R46 Response Accepted AI-assessed

ICM direct responsibility

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that the Infection Control Manager has direct responsibility for the infection prevention control service and its staff.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Scottish Government accepted this recommendation in 2015. The Scottish Government's response explicitly states the Infection Control Manager (ICM) has overall responsibility for coordinating infection prevention and control. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) IPC Standards (2022) Standard 1 further addresses IPC management structure and the ICM's direct responsibility for IPC services (Scottish Government, 2015-06-18; Healthcare Improvement Scotland, 2022-05-01).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
18 Jun 2015

Section 2.2 of the Scottish Government's response clearly states that the Infection Control Manager (ICM) has overall responsibility for coordinating prevention and control of infection throughout the NHS board area and delivering the board-approved infection prevention and control programme. The ICM is also responsible for establishing clear mechanisms for access to specialist infection prevention and control advice and support. This confirms the ICM's direct responsibility for the infection prevention and control service.

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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.

Good Progress
01 May 2022
Healthcare Improvement Scotland Other

HIS IPC Standards (2022) Standard 1 addresses IPC management structure and direct responsibility for IPC services.

View detailed findings

National standards framework addresses ICM role and responsibilities.

HIS IPC Standards - Standard 1: Leadership and Go… View Source
Source
Inquiry Vale of Leven Inquiry
Report The Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 24 Nov 2014
View Source
Responsible Bodies
NHS Health Boards (Scotland) Primary
Themes & Tags
Quality and safety oversight Staff policy awareness Management Infection Control
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago