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.
- Revised Healthcare Associated Infection Standards were published by HIS in February 2015, which NHS boards adopted from May 2015. The standards were accompanied by an implementation framework specifying how compliance would be monitored through the HIS inspection programme.
- The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) for Scotland, first published on 13 January 2012 and relaunched on 11 July 2022, provides evidence-based practice guidance for all healthcare workers. Scotland was the first country to develop a national IPC manual, and it is accompanied by implementation support from ARHAI Scotland (National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Scotland (https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/about-the-manual/)).
- The Scottish HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 sets out the current strategic framework for reducing healthcare-associated infections, with implementation monitored through the HCAI Strategy Oversight Board chaired by the Chief Nursing Officer (Scottish HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 (https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-healthcare-associated-infection-hcai-strategy-2023-2025/)).
- The pattern of policy accompanied by implementation strategy and monitoring is now established practice in Scottish HAI governance.
How was this evidence gathered?
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 progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates 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.