IPC staff regular training
Health Boards should ensure that Infection Control Nurses and Infection Control Doctors have regular training in infection prevention and control of which a record should be kept.
- The Scottish Government's response confirmed that the HAI Taskforce delivery plan included education and training frameworks to ensure Infection Control Nurses and Doctors have regular IPC training with records kept. 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 notes that the HAI Taskforce delivery plan included an education framework for specialists working in infection prevention and control. For nurses, accredited education programmes for specialist and advanced practice roles are available, with places usually funded by NHS boards, and the "Setting the Direction" action plan ensures their continued accessibility. Postgraduate medical education and training operates within a UK-wide framework, with curricula and standards approved by the GMC and quality-assured by NHS Education for Scotland.
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.
SIPCEP includes specialist IPC training pathway. Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 addresses IPC specialist career development and continuing education. New IPC Specialist Career Framework being developed.
View detailed findings
Strategic plan launched as part of 2016-2021 framework deliverables. Recognises IPC as 'everybody's responsibility'. COVID-19 learning has informed ongoing development of specialist training.