Mandatory IPC training
Health Boards should ensure that all those working in a healthcare setting have mandatory infection prevention control training that includes CDI on appointment.
- The Scottish Government's response confirmed that the HAI Taskforce delivery plan included education and training frameworks to ensure all those working in a healthcare setting have mandatory IPC training including CDI on appointment. The Cleanliness Champions Programme, introduced in September 2003, has been completed by over 18,000 NHS Scotland staff.
- NHS Education for Scotland (NES) provides national education programmes for IPC, including specialist training for Infection Control Nurses and Doctors, mandatory induction training for all healthcare workers, and continuing professional development resources.
- The HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 includes workforce education as a priority, with ARHAI Scotland supporting training and competency development across NHS boards (Scottish HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 (https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-healthcare-associated-infection-hcai-strategy-2023-2025/)).
- Regulatory bodies (NMC, GMC) require continuing professional development as a condition of registration, reinforced through revalidation processes.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 4.3 of the Scottish Government's response states that the HAI Taskforce delivery plan promoted a strategy to ensure all healthcare workers receive appropriate education and training related to HAI. The Cleanliness Champions Programme, which over 18,000 staff have completed, aims to prepare staff to promote and maintain a healthcare culture in which patient safety related to infection prevention and control is of the highest importance. This programme focuses on promoting safe practice and ensuring a safe patient environment.
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.
Scottish Infection Prevention and Control Education Pathway (SIPCEP) provides mandatory IPC training. Cleanliness Champions Programme trained over 18000 healthcare workers before integration into SIPCEP. IPC Zone available on Turas Learn platform. HIS IPC Standard 2 (Staff Education) requires mandatory IPC training for all healthcare workers.
View detailed findings
SIPCEP is a staged pathway of IPC education. Mandatory for charge nurses/ward leaders/team leaders. HIS IPC Standard 2 ensures all staff receive appropriate IPC training on appointment and regularly thereafter.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland published new Infection Prevention and Control Standards in May 2022, applying to all health and adult social care settings in Scotland. These standards directly address many Vale of Leven recommendations on mandatory IPC training.
View detailed findings
A single set of IPC standards developed for health and adult social care using the Once for Scotland approach. Standards support quality assurance of IPC practice alongside the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM). Care Inspectorate takes account of these standards in inspection and regulation.