Care homes across the area have teams of infection control ambassadors – thanks to the work of our community nursing team.
The Trust’s infection, prevention and control service has been training staff in local care homes to become infection control champions.
Champions are role models for knowledge and best practice. They help to influence colleagues around personal responsibility, integrity, innovation and trust.
Gill Roberts, community infection control nurse, recently visited Clifton House Residential Care Home in Hartlepool to carry out some training.
“The management and the staff at Clifton House have been outstanding in the way they have engaged with the training.
Gill Roberts, community infection control nurse
She continued: “They are 100 per cent compliant with their infection control measures. They are all invested in the importance it makes to them and the residents in their care.
“The staff understand not only the ongoing risk of COVID-19 and the importance to remain vigilant with this. But also the dangers of other infections that exist.
“By following some simple advice – including using PPE and distancing when appropriate, good hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness and waste management – the team can ensure bugs do not impact on anyone.
“Champions can be from any role. They can be a healthcare worker, a housekeeper, a nurse, administration staff or a volunteer.
“They help ensure staff know what to do and understand the importance of these measures.”
Various bugs can be an outbreak risk in a care home including Clostridium difficile, MRSA, Norovirus, flu and TB.
The training follows Public Health England guidelines and involves:
- Being familiar with local policies and practice guidelines
- Being able to assess others in carrying out safe practice and how to carry out an audit
- Knowing correct hand hygiene
- Being able to working effectively and sensitively with staff in understanding risks
Lisa Judson, manager at Clifton House, said: “Gill has made a huge difference to the care home.
“She has provided invaluable advice and support to the team and ensured we are fully compliant in infection control.
“It has been a challenge – but we have a fantastic team here and we have all ensured we understand this for the benefit of ourselves and our residents.”
