The auditing process provides healthcare organisations with robust systems of work that demonstrate whether appropriate standards of care are in place in minimise risk. This is of particular relevance in infection control, given the current high priority placed by the Department of Health on reducing the risks related to healthcare associated infections in healthcare.

Infection Control Solutions has extensive experience in all aspects of infection control audit. Using nationally recognised audit tools from the Infection Control Nurses Association (ICNA) and NHS Estates, the company is able to undertake comprehensive organisation- wide audits. Usually audit programmes are conducted over two - three months, depending on the number of sites to be audited. Each project is co-ordinated by a company ICN supported by office staff.

An organisation - wide audit includes:

• Individual site/ward audits
• Individual audit reports and action plans
• Organisation-wide overall report and action plan
• Excel database of all results on CD-Rom
• Anonymous results table for benchmarking
• Presentation to organisation outlining key results and recommendations

Audit Tools - These include:

Environmental - Kitchen, Clinical Environments, clinical waste, linen, sharps, medical devices, hand hygiene, etc.

Decontamination - Focusing on the appropriate use of bench top steam sterilisers.

Clinical Practice - IV devices, urinary catheters, respiratory equipment, enteral feeding, wound management, patient-related equipment etc.

Documentation

Our extensive experience includes audits of the following:

• Mental health facilities
• Community wards
• Acute wards
• GP practices and Health Centres
• Nursing and Residential homes
• Decontamination of medical devices
• Dentistry
• Chiropody
• Family Planning etc.