Fortius has a robust, effective and proactive infection, prevention and control (IPC) programme and is committed to ensuring that protecting our patients and their relatives, our people and the public is central in the way we deliver high quality care.

Our focus is always to prevent the infection first, ensuring we can deal with any management or outbreak scenario. Managing healthcare associated infections is a well-established priority for Fortius, preventing these is a key strategy in reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and supporting the preservation of effective antibiotics. 

Our IPC programme is compliant with the fundamental standards set by the Care Quality Commission and the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The Infection Prevention Control Committee (IPCC) meets quarterly, reporting to the Quality Group, Quality Committee who escalate to Fortius Board where necessary. The Infection Prevention and Control Committee is co-chaired by the nominated Fortius Infection Prevention and Control Lead (Head of Nursing) and nominated Consultant Mr David Hargreaves. Link practitioners at each facility support the programme with overall executive responsibility sitting with the Chief Operating Officer. 

Essential to our Infection Prevention and Control Programme: 

• A comprehensive and effectgive IPC programme and annual report 
• Monitoring and compliance with policies
• Staff education
• Surveillance and incidence reporting of infections 

IPC Audits

These are an essential element of infection prevention and control, providing an opportunity to review clinical practice and environmental standards against the accepted standards and planning for improvement. Fortius undertakes annual audits of all areas across Fortius sites, developing action plans following reporting. Hand hygiene, sharps safety and surgical site infections are key items on this agenda and monthly audits take place.  
Staff Training 
Central to our IPC programme is educating our people, through induction, mandatory training and IPC specific policies and procedures. We continue to train all health and care workers on IPC annually.