Infection control

71% of practices had risks associated with infection control.

Common issues:

  • Not complying with guidance on decontamination of instruments.
  • No tracking of instruments used.
  • Issues with hand-washing facilities and the provision of “clean” sinks.

Case

Receptionists handled specimens at the reception desk. The practice occasionally accepts specimens in inappropriate containers.

Risk advice

Reception staff should not touch patient specimens, and patient samples in inappropriate containers should not be accepted. GPs should ensure that they issue the patient with a labelled specimen container when requesting one. A box could be provided at the reception desk for samples; it can then be passed directly to the nursing staff.

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