IPC policy review
Health Boards should ensure that infection prevention and control policies are reviewed promptly in response to any new policies or guidance issued by or on behalf of the Scottish Government.
- The NIPCM for Scotland is maintained as a living document, regularly updated in response to new evidence, emerging infections, and changes in national or international guidance. The manual was relaunched on 11 July 2022 to reflect lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic (National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Scotland (https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/about-the-manual/)).
- NHS boards are required to adhere to the revised HAI Standards and the NIPCM. Healthcare Improvement Scotland monitors compliance through announced and unannounced inspections.
- The HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 includes mechanisms for reviewing and updating infection prevention and control policies in response to emerging threats, with ARHAI Scotland providing scientific advice and surveillance data to inform policy updates (Scottish HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 (https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-healthcare-associated-infection-hcai-strategy-2023-2025/)).
- The recommendation for prompt policy review in response to new guidance is addressed through the NIPCM's living document approach and the governance structure of the HCAI Strategy Oversight Board.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 and 3.2 of the Scottish Government's response indicate that NHS boards are required to adhere to revised Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Standards and the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, with performance against these forming part of HEI inspections. Section 3.2 further states that NHS boards must have infection-control committee structures in place to support communication and policy implementation. The infection control manager, an integral member of clinical governance committees, is responsible for assessing the impact of new policies and making recommendations for change.
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.
National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) relaunched by Chief Nursing Officer on 11 July 2022. Continuously updated evidence-based guidance for all NHS Scotland. Audit tools available. Updated in 2023 to reflect post-COVID transition.
View detailed findings
NIPCM is the authoritative evidence-based guidance document for IPC across NHS Scotland. Health Boards are required to update local policies promptly in line with NIPCM changes. A separate Care Home IPC Manual was also developed.