Infection Prevention & Control

Clinical Microbiology Team

The Clinical Microbiology Team comprises Consultants and Trainee Doctors who specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infection. Clinical Microbiologists provide an integrated 24/7 ‘bench-to-bedside’ service, linking the microbiology diagnostic laboratory with patient care, and the surveillance and prevention of hospital-acquired infection, working closely with the IPC nursing team and the Surveillance Scientists.

Infection Prevention and Control Nursing Team

The Infection Prevention and Control Nursing Department work hard to deliver a successful IPC service, as the point of contact in the hospital for all things related to IPC. The IPC Nursing Team are constantly evaluating infection prevention techniques incorporating design, audit, surveillance, education and effective communication.

Hand Hygiene

Hand Hygiene audits and environmental hygiene audits are carried out on a regular basis throughout the hospitals.

Surveillance

Along with the Surveillance Scientists, the IPC Team monitors and reports the incidence of key pathogens and infections across the Hospital. 

Surveillance data is utilised to inform the IPC Department’s annual service plan and the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and educational activities for Hospital staff.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship is the careful management of how antimicrobials are used across the Hospital, to ensure they are used in the most effective way possible and to avoid any unintended consequences of antimicrobial use (e.g. C. difficile infection or emergence of antimicrobial resistance). The Clinical Microbiology Team work closely with the Antimicrobial Pharmacists to deliver the Hospital’s Antimicrobial Stewardship service

Intravenous (IV) Team

The IV Team service commenced in 2023. The IV Team nurses insert peripheral venous catheters (PVCs), also known as IV lines or drips. The IV Team aims to prevent PVC-related infections, through evidence-based practice, audit, staff training and patient education

Respirator Fit Testing

The IPC Department provides the Respirator Fit Testing service to hospital staff who are required to wear respirators in the course of their work. Two staff members deliver the service to ensure that staff select a respirator that offers them the best fit and protection from airborne infections.