{"id":773,"date":"2026-10-27T18:14:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T18:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/?page_id=773"},"modified":"2026-10-27T18:25:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T18:25:38","slug":"infection-prevention-control","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/infection-prevention-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Infection Prevention & Control"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Infection Prevention & Control\n<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Infection Prevention & Control<\/strong><\/p>

Our Commitment to Safe, Clean and Person-Centred Care<\/strong><\/p>

At Global Mega Care Ltd<\/strong>, the health, safety and wellbeing of people receiving care and support, their families, our staff and others who may be affected are important to us.<\/p>

We take infection prevention and control seriously and follow appropriate procedures to help reduce the risk of infection across our domiciliary care and supported living services. Our approach is based on good hygiene, appropriate risk assessments, safe working practices, staff training and effective management oversight.<\/p>

We recognise that infection prevention is not limited to COVID-19. It also includes other infections that may spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, respiratory droplets or particles, and bodily fluids.<\/p>

We aim to provide clear information and reassurance while respecting each person’s dignity, privacy, choices and independence.<\/p>

Protecting People, Families and Staff<\/strong><\/p>

We take considered steps to identify and manage infection risks and promote safe working practices. Our arrangements include appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), good hygiene, staff awareness and training, and taking action when infection risks are identified.<\/p>

We encourage open communication about suspected infections, symptoms and other concerns so that appropriate precautions can be considered promptly. Staff are expected to report concerns through the appropriate management arrangements.<\/p>

We review relevant guidance and adapt our approach when circumstances or identified risks require it. Our aim is to help people receiving support, their families and our staff feel informed and reassured about the measures used to reduce avoidable infection risks.<\/p>

Our Approach to Infection Prevention and Control<\/strong><\/p>

We apply standard infection prevention precautions to care activities, whether or not a person is known to have an infection. The precautions used depend on the task, the environment and the risks identified.<\/p>

Our arrangements include:<\/strong><\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060Assessing infection risks before support begins and reviewing them when needs or circumstances change.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Promoting effective hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Using appropriate personal protective equipment.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Maintaining suitable cleaning and environmental hygiene practices.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Cleaning and decontaminating care equipment appropriately.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Handling laundry, waste and potentially contaminated materials safely.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Managing blood and bodily fluid spills safely.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Following appropriate food hygiene practices where food preparation is part of the agreed support.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Recognising and responding promptly to suspected or confirmed infections.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Applying additional precautions when required by the infection risk.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Providing staff with relevant training, guidance and supervision.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Recording and reporting concerns, incidents and outbreaks as required.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Monitoring practice and reviewing our arrangements to identify improvements.<\/p>

These measures are applied proportionately to the person, the care activity, the environment and the infection risks identified.<\/p>

Infection Risk Assessments<\/strong><\/p>

Infection risks are considered before support begins and reviewed throughout the person’s involvement with our service, particularly when their health, support needs, environment or circumstances change.<\/p>

Assessments take account of relevant factors, including:<\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060The person’s health, vulnerabilities and individual support needs.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060The tasks and activities involved in providing care.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060The home environment and equipment used.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Any suspected or confirmed infection and its potential route of transmission.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060The precautions needed to protect the person, staff and others.<\/p>

Where a risk is identified, appropriate control measures are incorporated into the person’s support arrangements and reviewed when necessary.<\/p>

Hand Hygiene<\/strong><\/p>

Effective hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to help prevent the spread of infection.<\/p>

Staff follow appropriate hand hygiene procedures before and after relevant care activities, after potential exposure to bodily fluids, after handling waste or contaminated materials, before handling food and whenever required by the task or circumstances.<\/p>

Soap and running water are used when hands are visibly dirty and where specific infections require handwashing. Alcohol-based hand rub is used where appropriate and when hands are visibly clean. It is not a substitute for handwashing in situations where soap and water are required, including certain gastrointestinal infections.<\/p>

Staff are expected to dry their hands thoroughly and follow appropriate hand hygiene practices when putting on and removing PPE.<\/p>

We also support people receiving care to maintain hand hygiene in ways that reflect their abilities, preferences and individual needs.<\/p>

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)<\/strong><\/p>

PPE helps reduce exposure to infection when selected and used correctly.<\/p>

Appropriate PPE and hand hygiene supplies are made available for care activities in accordance with identified risks and the service’s arrangements. Supplies are stored safely and checked as appropriate to help ensure that suitable items are available when needed.<\/p>

Depending on the assessed risk and the activity being undertaken, appropriate PPE may include:<\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060Disposable gloves.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Disposable aprons.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Face masks.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Eye or facial protection where there is a risk of exposure to splashes or other infectious material.<\/p>

Staff follow relevant guidance on selecting, using, changing, removing, disposing of and storing PPE safely. PPE is changed between people and tasks where required and is not reused unless it is specifically designed for reuse and handled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.<\/p>

PPE is used alongside hand hygiene, cleaning and other appropriate precautions. It does not replace these measures.<\/p>

Cleaning and Environmental Hygiene<\/strong><\/p>

Clean environments help reduce the risk of infection. When care is delivered in a person’s own home, infection prevention measures must also respect the person’s privacy, preferences and control over their living environment.<\/p>

Where household cleaning forms part of the agreed support, responsibilities, cleaning frequency, suitable products and methods are considered as part of the person’s support arrangements and relevant risk assessments.<\/p>

Particular attention is given to frequently touched surfaces and areas used during care activities. Appropriate cleaning products are used according to their instructions, and products must remain correctly labelled and safely stored.<\/p>

Separate cleaning materials are used where necessary to reduce cross-contamination between areas, such as kitchens and toilets or bathrooms. Additional cleaning and disinfection are undertaken when indicated by an identified infection risk or contamination with blood or bodily fluids.<\/p>

Staff follow safe procedures for handling cleaning products and disposing of used cleaning materials. The person’s choices and the agreed boundaries of the service are respected throughout.<\/p>

Blood and Bodily Fluid Spills<\/strong><\/p>

Blood, vomit, urine, faeces and other bodily fluids can present an infection risk. Spills are managed promptly and safely using appropriate PPE, suitable cleaning and disinfection products, and procedures that reduce the risk of spreading contamination.<\/p>

Staff follow the relevant procedure and product instructions, including any required contact time for disinfectants. Contaminated cleaning materials and waste are handled and disposed of safely.<\/p>

If a spill cannot be managed safely with the available equipment, products or training, staff protect the affected area as far as practicable and promptly seek guidance from the appropriate manager. Any exposure incident is reported and managed in accordance with the relevant procedure.<\/p>

## Food Hygiene and Safe Food Preparation<\/strong><\/p>

Where preparing or handling food forms part of a person’s agreed support, staff follow appropriate food hygiene practices to help prevent foodborne illness and cross-contamination.<\/p>

This includes:<\/strong><\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060Washing hands before handling food and after activities that may contaminate hands.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Keeping food preparation surfaces and equipment clean.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Separating raw and ready-to-eat foods where necessary.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Following appropriate food storage, cooking and reheating instructions.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Checking relevant use-by dates and following safe food handling practices.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Considering the person’s dietary requirements, swallowing needs and relevant care instructions.<\/p>

Food preparation is undertaken in a way that respects the person’s preferences and independence while maintaining appropriate hygiene and safety.<\/p>

Safe Use and Decontamination of Care Equipment<\/strong><\/p>

Care equipment can contribute to the spread of infection if it is not cleaned or decontaminated appropriately.<\/p>

Equipment is managed according to its intended use, the level of risk, the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant infection prevention guidance.<\/p>

Staff understand the distinction between single-use items, single-person-use items and reusable equipment. Items are cleaned or decontaminated at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.<\/p>

Where equipment is shared or used in different care activities, suitable precautions are taken to prevent the transfer of microorganisms between people.<\/p>

Laundry and Linen<\/strong><\/p>

Laundry and linen are handled in ways that reduce the risk of spreading infection and protect the dignity of the person receiving support.<\/p>

Where laundry is part of the agreed service, staff follow appropriate procedures for handling clean and soiled items, avoiding cross-contamination and using suitable washing and drying arrangements.<\/p>

Items suspected of being contaminated with infectious material are managed in accordance with the relevant risk assessment and applicable guidance. Staff use appropriate PPE when necessary and perform hand hygiene after handling soiled laundry.<\/p>

The person’s preferences, privacy and individual circumstances are taken into account when agreeing how laundry is managed.<\/p>

Waste and Sharps Safety<\/strong><\/p>

Waste is handled and disposed of safely according to its type, the risks involved and applicable requirements.<\/p>

Staff follow the relevant procedures for ordinary household waste and any other waste arising from care activities. Waste that may present an infection risk is managed appropriately rather than treated automatically as ordinary household waste.<\/p>

Sharps and other potentially contaminated objects require particular care because they may cause injury or expose people to bloodborne infections. Staff follow appropriate procedures for preventing injuries, managing sharps safely and reporting incidents.<\/p>

Any needlestick injury, sharps injury or suspected exposure to potentially infectious material is reported promptly. Appropriate immediate action is taken, including seeking urgent medical advice where necessary, and the incident is recorded and followed up in accordance with the relevant procedure.<\/p>

Recognising and Responding to Infection<\/strong><\/p>

Recognising possible signs of infection and responding promptly can help protect the person receiving support and others.<\/p>

Signs of concern may include a new or worsening fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual changes in the person’s condition or behaviour, or other symptoms that may indicate infection. Symptoms are considered in the context of the person’s individual circumstances.<\/p>

When infection is suspected or confirmed, staff report concerns promptly to the Registered Manager or the appropriate designated person. The situation is assessed and appropriate action is taken, which may include:<\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060Seeking advice from a healthcare professional.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Reviewing the person’s risk assessment and support arrangements.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Applying additional infection prevention precautions.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Following relevant infection-specific procedures.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Providing appropriate information and reassurance to the person and, where suitable, those involved in their support.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Recording and escalating the concern in accordance with relevant procedures.<\/p>

Urgent medical concerns are referred to the appropriate health service. Emergency assistance is sought when necessary.<\/p>

Respiratory Infections and COVID-19<\/strong><\/p>

Good respiratory hygiene helps reduce the spread of respiratory infections, including illnesses that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets or particles.<\/p>

Appropriate measures include:<\/strong><\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the elbow.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Disposing of used tissues safely.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Cleaning hands after coughing, sneezing or handling used tissues.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Maintaining suitable ventilation where practicable.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Following relevant guidance when a respiratory infection is suspected or confirmed.<\/p>

Where a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, is suspected or confirmed, additional precautions may be necessary. The measures used depend on the suspected or known infection, its route of transmission, the person’s condition, the care activity and the environment.<\/p>

Staff follow relevant infection-specific procedures and current public health guidance. We do not rely on outdated COVID-19 advice; arrangements are considered in line with current guidance and individual risk assessments.<\/p>

Managing Outbreaks and Resistant Organisms<\/strong><\/p>

An increase in infections or a suspected outbreak is taken seriously and escalated promptly through the appropriate management arrangements.<\/p>

We follow relevant guidance and seek advice from appropriate healthcare or public health professionals when necessary. Risk assessments and support arrangements are reviewed, and additional precautions are applied where indicated.<\/p>

We also recognise the importance of preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Appropriate hand hygiene, cleaning, equipment decontamination and other standard precautions help reduce the risk of transmission. Additional measures are considered according to the person’s circumstances and relevant clinical advice.<\/p>

Any required notifications and reporting are completed in accordance with applicable requirements and guidance.<\/p>

Staff Health and Fitness for Work<\/strong><\/p>

Staff are expected to follow relevant procedures if they develop symptoms of an infection or believe they may pose an infection risk to people receiving care.<\/p>

Staff who have symptoms of a respiratory infection accompanied by a high temperature, or who feel too unwell to work, should follow the applicable sickness and infection prevention procedures and avoid undertaking care duties while they may pose a risk.<\/p>

Return-to-work arrangements take account of the person’s symptoms, relevant guidance and an appropriate assessment of the risk. Where necessary, advice is sought before care duties resume.<\/p>

These arrangements help protect people receiving support, staff and others while supporting continuity of care wherever possible.<\/p>

Staff Training and Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>

Infection prevention and control is a shared responsibility, supported by clear management oversight.<\/p>

Staff receive infection prevention and control training appropriate to their roles, together with relevant guidance, supervision and updates. Training and competence are monitored in accordance with our internal procedures.<\/p>

The Registered Manager is responsible for overseeing infection prevention and control arrangements and, under our current policy, acts as the Infection Prevention Lead. Responsibilities include:<\/p>

\u2022\u2060 \u2060Supporting staff to understand and follow infection prevention procedures.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Overseeing infection risk assessments and relevant control measures.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Monitoring appropriate PPE arrangements and cleaning practices.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Reviewing infection-related incidents and identifying lessons.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Ensuring concerns are escalated appropriately.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Overseeing relevant training, monitoring and policy reviews.
\u2022\u2060 \u2060Supporting improvements in safe working practices.<\/p>

Staff are expected to raise concerns about unsafe practices, shortages of appropriate supplies or difficulties following infection prevention procedures without unnecessary delay.<\/p>

Monitoring, Reporting and Continuous Improvement<\/strong><\/p>

Infection prevention arrangements are reviewed to help maintain safe and effective practice.<\/p>

Monitoring may include reviewing risk assessments, training records, incidents, complaints, infection-related concerns, observations of practice and relevant audits. Findings are considered so that improvements can be identified and appropriate action taken.<\/p>

Infection incidents and suspected outbreaks are recorded, escalated and reported to relevant bodies when required. Records of actions and reporting are maintained in accordance with applicable requirements and internal procedures.<\/p>

The Infection Prevention Lead oversees the relevant review arrangements and ensures that learning informs improvements to policies, staff guidance and practice. This webpage and the supporting internal policy are reviewed when guidance, service arrangements or identified risks change, and in line with the internal policy review schedule.<\/p>

Person-Centred Care, Dignity and Choice<\/strong><\/p>

Infection prevention measures should protect people without unnecessarily restricting their independence, dignity or choices.<\/p>

We aim to explain relevant precautions in an accessible and respectful way, taking account of each person’s communication needs, preferences, abilities and circumstances. Where a person needs support to understand or follow infection prevention measures, this support is tailored to their individual needs.<\/p>

We respect that people’s homes are their private spaces and work with them to agree appropriate arrangements wherever possible, while maintaining necessary safety measures.<\/p>

Further Information and Guidance<\/strong><\/p>

For further information about infection prevention and control in adult social care, please consult the official guidance published by the UK Government.<\/p>

[Infection prevention and control in adult social care settings \u2014 GOV.UK](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/infection-prevention-and-control-in-adult-social-care-settings)<\/p>

For questions about our services or our approach to safe care and support, please contact us.<\/p>

Global Mega Care Ltd<\/strong><\/p>

400 Thames Valley Park Drive
Reading, RG6 1PT<\/p>

Telephone:<\/strong>\u00a00118 466 4971
Email:<\/strong>\u00a0info@globalmegacare.com<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Infection Prevention & Control Infection Prevention & Control Our Commitment to Safe, Clean and Person-Centred Care At Global Mega Care Ltd, the health, safety and wellbeing of people receiving care and support, their families, our staff and others who may be affected are important to us. We take infection prevention and control seriously and follow […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-773","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=773"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":782,"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/773\/revisions\/782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalmegacare.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}