IPC annual statement – April 2026
Purpose
This annual statement covers the period from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2026 and has been completed in accordance with the requirement of the Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance for Stickney Surgery.
The report will be published on the organisation’s website and will include the following summary:
- Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken
- IPC audits undertaken and subsequent actions implemented
- Details of any risk assessments undertaken for the prevention and control of infection
- Details of staff training
- Antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship
- Any review and update of policies, procedures and guidelines
The Lead for infection prevention and control (IPC) at Stickney Surgery is Nicola Lane – Practice Nurse.
Infection transmission incidents (significant events)
All significant events are reviewed and discussed at several meetings each month. Any learning points are cascaded to all relevant staff where an action plan, including audits or policy review, may follow.
In the past year, there has been 1 significant event raised which related to infection control. There have also been 0 complaints made regarding cleanliness or infection control.
Power cut: Power cut causing a breach in the cold chain within the vaccine fridges
Incident: Power cut caused fridge failures and subsequently a breach of the cold chain to two of the three vaccine fridges resulting in a loss of important immunisations and vaccinations.
Root Cause: The whole area had a power cut which affected the practice.
Actions Taken:
- The vaccines were immediately isolated and no vaccines were administered.
- Surgery cold chain was adhered to.
- The local and regional Imms and Vaccs teams were notified via email.
- Vaccine manufacturers were contacted and information was provided on individual vaccine stability.
- Vaccines initially isolated and then disposed of correctly per guidance and policy.
- The relevant fridge efficacy/data log downloads/temperature recordings and fridge resets were carried out once the power was restored.
- Once the power was restored, the fridges resumed the target temperature within approximately 5 minutes.
- Immform stock incident form completed.
Learning:
- Consider having an alternative/backup power source for repeat events.
- Consider an alternative storage arrangement.
- Two out of the three fridges that were on a floor with underfloor heating went up in temperature and breached the cold chain for approximately 1.5 hours. The other fridge was isolated from a heat source.
- Although all three fridges maintain their recommended temperatures when on it begs the question, do we need to raise the fridges off the floor when underfloor heating is on.
Infection prevention audit and actions
An annual Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) audit was completed in July 2025. The audit reviewed key areas including hand hygiene, patient placement, personal protective equipment (PPE), and respiratory hygiene.
Overall, good standards of IPC were maintained, with appropriate facilities and resources in place. Hand hygiene facilities were generally clean and well maintained; however, some limescale build-up was identified on taps due to the local hard water supply. Cleaning processes have been reinforced to ensure regular removal of limescale. In addition, soap dispensers were updated from wall-mounted cartridge systems to handheld pump dispensers to improve usability and maintenance.
In relation to patient placement, a triage system is in place to identify patients with suspected or confirmed infections. Actions identified included the need to formalise the protocol and introduce clear isolation room signage. Signage is in place within the waiting room advising patients with symptoms such as respiratory infections, vomiting, or diarrhoea to inform reception staff on arrival.
PPE guidance is supported by the display of posters outlining the correct order for donning and doffing equipment, ensuring staff awareness and compliance. Respiratory and cough hygiene is also promoted through visible patient-facing posters.
Staff are involved in maintaining high IPC standards through adherence to protocols, engagement with audit findings, and implementation of identified improvements. Actions from the audit have been addressed to enhance both patient and staff safety.
Risk assessments
Annual and ongoing risk assessments completed include:
Legionella (Water Safety): Ensures water systems are safe for patients, visitors, and staff.
Immunisations: Staff are offered and encouraged to maintain up-to-date protection, including Hepatitis B, MMR, Flu, and COVID-19 vaccines.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health): Reviewed regularly by IPC lead nurse and Operations Manager
Staff training
All staff receive annual infection control and hand washing training, with new starters completing training within their first few days.
Staff with specific roles complete additional e-learning on:
- Legionella
- COSHH
IPC policies and procedures
The infection prevention and control-related policies and procedures that have been written, updated or reviewed in the last year include:
Policies relating to infection prevention and control are available to all staff via Teamnet and are reviewed and updated annually. Additionally, all policies are amended on an ongoing basis as per current advice, guidance and legislation changes.
Antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue affecting all countries and populations. The scale of this threat, and the need to control and contain it, is widely recognised.
This plan has been developed to support progress towards a 20-year vision in which AMR is effectively managed and contained.
The three key aims are:
- To reduce the need for antimicrobials and limit unintentional exposure
- To optimise the use of antimicrobials
- To invest in innovation, as well as improve supply and access
Stickney Surgery follows clear guidelines for prescribing and monitoring antibiotics, with regular audits carried out.
At Stickney Surgery, between 2025 and 2026, antibiotic audits were conducted on the following medications:
Changes were made to the length of antibiotic courses in line with national guidance from 7 to 5 days and in some cases for paediatric prescribing 3 days.
- Co-amoxiclav
- Ciprofloxacin
- Cefalexin
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing
UTI prescribing as per local guidance
- Nitrofurantoin
- Trimethoprim
- Pivmecillinam
Responsibility
Every team member is responsible for adhering to infection control protocols and familiarising themselves with this statement and their role in maintaining a safe clinical environment.
Review
The IPC Lead Nicola Lane – Practice Nurse is responsible for reviewing and producing the annual statement.
This annual statement will be updated on or before 30th April 2027
