Infection Prevention and Control Statement

May 2026

The Heron Medical Practice is committed to providing a safe, clean, and hygienic environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Effective infection prevention and control is an essential part of the care and treatment we provide and forms a key element of our clinical governance and patient safety responsibilities.

We comply with the requirements of the Care Quality Commission, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. We also work in accordance with guidance issued by NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency, and other relevant national bodies.

The practice has comprehensive infection prevention and control policies and procedures in place which are reviewed regularly and supported through ongoing staff training, audit, and monitoring processes.

Our arrangements include:

• Maintaining appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the premises 
• Adhering to effective hand hygiene procedures and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• Safe management, handling, and disposal of clinical waste and sharps 
• Decontamination and maintenance of medical equipment in accordance with current guidance 
• Risk assessment and management of infectious diseases and outbreaks 
• Routine infection prevention and control audits with actions implemented where required 
• Ensuring all staff receive appropriate infection control training and updates 

The practice is also committed to responsible antimicrobial stewardship to help reduce antimicrobial resistance and ensure antibiotics are prescribed appropriately and safely. Clinicians follow local and national prescribing guidelines and regularly review antibiotic prescribing practices to support effective patient care and minimise unnecessary antibiotic use. Antimicrobial prescribing audits are undertaken routinely as part of the practice’s quality assurance and clinical governance programme, with findings used to support continuous improvement and best practice.

Infection prevention and control audits are carried out on a regular basis to monitor compliance with current standards and identify areas for improvement. Audit findings are reviewed by the practice management and clinical teams, and action plans are implemented where necessary to maintain high standards of patient safety and care quality.

The practice has a designated Infection Prevention and Control Lead who is responsible for overseeing compliance, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring that infection prevention arrangements remain effective and up to date.

We ask all patients and visitors to support our infection prevention measures by following practice guidance, maintaining good hand hygiene, and informing staff if they may have symptoms of an infectious illness prior to attending the surgery.

Our aim is to ensure that all patients receive care in a safe environment that meets recognised standards for quality, safety, and infection prevention.