R67 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Link Nurse training

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that, where a local Link Nurse system is in place as part of the IPS system, the Link Nurses have specific training for that role.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Scottish Government response, 18 June 2015, the Scottish Government's response outlined support for education and training for healthcare workers and IPC specialists, including postgraduate programs. According to NHS Education for Scotland, 1 January 2025, NHS Education for Scotland has implemented the Scottish Infection Prevention and Control Education Pathway (SIPCEP), which incorporates specific training for Link Nurses/Link Practitioners as part of a staged education pathway, with role-specific resources available on the Turas Learn platform.
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 4.3 of the Scottish Government's response describes the HAI Taskforce's support for education, which includes a strategy to ensure all healthcare workers receive appropriate education and training related to HAI. It also promotes an education framework for specialists working in infection prevention and control. Additionally, postgraduate education programs for specialist and advanced practice roles are available to nurses, funded by NHS boards, to ensure a highly-skilled workforce.

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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 Jan 2025
NHS Education for Scotland Other

SIPCEP includes Link Nurse/Link Practitioner training as part of the staged IPC education pathway. IPC Zone on Turas Learn platform provides role-specific training resources.

View detailed findings

Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 addresses Link Nurse role development as part of broader IPC workforce strategy.

NES IPC Education Team - SIPCEP Link Practitioner… 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
Care home infection control Staff training and development Training Nursing
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago