Infection Control Link Practitioners (ICLPs)
Each clinical area has a named individual who is responsible for close liaison with the IPCT. These link practitioners are a vital resource for the Trust in the overall strategy to reduce Heatlthcare Acquired Infections (HCAIs). There are currently 180 ICLPs distributed across Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Plymouth Teaching, Devon and Cornwall Primary Care. Each ICLP at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is allocated at least 2 hours per week or 1 day per month, of protected time to perform infection control-related duties.
Ensuring that staff are released from general duties to allow this will continue to be a high priority for 2009. The ICLPs play a key role in informing, educating and supporting their colleagues and coordinate audits in their own area. They are particularly important in ensuring monthly hand hygiene and Saving Lives audits are performed. The IPCT support the ICLPs, primarily in the form of monthly meeting which alternate with between formal and educational meetings.
As well as providing the ICLPs with support and training, these meetings also give an opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas, information and best proactive. The meetings ensure the ICLPS are kept up to date with key infection control issues and subjects covered in educational meetings are frequently in response to outcomes of audit and surveillance. Over the last year, teaching sessions have focused on practical scenarios, such as the management of outbreaks in clinical areas. The ultimate goal is for ICLPs to cascade infection control education and training to peers in their clinical areas.
The Practice and Principles of Infection Control Modules HEAC 361 and HEAB 276 provided in partnership with the University of Plymouth are available for all ICLPs to attend. This module is aimed at providing the theory of infection prevention and control which will underpin and enhance best practice.
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Download information on the education modules