Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions Policy

Introduction

This policy sets out the Trust standards for the use of Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions, by adoption of the National Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Manual for England, issued 14th April 2022 by NHS England / NHS Improvement. Adoption of the National IPC Manual will help to standardise infection prevention and control practice within Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust and across the NHS more widely, safeguarding patients, staff and visitors from the risk of healthcare associated infections and improving equity of care.

What are Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs)?

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) are the basic infection prevention and control measures necessary to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents from both recognised and unrecognised sources of infection. They are to be used by all staff, in all care settings, at all times, and for all patients regardless of whether infection risk is known to be present or not to ensure the safety of all patients, staff and visitors in the care environment.

Policy Details