Infection prevention and control: CQC quality statement
One of the 8 quality statements under the safe key question.
The statement
We assess and manage the risk of infection. We detect and control the risk of it spreading and share any concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.
Topics the CQC lists under it
- Cleanliness and hygiene (environment and equipment)
- Personal hygiene (staff and people who use services)
- Food hygiene
- PPE
- Vaccination
- Infection management
- Outbreak management
- Infectious diseases
- Waste and clinical specimen management
Dental checks that provide evidence
10 checks in Compliance UK's dental pack are tagged to this statement.
| Check | Area | Default schedule | Usually done by | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autoclave daily tests log | Decontamination (HTM 01-05) | Daily | Dental nurse | Regulation 12 |
| Washer-disinfector daily checks | Decontamination (HTM 01-05) | Daily | Dental nurse | Regulation 12 |
| Ultrasonic bath foil and soil tests | Decontamination (HTM 01-05) | Every 3 months | Dental nurse | Regulation 12 |
| Decontamination equipment validation | Decontamination (HTM 01-05) | Every year | Practice manager | Regulation 15 |
| Infection control audit (IPS) and action plan | Infection prevention and control | Every 6 months | Practice manager | Regulation 12 |
| Hand hygiene audit | Infection prevention and control | Every 3 months | Practice manager | Regulation 12 |
| Dental unit waterline flushing and disinfection | Infection prevention and control | Daily | Dental nurse | Regulation 12 |
| Clinical waste consignment notes | Infection prevention and control | Monthly | Practice manager | Regulation 12 |
| Suction unit servicing | Premises, fire and equipment | Every year | Practice manager | Regulation 15 |
| Sharps risk assessment and inoculation injury protocol | Clinical records and sharps | Every year | Practice manager | Regulation 12 |
Related regulations
The CQC links this statement to these fundamental standards.