Infection management in Primary Care settings

The team is here to support the effective implementation of infection prevention and management in Primary Care

The team works closely with local authority partners and UKHSA to support and guide Primary Care colleagues in:

  • GP surgeries
  • Dental practices
  • Pharmacies
  • Optometry

Working together for a patient-centred approach to support and guide in a variety of ways, including:

  • Education - colleague training
  • Information - regular newsletters
  • Support visits
  • Decontamination guidance

 

FFP3 Fit testing:

As standard infection prevention practice, line with the health and safety at work act (1974)the personal protective equipment at work regulations (1992) and the health and social care act (2012), all healthcare providers should implement a robust internal system that ensures all staff caring for patients with a suspected confirmed pathogen spread wholly or partly via the airborne route have the appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE); the poster When do I need to wear a mask? Information for primary care can support mask selection, and for a more comprehensive guide, the respiratory protective equipment section of NHSE national infection prevention and control manual chapter 2: Transmission based precautions.

Please note that staff must be fit tested with FFP3 masks annually to ensure the masks offer any protection to the wearer. There will be a mask to fit everyone, but not everyone will fit every mask due to variations in facial structure, which can change over time (the rationale behind regular fit testing requirements).

 

Please see HSE fit-testing basics for further information.
Please see Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme and Fit Testing in the UK – RPA for all your Fit Testing needs for fit testers.

"As a GP surgery we found the new standards of healthcare cleanliness document slightly overwhelming to start with.  The document was very much based on secondary care settings.  With the help of the IPC team, we were able to implement the guidance seamlessly into our setting.   Lisa and Michelle attended the surgery for an assurance visit at the beginning of the year, they provided invaluable support in a warm and friendly manner.  We have had many queries along the way and the team have responded quickly and with sound, evidence-based information. We are very lucky to have them." Highbridge Medical Centre