followed, as their local knowledge of immediate risks and issues will be paramount.
The key areas covered include hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and what to do if we are feeling unwell prior to any on-site visit. There is also a short section on dress code where it relates to Infection Prevention and Control and keeping yourself and others safe.
We are currently rolling out the policy internally via our intranet, company newsletters and scheduled team events.
Links section
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National infection prevention and control
Guidance on infection control for NHS healthcare staff of all disciplines in all care settings.