R51 Response Accepted AI-assessed

ICT functions as team

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that any Infection Control Team functions as a team, with clear lines of communication and regular meetings.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Healthcare Improvement Scotland (2022-05-01), Healthcare Improvement Scotland's (HIS) IPC Standards (2022), specifically Standard 1 (Leadership and Governance), address the requirements for Infection Control Teams (ICTs) to function effectively with clear communication lines and regular meetings. According to Healthcare Improvement Scotland (2022-05-01), the Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 also addresses team structures, and board-level compliance is monitored through HIS inspections. According to the available evidence, the Scottish Government accepted this recommendation in 2015.
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 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response highlights the role of the national HAI Taskforce, which coordinates, implements, and monitors actions across NHS Scotland to reduce HAIs, working with local teams and existing structures. The Taskforce has been restructured to provide efficient, effective, and targeted leadership and expert advice. Additionally, the HAI compendium provides NHS Scotland staff with an overview of all up-to-date national policy, guidance, and supporting materials on HAI, which would include best practices for team functioning and communication.

Read Full Response
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 (Leadership and Governance) addresses requirements for IPC teams to function effectively with clear communication lines and regular meetings. Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 addresses team structures.

View detailed findings

National standards provide framework for effective ICT functioning. Board-level compliance monitored through HIS inspections.

HIS IPC Standards - Standard 1 and Workforce Stra… 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
Staff policy awareness Quality and safety oversight Infection Control Teamwork
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago