Infection Control Standards and Regulatory Framework

Understand the fundamental infection control regulations, legal requirements, and compliance frameworks in care settings.

• Standards of Care in Infection Control
  Learn how national and international guidelines (e.g., NHS IPC guidance, WHO hand hygiene standards, CQC regulations) shape infection prevention best practices.
• The Code of Practice and Legal Framework
  Explore the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the 10 IPC compliance criteria, and employer responsibilities under CQC infection prevention regulations.
• Employer and Management Responsibilities in Infection Control
  Understand the distinct but overlapping responsibilities of employers and managers in implementing infection prevention measures.
• The Role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in Infection Prevention
  Learn how the CQC inspects, monitors, and enforces infection control compliance, ensuring care providers meet legal standards.

Policies, Procedures, and Risk Management in Infection Control

Develop structured infection control policies, risk assessments, and prevention strategies to maintain compliance and reduce infection risks.

• Developing Effective Infection Control Policies and Procedures
  Learn how to standardise hygiene protocols, PPE use, cleaning schedules, and outbreak response strategies.
• Infection Control Procedures for Staff
  Explore practical step-by-step guidance on hand hygiene, PPE compliance, waste disposal, and decontamination.
• Risk Assessments in Infection Control
  Learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate infection risks to protect staff, service users, and visitors.
• Monitoring Compliance and Record-Keeping
  Understand legal documentation requirements for infection control audits, cleaning logs, incident reports, and risk management.

Infection Outbreak Management and Response

Gain essential skills to detect, contain, and manage infection outbreaks, ensuring rapid and effective intervention.

• Understanding Infection Outbreaks
  Identify common healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), their transmission risks, and their impact on care settings.
• The Role of Management in Outbreak Response
  Develop structured outbreak action plans, enforce containment measures, and coordinate staff responses.
• Multi-Agency Coordination in Outbreak Management
  Learn how to collaborate with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), local public health teams, CQC, and NHS infection control specialists.
• Local Systems and Action Plans for Outbreaks
  Explore best practices in outbreak preparedness, including staff training, emergency resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
• Regulatory Reporting of Infection Control Breaches
  Understand mandatory reporting requirements for outbreaks, infection control failures, and RIDDOR occupational disease cases.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement in Infection Control

Strengthen your leadership skills to drive infection prevention culture, ensure compliance, and lead staff engagement.

• The Role of Leadership in Infection Control
  Learn how managers set infection control expectations, lead by example, and enforce accountability.
• Creating a Culture of Infection Prevention
  Explore strategies to embed hygiene compliance, encourage staff engagement, and foster transparency in reporting risks.
• Continuous Improvement Strategies in Infection Control
  Implement regular audits, incident reviews, and training programmes to maintain high infection prevention standards.

By completing this course, managers will be fully equipped to lead infection prevention initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and create a safer care environment for staff and service users.