Infection control: requires improvement

S5. How well are people protected by the prevention and control of infection?

Characteristics of services we would rate as requires improvement in this area

The service does not always meet current national guidance and standards in relation to infection control.

Not all staff have received appropriate training and may not fully understand their responsibilities in relation to hygiene.

Staff do not consistently apply good infection control practices.

Policies and procedures on infection control may not be up to date or not all staff may know about them.

External agencies are not always told about concerns for people’s wellbeing, or about relevant infection or hygiene risks.

Where the service has relevant responsibilities, not all staff have undertaken food hygiene training and there are no firm plans to provide this.

There may be lapses in good food hygiene practice.