HAI implementation strategy
Scottish Government should ensure that policies and guidance on healthcare associated infection are accompanied by an implementation strategy and that implementation is monitored.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response highlights that Revised Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Standards were published in February 2015, which NHS boards will adopt from May 2015, with performance against them forming part of HEI inspections. These standards are aligned with the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, providing guidance on evidence-based practice, monitoring, quality assurance, and scrutiny. The response confirms a robust HAI scrutiny regime is in place across NHS Scotland to drive improvements in infection control and prevention practices.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
By June 2024 all 30 first-phase deliverables of the HCAI Strategy had been progressed with six identified as complete. NIPCM and Care Home IPCM are established and operational. Scotland's first Pathogen Genomic Strategic Plan published July 2024.
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Second phase extends scope to social care settings and strengthens NHS board-level implementation. IPC Specialist Career Framework being developed informed by COVID-19 learning.
Scottish Government published successive HAI strategies: AMR/HAI 5-Year Strategic Framework 2016-2021 and HCAI Strategy 2023-2025. Implementation monitored through national governance structures. March 2025 progress report confirmed all 30 first-phase deliverables progressed with six complete.
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A succession of national strategies has been published since the inquiry. The 2023-2025 strategy is a bridge strategy following COVID-19 disruption. A five-year IPC strategy for 2025-2030 is in development.
Scottish Government developed HAI strategy for 2015-2020 with implementation monitoring. Over £65 million funding provided to tackle healthcare-associated infections between 2008 and 2013, including nearly £2 million annually for infection prevention and control personnel.
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HAI Taskforce restructured into smaller, more focused group working with local teams and existing NHS board structures. Five-year strategy (2015-2020) developed by national group.