Infection Control

Controlling the spread of infection within care settings is a major priority for all care providers. They must carry out risk assessments; develop and communicate policies and procedures and make sure that all staff receive training and information to understand why infections occur and how they can be prevented.

All care providers have a responsibility under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 to prevent and control infections; this is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and there is a code of practice for meeting the terms of the relevant regulations. These are the essential standards for quality and safety outcome 8: Cleanliness and infection control. (Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance