National ICM role guidance
Scottish Government should re-issue national guidance on the role of the ICM, stipulating that the ICM must be responsible for the management of the infection prevention and control service.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.2 of the Scottish Government's response indicates that the government has been working with partners since 2014/15 to ensure the stipulation that infection control managers have direct lines of communication and accountability to the board is reinforced. The response then details the Infection Control Manager's (ICM) role, including overall responsibility for coordinating prevention and control of infection and delivering the board-approved infection prevention and control programme, thereby confirming their management responsibility for the service.
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.
Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 addresses ICM role nationally. HIS IPC Standards (2022) Standard 1 provides framework for ICM responsibilities. New IPC Specialist Career Framework being developed.
View detailed findings
National guidance reissued through multiple channels including the Workforce Strategic Plan and IPC Standards. ARHAI Scotland provides national coordination.
Scottish Government committed to re-issuing national guidance on the role of the Infection Control Manager, as part of broader IPC governance reforms following the Inquiry.
View detailed findings
Implementation Group tasked with ensuring guidance is updated and circulated to all NHS boards.