This page explains why we need to keep up our excellence in infection prevention and control (IPC) - and how we can encourage others to do the same.
Why IPC measures still matter
Thank you to everyone who continues to follow the current guidance, both in and out of work. We take these steps to protect ourselves and those around us – our patients, our families and friends, our colleagues and our wider communities. Even though many of us have had the COVID-19 vaccine, it is still possible for us to catch the virus and then transmit it to others. Unless we are very careful, the virus will continue to circulate.
This video from NHS England and Improvement gives a reminder about the IPC measures that help us to manage the risk of COVID-19 in our Trust workplaces.
For more information on our approach to IPC, visit the clinical information page and look for the drop-down section called 'infection control'.
For a quick reminder of some of our key infection control measures, click on the button below to open an infographic all about IPC basics.
How to discuss IPC with others
We all know how strange it can feel to distance ourselves from others when we are at work, and that it can feel impolite to challenge someone, or decline the offer of a lift or a snack which, however well intentioned, could increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.
These are feelings and worries we all have – and it is important to talk about them.
Colleagues working in NHS trusts across the country have pulled together a series of materials to talk about the importance of our infection, prevention and control (IPC) guidance – and how we must feel comfortable in challenging people if we see they are not abiding by the current rules.
Colleagues are encouraged to watch this short film, titled ‘Because I care’. Please take a look and discuss in your teams how we take steps like social distancing and wearing a face mask because we all care about looking after ourselves and others.
Other information and resources
NHS England and Public Health England have produced a broad range of materials which you can view on the NHS England website.
These include:
- Hints and tips on having crucial conversations to control COVID-19
- A COVID-19 outbreak vulnerability assessment tool - particularly useful for teams discussions on inpatient units
- Posters featuring NHS staff:
- Lexie on why she must turn down people's hugs
- Dominic on why he must remind people about changing their aprons and gloves
- Emily on why she wipes down the door handle of the fridge after others use it
- Ariel on why he sits on his own when eating his lunch
- Simi on why she must ask others to keep their distance.
Trust posters and graphics
We have also created some posters and graphics which include the Derbyshire Healthcare logo, for display in our workplaces and for use on our social media channels. You can view these in the document library below.
