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National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

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Text updates in the NIPCM

08 Mar 2019

The following changes have been made to the NIPCM

Introduction

  • New bullet point: Improve the application of knowledge and skills in infection prevention and control

Section 1.2 – Hand Hygiene

Before performing Hand Hygiene

Inclusion in first bullet of ‘bare below the elbows’

Inclusion of note in second bullet point
*For health and safety reasons, Scottish Ambulance Service Special Operations Response
Teams (SORT) in high risk situations require to wear a wristwatch.

Inclusion of new paragraph
'Where there is no running water available or hand hygiene facilties are lacking,
staff may use hand wipes followed by ABHR and should wash their hands at the first
available opportunity.’

Removal of paragraph
‘Hand wipes should not be used by staff in the hospital/care setting for hand hygiene
unless there is no running water available. In this circumstance staff may use hand wipes
followed by ABHR and should wash their hands at the first available opportunity.’

Skin care

Inclusion of new bullet point

  • Staff with skin problems should seek advice from Occupational Health or their GP.

Surgical hand antisepsis

Bullet 2. Inclusion of ‘Single use’ before nail brushes

Section 1.4 – PPE

All PPE should be:

New bullet:

  • changed immediately after each patient and/or following completion of a procedure or task; and

Gloves should be:

4th Bullet text removed ‘to avoid excessive sweating and interference with dexterity’

Full body gowns/fluid repellent coveralls

New bullet

  • ‘Worn when a disposable apron provides inadequate cover for the procedure/task being performed;’

Eye/face protection

New bullet

  • ‘Not be touched when worn.’

Footwear

Inclusion in 3rd bullet of the text ‘in these areas have a decontamination schedule with
responsibility assigned.’

Headwear

New bullet

  • Removed before leaving the theatre/clean room