Infection Control Policy and Procedure

1. Governance

1.1. This is the Infection Control Policy and Procedure for The Good Place Home Care Services Limited.

1.2. The Good Place Home Care Services Limited will be referred to in this document as "The Good Place Home Care Services Limited","The Good Place","We","Us", or "Our".

1.3. Our registered address is: 186 Wetmore Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1QZ.

1.4. We can be contacted by:-

• a. Telephone: 01283 296 337
• b. Email: [protected:ahello][protected:athegoodplace.care]
• c. Post: The Good Place, 186 Wetmore Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1QZ

1.5. Words importing one gender include all genders, and words in the singular include the plural and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise.

1.6. Document control sheet:-

2. Purpose

2.1. To prevent and control infections to protect service users and staff.

2.2. To ensure that we fulfil the legal and regulatory responsibilities.

2.3. To support us to meet, and be able to evidence compliance with, the following CQC Single Assessment Framework quality statements:-

3. Scope

3.1. This Infection Control Policy applies to all employees of The Good Place (care & support workers, supervisors, managers, and office staff), all service users receiving care in their own homes, and any visitors present during care visits (including family members, friends, and other professionals).

3.2. It covers all locations where care is delivered under our auspices (primarily service users’ homes and any community settings where staff perform care duties). Everyone has a responsibility to follow the infection control measures in this policy – staff at all levels, the service users themselves (as far as they are able), and visitors.

3.3. We will also ensure that information about infection risks and required precautions is shared appropriately with service users and their families/visitors. This policy works in tandem with our other procedures to maintain a safe and clean care environment.

3.4. Compliance with this policy is a condition of working for The Good Place and a condition of receiving our services, as it is crucial for the health and safety of all.

4. Policy Statement

4.1. This policy outlines how The Good Place, as a domiciliary care provider in England, will prevent and control infections to protect service users and staff. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential for ensuring people stay healthy and safe in care. By minimizing the spread of illnesses such as COVID-19, MRSA, and norovirus, we safeguard the well-being of those receiving and delivering care.

4.2. The policy aligns with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which require care providers to “prevent and control the spread of infection”. We follow current national guidance (including UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice and the Department of Health & Social Care’s Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections) to ensure high standards of cleanliness and infection control.

4.3. Ultimately, adhering to this policy helps us provide safe, high-quality domiciliary care that protects everyone from avoidable harm.

5. Infection Control Measures

5.1. Key infection control measures in domiciliary care include strict hygiene practices, correct use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection routines, and prompt response to infectious outbreaks. The following core measures must be implemented at all times are detailed below.

5.2. Hand Hygiene

5.2.1. Care staff must perform thorough handwashing with liquid soap and warm running water at key moments (before and after any personal care or food handling, after using the toilet or cleaning tasks, after removing gloves/ PPE, and whenever hands are visibly soiled).

5.2.2. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds, then rinsing and drying with a disposable paper towel, is the gold standard for removing germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser (60%+ alcohol) should be used if soap and water are not immediately available or as an additional step, but it is not effective against some pathogens (for example, norovirus or Clostridioides difficile) and must not replace soap-and-water handwashing when dealing with vomiting/ diarrhea incidents.

5.2.3. Staff should also encourage service users to clean their hands before meals and after toileting, and assist them if needed. Good hand hygiene is the single most important practice to prevent infection spread.

5.2.4. Hand hygiene in a person’s home (domiciliary care procedure)

5.2.4.1. In people’s homes, staff must apply the same hand hygiene standards as in any care setting. Care & support workers will:-

• a. Perform hand hygiene on arrival (before touching the person, mobility aids, door handles inside the home, or care equipment) and on leaving the home;
• b. Wash hands with liquid soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds where facilities are available;
• c. Dry hands using a single-use paper towel (staff will carry paper towels where the home does not have suitable disposable towels);
• d. Use alcohol hand rub (60%+ alcohol) when hands are not visibly soiled and as an additional step where appropriate; and
• e. Wash with soap and water (not gel alone) after any contact with vomit/ diarrhoea, and after removing PPE following body fluid exposure.

5.2.5. If suitable facilities are not available

5.2.5.1. Where a home does not have appropriate hand-washing facilities (for example, no liquid soap or no suitable hand drying), staff will use alcohol hand rub and/ or hand wipes as an interim measure, record the issue, and escalate to the Registered Manager/ Infection Control Lead so that a reasonable adjustment can be agreed (for example, prompting the household to provide liquid soap, or staff using carried supplies).

5.2.6. Good practice

5.2.6.1. Staff must keep nails short and clean, avoid false nails, and minimise hand/ wrist jewellery to support effective hand hygiene.

5.3. Home IPC risk assessment

5.3.1. At the first visit and at each review we complete a home infection-risk screen (hand-wash facilities, soap/ paper towels availability, ventilation, pets, waste arrangements, sharps, laundry facilities). Any gaps are recorded in the care plan with agreed actions (e.g., supplying hand-rub, arranging a sharps bin, agreeing cleaning routines). Staff document any deterioration in conditions and escalate to the manager for action.

5.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

5.4.1. Personal Protective Equipment is used as a barrier to protect both the service user and the caregiver from infection.

5.4.2. Staff are expected to wear disposable gloves and plastic aprons for any direct care that involves contact with body fluids (e.g. assisting with personal hygiene, handling soiled bedding, cleaning up spills).

5.4.3. Face masks (such as Type IIR surgical masks) and eye protection (goggles or face shields) are worn if there is a risk of splashes or if dealing with an airborne infectious disease (for example, caring for someone with suspected COVID-19, influenza or another respiratory infection).

5.4.4. PPE selection will follow current UKHSA guidance for the specific infection risk. For example, during an infection outbreak, staff may use masks and eye protection for droplet precautions, and during routine care of an individual with MRSA, gloves and apron are usually sufficient.

5.4.5. All PPE must be used and disposed of correctly

5.4.5.1. Perform hand hygiene before putting PPE on, put on gloves last and remove them first, and discard used PPE into a designated waste bag immediately after use.

5.4.5.2. Staff should change gloves and aprons between tasks and between different service users to prevent cross-contamination. For instance, if moving from assisting one service user with toileting to assisting another with feeding, fresh PPE is required.

5.4.5.3. Managers will ensure appropriate PPE supplies (gloves, aprons, masks, etc.) are available to staff at all times. Using PPE properly is crucial to break the chain of infection by creating a protective barrier between the caregiver and any germs.

5.4.6. PPE Stock

5.4.6.1. The Registered Manager is ultimately responsible for ordering PPE stocks.

5.4.6.2. Staff can collect PPE from our office:-

• a. The Good Place, 186 Wetmore Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1QZ

5.5. Cleaning and Disinfection

5.5.1. Maintaining a clean environment in the service user’s home is vital for infection control. Care & support workers should regularly clean frequently-touched surfaces they come into contact with during visits (such as mobility equipment handles, bathroom surfaces after personal care, and any devices used for care) using appropriate disinfectant wipes or cleaning solutions.

5.5.2. Any spillages of bodily fluids (vomit, faeces, blood) must be cleaned up immediately with detergent and disinfectant (following the manufacturer’s instructions or using a chlorine-releasing solution if safe for the surface).

5.5.3. We advise service users and their families on proper cleaning routines as part of care planning. If a service user is known to have an infection like norovirus or C. diff, extra attention is paid to cleaning toilets, commodes, and wash hand basins with bleach-based products to kill these germs. Laundry handling should also follow IPC precautions: soiled linens or clothes should be handled with gloves, kept separate from clean items, placed in a plastic bag for transport, and washed at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric.

5.5.4. Staff must never rinse soiled linens by hand or place them on the floor – instead, put them directly into a bag or container to be washed.

5.5.5. Laundry in home settings and staff uniforms

5.5.5.1. Staff will handle laundry in a way that minimises infection risk:-

• a. Wear gloves and apron when handling visibly soiled laundry;
• b. Place soiled items directly into a bag or container (do not shake laundry and do not place on floors or furniture);
• c. Wash laundry in line with fabric instructions, using the warmest appropriate wash; and
• d. Wash hands after removing PPE and after handling soiled items.

5.5.5.2. Staff uniforms/ work clothing must be clean for each shift. Where clothing becomes contaminated during a visit, staff must change as soon as possible and launder clothing separately where appropriate.

5.5.6. Cleaning and decontamination in a service user’s home (domiciliary care)

5.5.6.1. The Good Place delivers care in domestic environments. Unless domestic cleaning tasks form part of the commissioned care plan, staff are not responsible for general household cleaning. However, staff must maintain cleanliness related to care delivery and prevent cross-contamination. Staff will:-

• a. Clean and/ or disinfect any equipment used for care (for example commodes, mobility aids handled during care, blood pressure monitors where used) in line with manufacturer instructions and infection risk;
• b. Clean frequently touched areas used during care tasks (for example bathroom touch points after personal care, commode surfaces, and any area contaminated during care);
• c. Follow the principle of “clean to dirty” and use appropriate PPE for cleaning tasks;
• d. Use cleaning products safely (follow manufacturer instructions, ensure ventilation, and never mix chemicals); and
• e. Manage blood/ body fluid spillages promptly using suitable PPE and an appropriate cleaning/ disinfection method for the surface.

5.5.6.2. Where enhanced cleaning is required due to suspected/ confirmed infection (for example vomiting/ diarrhoea illness or a respiratory infection in the household), staff will follow the person’s care plan/ risk assessment and apply additional precautions, including more frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces and safe handling of contaminated items.

5.6. Waste Management

5.6.1. Contaminated waste (e.g. used dressings, used gloves, masks, incontinence pads) should be disposed of in a plastic rubbish bag, tied securely and disposed of as per local regulations. In many cases, double-bagging is recommended for infectious waste generated in homecare settings (per UKHSA COVID-19 domestic waste guidance), or collection as clinical waste if arranged. Sharps (like used needles) must go into a sharps container immediately; caregivers should never re-sheath needles or leave sharps unsecured. By keeping the environment, equipment, and materials clean, we remove reservoirs where pathogens can survive or spread.

5.6.2. Waste management in a service user’s home (domiciliary care)

5.6.2.1. Most waste produced during care visits in a person’s home will be disposed of via the household’s normal waste stream, unless specific clinical waste arrangements are in place. Staff will:-

• a. Place used PPE (gloves/ aprons/ masks), disposable wipes, and other contaminated items into a plastic waste bag, tie securely and place in the household general waste bin (not recycling);
• b. Double-bag waste where there is a higher risk of contamination (for example where items are visibly soiled with body fluids), and store securely away from children and pets until disposal;
• c. Ensure any dressings or continence waste are bagged securely to reduce risk and odour (“offensive waste”) and disposed of safely via general waste unless the Local Authority/ NHS has provided an alternative route;
• d. Never dispose of sharps into household waste. Sharps must be placed immediately into an approved sharps container at the point of use. Where the service user uses sharps (for example for diabetes), staff will ensure a sharps bin is available, correctly used and stored safely, and will follow local arrangements for collection/ disposal; and
• e. Record and escalate any concerns about unsafe waste storage/ disposal so that support and advice can be arranged.

5.6.2.2. Where clinical waste collection is required or already arranged for the service user (for example due to clinical procedures), staff will follow the agreed care plan and local collection arrangements and will not transport clinical waste in personal vehicles unless there is a specific authorised process in place.

5.7. Managing Infectious Diseases and Outbreaks

5.7.1. Care staff must be vigilant and respond quickly if they suspect an infection in a service user or themselves.

5.7.2. If a service user shows symptoms of an infectious illness (e.g. fever, new cough, diarrhoea/ vomiting, unexplained rashes), staff should don appropriate PPE and isolate the immediate area as much as possible. They should report the situation to their manager for further advice.

5.7.3. For respiratory infections like COVID-19 or influenza, staff should ensure the service user is supported to stay in a well-ventilated room away from others if feasible and encourage them to wear a face mask (if tolerated) when staff or visitors are in close contact. Staff will follow current UKHSA guidance on testing and isolation – for example, if COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, arrange a test if eligible and take precautions as if positive until confirmed.

5.7.4. If a service user is confirmed COVID-19 positive or has another serious contagious disease, we will adjust the care visit schedule to minimise contact (only essential visits with enhanced PPE) and notify other healthcare professionals involved.

5.7.5. Similarly, for norovirus or other gastrointestinal bug, if the service user has vomiting or diarrhoea, staff should wear gloves and apron for all contact, ensure meticulous handwashing with soap (not just alcohol gel), and advise the service user to stay hydrated and avoid contact with others. We may reschedule non-urgent visits until 48 hours after symptoms resolve to limit exposure.

5.7.6. Service users colonised with MRSA (e.g. found to carry MRSA on their skin or wounds) will be cared for with standard precautions – gloves, aprons, good hand hygiene – but they are not to be socially isolated or treated as infectious in everyday life, since MRSA colonisation alone does not harm healthy people and carriers can continue normal activities without restriction.

5.7.7. We will keep any wounds covered and dispose of dressings carefully but otherwise encourage MRSA-positive service users to live as usual while we maintain hygiene. In all cases of known infection, staff should “team isolate” by dedicating specific equipment to that individual (to avoid sharing items between service users) and by extra cleaning of anything that must be used elsewhere.

5.7.8. If multiple service users or staff become ill with the same infection (indicative of an outbreak), management will escalate the issue: e.g. inform the local UKHSA Health Protection Team for guidance and inform the Care Quality Commission if required. We will cooperate with any outbreak control measures advised by public health authorities.

• a. Local Health Protection Team (UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team):-
  • aa. Post: Level 2 Zone 1, 23 Stephenson Street, Birmingham, B2 4BH
  • ab. Telephone: 0344 225 3560
• b. The Care Quality Commission (CQC):-
  • aa. Telephone: 03000 616161

5.8. Staff sickness

5.8.1. Employees have a duty to not work while they are infectious. Any staff member who has symptoms of a respiratory infection and feels unwell or has a fever should stay at home and inform their manager, Staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection and who feel unwell or have a fever must not attend work. They must inform their manager and return to work only when they feel well and are free of fever, following current UKHSA/ NHS advice.

5.8.2. Similarly, staff with gastroenteritis (norovirus, etc.) must stay off until 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. These sickness rules are in line with UKHSA guidance and are critical to prevent caregivers from bringing infections into service users’ homes. Managers will support staff in following these rules (e.g. arranging cover for shifts) so no one feels pressured to work while ill.

5.8.3. By rigorously applying the above infection control measures, we “break the chain of infection” at multiple points – reducing the chance for pathogens to spread from one service user or surface to another. Every staff member must treat infection control as part of routine care, not as an optional add-on. In practice, this means consistently using good hygiene and PPE for all service users (standard precautions), because anyone could be carrying germs unknowingly. When specific risks are identified, we add extra precautions as described.

5.8.4. Through these proactive steps, The Good Place creates a safer environment for service users in their own homes and for our care teams.

6. Understanding Transmission Risks

6.1. To select the right precautions, staff must understand how infections spread:-

• a. Contact transmission (direct/ indirect): e.g., skin organisms, GI pathogens on hands/ surfaces. Controls: hand hygiene; gloves/ aprons for body-fluid tasks; equipment cleaning between users.
• b. Droplet transmission: e.g., influenza, some respiratory viruses via larger droplets within ~1–2 metres. Controls: Type IIR masks when providing close personal care to symptomatic individuals; cough etiquette; ventilation.
• c. Airborne transmission: e.g., certain respiratory infections transmitted via fine aerosols. Controls: enhanced ventilation, minimise time in close proximity; follow current UKHSA guidance on face/eye protection where indicated.
• d. Faecal–oral transmission: e.g., norovirus, C. difficile. Controls: soap-and-water handwashing (alcohol gel alone is insufficient), enhanced toilet/ bathroom cleaning, safe laundry handling.
• e. Blood/ body-fluid exposure: e.g., blood-borne viruses. Controls: gloves/ eye protection for splash risks, safe sharps handling and disposal.
  Individual care plans and risk assessments will note any known/ likely transmission risks for a service user and set the required precautions for staff and visitors.

7. Staff Responsibilities

7.1. Care & Support Workers

7.1.1. All care & support workers are responsible for following this policy and the associated procedures at all times. Frontline staff must practice good infection control daily, which includes:-

• a. Performing hand hygiene correctly and frequently;
• b. Using PPE as instructed for each task;
• c. Cleaning up after providing care; and
• d. Safely disposing of waste.

7.1.2. Care & Support Workers should remain vigilant for any signs of infection in service users (for example, new cough, fever, diarrhoea, skin lesions) and promptly report these to their line manager so appropriate action can be taken. If a Care & Support Worker is unsure about the precautions needed for a particular situation, it is their responsibility to seek guidance (e.g. contacting a supervisor or referring to our infection control manual) rather than proceeding unsafely.

7.1.3. Staff must also report immediately if they themselves feel unwell or have symptoms of an infectious illness, and should refrain from working while contagious (per the sickness rules). Concealing an illness and coming to work is a serious breach of duty, as it endangers service users.

7.1.4. Report an illness by calling the office to inform the Registered Manager or Infection Control Lead at 01283 296 337. If the concern arises out of office hours, call the out-of-hours phone number: 01283 296 337. If it is the same number as office hours, the call will be redirected to the on-call person.

7.1.5. Care & support workers are expected to keep their uniform or clothing clean and presentable, changing daily and laundering uniforms at high temperature after each shift (or as soon as possible if contaminated during a visit). They should cover any cuts or wounds on their hands with waterproof dressings. Additionally, all employees must cooperate with infection control monitoring activities (such as hand hygiene audits or spot checks) and attend required training.

7.1.6. In summary, each care & support worker has a duty of care to consistently implement infection prevention practices and to uphold the health and safety of service users and colleagues. By accepting employment with The Good Place, staff also accept accountability for adhering to this policy as part of their professional responsibilities.

7.2. Management and Supervisors

7.2.1. Management personnel (including the Registered Manager, care coordinators, and field supervisors) are responsible for creating an environment that enables and enforces good infection control.

7.2.2. Registered Manager (Dean Hill):-

• a. Email: [protected:adean][protected:athegoodplace.care]
• b. Telephone: 01283 296 337

7.2.3.

7.2.4. Infection Control Lead (Dean Hill):-

• a. Email: [protected:adean][protected:athegoodplace.care]
• b. Telephone: 01283 296 337

7.2.5.

7.2.6. Management will provide clear guidance, resources, and support to staff: for example, ensuring that this policy and related procedures are easily accessible; supplying adequate stocks of PPE, hand sanitiser, and cleaning materials for care staff; and scheduling work in a way that allows proper infection control (e.g. allowing enough time between service user visits for handwashing and change of PPE).

7.2.7. The management must also lead by example – supervisors should follow all IPC measures themselves during any service user visits or staff observations. Specific duties include:-

• a. Conducting risk assessments for infection control (both general assessments and person-specific – e.g. identifying if a service user is at higher risk of infection or if their home environment poses any infection hazards, and planning care accordingly);
• b. Monitoring compliance by staff (through spot inspections of caregivers during visits, audits of documentation, and asking for service user feedback regarding hygiene practices); and
• c. Taking action on any breaches or issues.

7.2.8. If a staff member is found to be non-compliant (for instance, not washing hands or not wearing PPE properly), management will address it through supervision and re-training, and use disciplinary procedures for repeated or serious violations.

7.2.9. Management also ensures that incidents related to infection (such as an outbreak in a service user’s home or staff contracting a work-related infection) are properly reported, investigated, and learned from. Another key responsibility is to stay updated on latest public health guidance and update the policy and practices as needed – for example, if UKHSA issues new guidelines for COVID-19 or if CQC updates its standards, the Registered Manager will incorporate those changes and inform the team.

7.2.10. Lastly, managers should foster a culture of safety and openness where staff feel comfortable reporting problems (like insufficient supplies or a mistake in infection control) so that these can be resolved – a learning culture rather than a blaming one. By clearly defining these roles, we ensure there are “clear roles and responsibilities around infection prevention and control” within the organisation€, which is a fundamental expectation of the Care Quality Commission.

7.2.11. All staff, from junior care & support workers to senior managers, must work in partnership, each fulfilling their part, to achieve the common goal of effective infection control.

8. Training and Education

8.1. Training is mandatory for all The Good Place staff to ensure they understand infection risks and know how to apply proper IPC practices. Every new employee will receive infection control training as part of their induction (initial training before or at the start of delivering care).

8.2. This induction training covers the basic principles of infection prevention in domiciliary care, including hand hygiene technique, use of PPE (with demonstration of donning and doffing gloves, aprons, masks correctly), safe waste disposal, cleaning procedures, and recognising/ reporting common infections (like how to spot signs of COVID-19, MRSA or sepsis).

8.3. We also educate staff on the rationale behind these practices – for example, explaining how infections spread in home settings and how our measures break the chain of infection – so they appreciate the importance of following protocols. In addition to the initial training, all care staff must attend annual refresher training in infection control.

8.4. Yearly refreshers ensure that staff skills remain up-to-date and that any changes in guidance (for instance, new PPE recommendations or emerging disease threats) are communicated. The refreshers may be in-person workshops, e-learning modules, or competency assessments (such as observed hand washing audits) as appropriate.

8.5. Specialised or additional training will be provided when needed. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic or winter flu season, we may run extra briefing sessions on specific measures (like how to fit-check an N95/ FFP3 mask or how to perform lateral flow tests, if those become relevant).

8.6. If a new piece of equipment or new disinfectant product is introduced, training will be given on its proper use. Records of all infection control training are maintained by management – each employee’s training dates and any certificates are logged, and renewal dates are monitored so no one goes overdue.

8.7. Supervisors will also perform on-the-job coaching, they might quiz staff during spot checks (e.g. “Can you tell me the proper handwashing steps?”) or demonstrate techniques in the service user’s home if improvements are needed. We encourage a learning environment where staff can ask questions and clarify doubts about infection control at any time. Educational posters and reminders (for example, hand hygiene posters) may be provided to staff or even displayed in service users’ homes (with permission) to reinforce good practices daily.

8.8. By investing in continuous training and education, we empower our team to maintain high IPC standards. Well-trained staff are confident and competent in preventing infection, which in turn reassures service users that they are receiving safe care.

9. Staff Vaccination Status

9.1. At The Good Place, we recognise that vaccination is a vital measure in reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission in domiciliary care settings. We are committed to promoting the highest possible levels of protection for both our staff and the people we support.

9.2. Promoting Vaccination

9.2.1. We actively promote vaccination among all staff as part of our infection prevention strategy. This includes (but is not limited to) seasonal influenza vaccination, COVID-19 vaccination and other recommended vaccines for healthcare workers (such as Hepatitis B for those at risk of exposure to blood or body fluids). We provide staff with up-to-date information on the benefits of vaccination and how to access vaccines locally.

9.3. Recording Vaccination Status

9.3.1. We maintain confidential records of staff vaccination status for relevant immunisations. This information is collected at recruitment and updated annually or as required. Staff are encouraged to provide evidence of their vaccination status for our records.

9.4. Risk Assessment and Deployment

9.4.1. Where vaccination status may impact risk (e.g., during outbreaks or when working with clinically vulnerable service users), we take this into account in our risk assessments and deployment of staff. Staff who are not vaccinated for specific diseases may be offered additional guidance or protective measures (such as enhanced PPE), especially when caring for those at higher risk.

9.5. Respecting Choice

9.5.1. We respect the individual choice of staff regarding vaccination, and no one will be discriminated against for declining a vaccine. However, we ensure staff are fully informed of the implications for their own safety and for service users, and any refusal to be vaccinated may result in additional controls being put in place as identified by risk assessment.

9.6. Continuous Review

9.6.1. We monitor public health guidance and update our vaccination policy as needed, including new or emerging infectious threats. Staff will be informed promptly of any changes in recommendations or requirements.

9.7. Immunisation requirements for staff trained or recruited overseas

9.7.1. As part of pre-employment screening we verify immunisation history (or serological evidence) consistent with UK healthcare worker standards. Where documentation is incomplete, we obtain occupational-health advice and facilitate catch-up vaccination (for example, Hepatitis B course/ antibody check and seasonal influenza/ COVID-19 where eligible). Evidence is recorded on the staff file and the IPC vaccination register prior to deployment to higher-risk tasks.

10. Monitoring and Compliance

10.1. The Good Place is committed to routinely monitoring infection control practices to ensure compliance with this policy and identify areas for improvement.

10.2. Spot Checks and Observations

10.2.1. Supervisors or managers will periodically accompany or visit care staff during their rounds (with consent of the service user) to directly observe whether proper hand washing, PPE use, and cleaning are being carried out. They may use a checklist to evaluate key points (e.g., Did the caregiver wash hands on arrival?, Is the apron being worn during personal care?). Feedback (both positive and corrective) will be given to the staff member on the spot and recorded.

10.3. Audits

10.3.1. We will conduct formal infection control audits at defined intervals (at least annually, and more frequently if needed). These audits review various aspects of our service: checking that all staff have up-to-date training; reviewing documentation (for instance, that any infection incidents were logged and managed properly); auditing supplies (ensuring PPE stock levels are adequate and stored correctly); and possibly auditing a sample of care records to see if infection risks for service users were assessed and planned for. Audit results will be documented in a report. Management will develop an action plan for any deficiencies found. For example, if an audit finds that hand hygiene compliance was 90% (target 100%), we will take actions such as additional staff training or increased reminders, then follow up to see if compliance improves.

10.4. Service User Feedback

10.4.1. We take into account the feedback from service users and their families regarding cleanliness and infection control. This might be through periodic surveys or during care reviews. If a service user reports, for instance, that a caregiver did not wear gloves during a certain task, we will investigate and address it. Positive feedback (e.g. a service user feeling that staff are very clean and careful) will also be noted and passed on to reinforce good practice.

10.5. Incident Monitoring

10.5.1. All infection-related incidents (such as if a service user develops a serious infection, or if there is a known transmission of infection linked to our care) are reported via our incident reporting system. These reports are reviewed by management to identify any lapses or lessons. For example, if two service users in the same week develop norovirus, we examine whether those service users shared a caregiver, and if so, whether proper precautions were taken.

10.5.2. Trends will be monitored – an unusual increase in infections will trigger an analysis and response. Additionally, certain infectious diseases are notifiable under public health law (e.g. COVID-19 outbreaks, or other significant infections); management will ensure that the appropriate notifications to local Health Protection Teams or CQC are made in a timely manner.

10.6. Compliance with Standards

10.6.1. We periodically self-assess our service against external standards and guidance. The Care Quality Commission’s fundamental standards (especially Regulation 12 on safe care and treatment) serve as a benchmark. We expect to always meet these standards; thus, part of our monitoring is to ensure this policy remains in line with CQC’s latest expectations. We also incorporate any best practice guidance updates from UKHSA, NHS or NICE into our monitoring criteria. For instance, if UKHSA updates guidance on PPE usage in homecare, we will check that our staff comply with the new guidance. During CQC inspections or contract monitoring visits by local authorities, any feedback on our infection control will be taken seriously and acted upon.

10.7. Non-compliance

10.7.1. If monitoring finds that certain staff or locations are not fully complying with the policy, we will take corrective action. Minor lapses will be addressed through coaching and reminder memos. Repeated or serious breaches (like wilfully ignoring PPE rules) may result in formal disciplinary action, as such behaviour can put vulnerable people at risk. Our goal, however, is to support staff to get it right – compliance is more likely when staff have the knowledge, tools, and time needed for good practice. Thus, monitoring isn’t about blaming but about identifying obstacles and solving them (for example, if we find staff skip handwashing due to tight scheduling, we will adjust schedules). By maintaining a robust monitoring and quality assurance process, we strive for continuous improvement in infection prevention and control. This helps us assure that the care we provide remains safe and effective, and it prepares us to demonstrate compliance during any external inspection or audit.