Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare

Exceptional patient care relies on a foundation of uncompromising safety. We simplify the complexities of infection prevention and control (IPC), providing integrated solutions that protect your team and patients while effortlessly upholding the highest clinical standards.

Effective handwashing is the single most important step in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections. By making it an effortless part of your daily routine, we remove the administrative burden of compliance, leaving you free to focus on what matters most—your patients.

Infection prevention and control are vital for reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). While many factors contribute to a safe clinical environment, effective handwashing remains the single most critical measure in breaking the chain of transmission. In fact, the World Health Organisation highlights that proper hand hygiene can prevent up to 50 per cent of avoidable infections acquired during healthcare delivery.

Implementing robust and easy to use hand care protocols leads to:

• Better Patient Care: Protect vulnerable patients by stopping pathogens at the source, ensuring the safest possible clinical environment. Proper use of clinical hand sanitisers and soap significantly reduces the transmission of infection.
• Enhanced Safety: Support your team with compliant, high-quality dispensers that make safe hygiene effortless.
• Optimised Operations: In the UK, HCAIs cost the NHS an estimated £2.1 billion annually. Preventing costly outbreaks through proper handwashing protocols reduces the need for extensive treatments, minimises clinic downtime, and protects your bottom line.
• Maintain Compliance: Meet NHS and CQC standards with professional hygiene stations that keep your facility audit-ready at all times.

By incorporating comprehensive risk assessments, adhering to public health guidelines, and prioritising strict hand hygiene and PPE usage, optimal infection control is woven seamlessly into your everyday healthcare operations.

Good handwashing is your first line of defence against the spread of infection. We offer a complete range of hand hygiene solutions available in white and silver options:

Make sure your staff always follow procedure. Fill in this quick form below to receive informative, downloadable posters by email on effective handwashing technique and how to sanitise your hands properly.

Improve handwashing technique and compliance in your healthcare setting by placing these posters at your handwashing stations.

We are more than just a supplier; we are your partner in clinical infection control. By choosing Initial Medical, you ensure your hand hygiene protocols are not just compliant, but seamlessly integrated into your wider facility management.

• Compliant Hand Hygiene Range: Our hand hygiene systems—from touchless, antimicrobial dispensers to WHO-compliant sanitising formulas—are designed to help healthcare practices break the chain of infection at every point of contact.
  Keeping You Audit-Ready: Our integrated approach to waste management and infection control solutions ensure you meet both CQC and NHS standards, while our sealed, single-use dispensing systems eliminate the contamination risks associated with traditional refillable units.
  Your Local Experts: We provide the expert support, site surveys, and proactive account management needed to keep your facility safe and operational.
  Safety You Can Trust: Your practice is in safe hands. We hold a ‘World Class’ Health & Safety record with nine consecutive RoSPA Gold Medals and comprehensive ISO accreditation, giving you complete peace of mind.

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  What are the CQC requirements for hand hygiene in small practices?

  The CQC expects practices to maintain strict infection control measures. Clinical basins must be used solely for handwashing and must have wall-mounted liquid soap and paper towel dispensers. Cloth towels spread germs and are not allowed. Our four pillars of hygiene easily meet these legal requirements.

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  How often should our clinical staff perform hand hygiene?

  Staff must perform hand hygiene in accordance with standard infection control precautions and the WHO's "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene". This means hygiene must be performed:

  • Before touching a patient.
  • Before clean or aseptic procedures.
  • After body fluid exposure risk.
  • After touching a patient.
  • After touching a patient's immediate surroundings.

  For routine care where hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based handrubs should be used and made available as near to the point of care as possible.

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  Why is a moisturiser needed in healthcare environments?

  Keeping skin healthy prevents occupational dermatitis, a common risk for clinical staff. Guidelines recommend using an emollient hand cream regularly. However, communal tubs of cream carry a high infection risk, so a dedicated wall-mounted dispenser allows your team to protect their skin safely.

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  How does hand hygiene connect to my clinical waste management?

  Infection control is a complete cycle. CQC standards mandate that you have effective systems to prevent healthcare-associated infections, which includes the safe disposal of clinical waste. By using Initial Medical for both your hand hygiene dispensers and your clinical waste management, you ensure a compliant, integrated system.