Website of the Department of Health
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Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection programme
Programme that sets out a strategy to improve hospital cleanliness and tackle healthcare associated infections. Key elements include empowering patients and the public, the matron's charter, independent inspection and learning from the best.
Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection
Policy document that sets out an action plan based on work already underway.
The delivery programme to reduce healthcare associated infections (HCAI) including MRSA
The programme is designed to support NHS Trusts in reducing healthcare associated infections like MRSA . The programme is aimed at the acute hospital setting in the first instance but has real benefits for all care settings. We are already looking at ways in which these tools can best be used in other settings. Through the use of clinical interventions and an action planning tool, the programme is designed to help trusts embed infection control across each ward, department or unit. These tools and supporting information are all available on this website along with further information on how you can be kept up to date.
Cleaner hospitals
Think Clean Day
Chief nursing officer (CNO) Chris Beasley launches Think Clean Day, as nurses, doctors, consultants and cleaners from around the country work together to raise the profile of good hygiene in hospitals.
Model cleaning contract
Guidance on contracts and standards to help ensure hospitals have clear and binding contracts to deliver high standards of cleaning.
Matron's charter
An action plan that sets out ten broad principles for delivering cleaner hospitals. It recognises the matron's part in maintaining standards, but is aimed at all staff in the NHS, whatever their role.
cleanyourhands campaign
National Patient Safety Agency's (NPSA's) campaign to promote hand cleaning by healthcare staff.
Learning
Healthcare associated infections in renal medicine
On 16 February 2006 the Department of Health hosted a one day conference for NHS staff working in renal medicine. Speakers included Donal O'Donaghue (Chair, Renal Advisory Group, DH) Brian Duerden (Inspector of Microbiology, DH), Janice Stevens (Director, MRSA/Cleaner Hospitals Programme, DH) and Don Goldmann (Vice President, Institute of Healthcare Improvement USA).
Learning from the best
Notes from the January 2005 conference chaired by Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Chris Beasley. Healthcare professionals involved in infection control from organisations at home and abroad attended to share best practice.
Science summit
Notes on the Harnessing Science to Combat Healthcare Associated Infection conference held at the Royal College of Pathologists, London, on 15 and 16 December 2004.
Directors of Infection Prevention and Control
Tackling healthcare associated infection cannot be left to clinical staff alone - it requires commitment from all levels of NHS organisations. Directors of Infection Prevention and Control report directly to the Trust Board and ensure that infection control is a key part of the organisation.
Additional links
NHS Infection Control Programme
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