Outbreaks, domiciliary work and everyday readiness

Infection risk varies over time. Respiratory seasons, local outbreaks, staff shortages, new services, practice refits and domiciliary visits can all increase the need for consistent hand hygiene and cleaning.

When infection risk rises

• increase high-touch cleaning if local procedure requires it
• make tissues, bins and hand hygiene more visible
• follow current advice on symptomatic staff and patient flow
• check ventilation where practical and safe
• brief temporary staff, locums and new starters on local IPC routines
• report clusters, repeated cleaning failures or supply shortages to the manager or named IPC lead so local public health or health board advice can be sought if needed

Domiciliary and outreach work

Domiciliary visits present extra challenges because the practice does not control the environment. Staff should carry portable hand hygiene, compatible wipes, separate storage for clean and used items, waste bags, PPE and clear escalation contacts. Transport equipment so clean and contaminated items remain separate, and record any problems on return to base.

Everyday readiness

Readiness means checking sinks, soap, towels, hand rub, tissues, bins, PPE, wipes, cleaning products, logs and escalation contacts are available before they are needed. New starters and temporary staff should receive basic IPC induction on their first shift.

Four-nations IPC note

IPC readiness is built before pressure arrives: clear routines, stocked supplies, trained staff and simple escalation routes.