Tackling healthcare and associated infections (HCAI) is a top priority for all NHS organisations, but to do so effectively they will need to look at their workforce policies and practices.

The SPF has carried out work to support NHS organisations in minimising Healthcare Associated Infections.  This included holding a workshop for partners and key stakeholders to discuss how human resources can impact on HCAIs and putting together a document highlighting good practice 'Tackling Healthcare Associated Infections through workforce polices and practices - July 2008'.

More information on HCAIs can be found at www.clean-safe-care.nhs.uk which is the Department of Health website for healthcare staff. The purpose of the site is to provide a hub for information, Tools (Saving Lives and Essential Steps) and News about reducing healthcare associated infections (HCAI) and providing safe, clean, reliable healthcare.

Making progress with HCAIs

Dr Liz Jones, Head of Patient Environment at the Department of Health attended the SPF steering group meeting in December 2009 to outline the improvements that have been made in cleaning and the subsequent reduction of HCAIs in the NHS.  She asked for their support in communications around this and in the development of a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) to standardise the assessment of cleaning in the NHS. 

In response, SPF welcomed the opportunity and agreed that this was an area of work which they are well placed to support.  View a copy of Dr Jones' presentation to the SPF here.