National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Responsibilities

Responsibilities

that the content of this manual remains evidence based or where evidence is lacking, content is based on consensus of expert opinion.

full participation in the working groups and oversight programmes including full engagement with the consultation process outlined in the Terms of Reference associated with each group

the adoption and implementation of this manual in accordance with their existing local governance processes
systems and resources are in place to facilitate implementation and compliance monitoring of infection prevention and control as specified in this manual in all care areas
- compliance monitoring includes all staff (permanent, agency and where required external contractors)
there is an organisational culture which promotes incident reporting and focuses on improving systemic failures that encourage safe infection prevention and control working practices including near misses

are aware of and have access to this manual
have had instruction/education on infection prevention and control through attendance at events and/or completion of training (for example via NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and/or local board or organisation)
have adequate support and resources available to enable them to implement, monitor and take corrective action to ensure compliance with this manual. If this cannot be implemented a robust risk assessment detailing deviations from the manual and appropriate mitigation measures must be undertaken and approved through local governance procedures.
with health concerns (including pregnancy) or who have had an occupational exposure relating to the prevention and control of infection are timeously referred to the relevant agency, for example General Practitioner, Occupational Health or if required Accident and Emergency
have undergone the required health checks or clearance (including those undertaking Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs)
include infection prevention and control as an objective in their Personal Development Plans (or equivalent)

understand and apply the principles of infection prevention and control set out in this manual
maintain competence, skills and knowledge in infection prevention and control through attendance at education events and/or completion of training, for example NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and/or local board or organisation
communicate the infection prevention and control practices to be taken to appropriate colleagues, those being cared for, relatives and visitors without breaching confidentiality
have up to date occupational immunisations/health checks/clearance requirements as appropriate
report to line managers and document any deficits in knowledge, resources, equipment and facilities or incidents that may result in transmission of infection including near misses e.g sharps or PPE failures
do not provide care while at risk of potentially transmitting infectious agents to others - if in any doubt they must consult with their line manager, Occupational Health Department, Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) or Health Protection Team (HPT)
contact HPT/IPCT if there is a suspected or actual HAI incident/outbreak

engage with staff to develop systems and processes that lead to sustainable and reliable improvements in relation to the application of infection prevention and control practices
provide expert advice on the application of infection prevention and control in all care settings and provide support to develop individual or organisational risk assessments where deviations from the NIPCM are necessary
have epidemiological or surveillance systems capable of distinguishing patient case or cases requiring investigations and control
complete documentation when an incident/outbreak or data exceedence is reported (IPCTs should ensure application of the HIIAT where applicable and report incidents and outbreaks using the ORT as outlined by the HIIAT).

Last updated: 4 October 2021