National Infection Control Policies for Wales

In September 2007, a discussion paper was submitted to the Welsh Healthcare-Associated Infections Sub-Group (WHAISG) by the Nurse Consultant of the Welsh Healthcare Associated Infection Programme (WHAIP), proposing the development of National Infection Control Policies for use across all healthcare boundaries in Wales.    The committee supported the proposals and agreement was reached that any policies developed would be ratified by the WHAISG committee. It was also agreed that the criteria for application of the policies across Wales would allow “Organisations to either use the national policies or demonstrate that their local policies include the guidance contained within the national policies’.     An extensive consultation process was carried out with the aim of engaging relevant staff from within the acute and community sectors. Building on this process, editorial and reference groups were established recruiting staff in acute, primary care and the wider community in the policy development process.    Discussions with the Infection Control Team in Health Protection Scotland took place, and written agreement was received allowing Wales to utilise their Model Policies as a baseline, with appropriate acknowledgement.    Policy development work is taking place systematically, using all relevant literature and evidence. The policies are being prioritised as indicated below, commencing with policies for standard infection control precautions, then progressing to transmission-based precautions.   Infection control teams across Wales suggested the need for a number of other standardised policies which will be reviewed when the initial group of policies are completed and issued.  Current Situation – March 2010 Policies ratified by WHAISG: Control of the environment Hand hygiene Personal protective equipment Occupational exposure management including needlestick injuries Linen handling Management of blood and body fluid spillages   First drafts currently being worked on: Management of care equipment Safe handling of waste Transmission-based Precaution Policies/Procedures Out for consultation prior to WHAISG Submission: Providing care in the most appropriate place