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kcht.infectioncontrol@nhs.net
About infection prevention and control
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the prevention and control of infection and to providing care which is in line with the Care Quality Commission Outcome 8: the Hygiene Code, to ensure that no patient is harmed due to an avoidable Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI). The board of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is assured that the following are in place, in line with the Care Quality Commission Outcome 8: The Hygiene Code, to ensure that systems and processes are in place to prevent and control infection within all services.
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust meets statutory requirements in relation to the Hygiene Code.
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust has an Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and policies in place to ensure best practice and to reduce HCAIs
- All staff in Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust are provided with infection prevention and control training, which includes practical training and assessment in hand hygiene. The training is mandatory for all staff, and compliance is monitored centrally and reported to the Board.
- The Board level executive lead with the responsibility for infection prevention and control in Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is the director of nursing and quality/director of infection prevention and control (DIPC) ensuring that infection prevention and control is prioritised on the quality agenda.
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust has an Infection Prevention and Control Team with responsibility for delivering the Infection Prevention and Control Strategy.
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust has a bi-monthly Infection Prevention and Control Assurance Group, which is chaired by the director of nursing and quality/DIPC.
- There is an annual work programme, including audit programme, to monitor compliance with the infection prevention and control policies and guidelines.
- The Board reviews infection prevention and control across the organisation, on a monthly basis, via the Performance Report. The Quality Committee receives a full report from the DIPC quarterly, which is then presented to the Board. The Trust’s board receives an annual report on infection prevention and control (download the latest version).
Hand hygiene
People can transfer germs (bacteria) via their hands or indirectly via the environment, for example touching surfaces from one area to another area. Hand washing results in reducing the germs on our hands and reduces the spread of infection. Within the Trust hand sanitisers are available at the point of care for staff and visitors to use. Hand sanitisers can also be found in main reception and outpatient areas that are staffed. Signs direct visitors to their nearest point for hand hygiene. Please ask staff if they have cleaned their hands especially if you are not sure or have not witnessed it. Carry out hand hygiene, with either soap and running water or alcohol-based gel, before food, after going to the toilet, before taking medication or touching any wounds or devices you may have, for example catheter. Ask staff for guidance if you are unsure.
- Ask friends and relatives not to visit if they are feeling unwell.
- Ask friends and relatives not to sit on your hospital bed.
- Do not sit on other patients’ beds.
- Do not touch medical or nursing equipment, even if it’s being used for you.
- Please bring only essential items into hospital with you.
- Ask friends/relatives to take your laundry home as soon as possible.
- Ask to speak to the nurse in charge of the ward if you are not happy with the standard of cleanliness.