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Publication - Advice and guidance

The NHSScotland Code of Practice for the Local Management of Hygiene and Healthcare Associated Infection

Published
12 May 2004
Topic
Health and social care

Guidance to NHSScotland

View supporting documents Supporting documents

The NHSScotland Code of Practice for the Local Management of Hygiene and Healthcare Associated Infection

From the Chief Medical Officer
Dr E M Armstrong, FRCS(Ed) FRCP(Glas, Ed) FRCGP FFPH
St. Andrew's House
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Telephone 0131-244 2836
Fax 0131-244 2835
E-mail: cmo@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Date 12 May 2004

Ref SEHD/CMO(2004)9

For action
To:
Chief Executives of NHS Boards
Chief Executive of The State Hospital
Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service
Directors of Public Health
Consultants in Public Health Medicine (CD&EH)
The Care Commission
The Health and Safety Executive
Hospices in Scotland registered with the Care Commission
Hospitals in Scotland registered with the Care Commission
Clinical Director, SCIEH

For information
Further enquiries
Mrs Margaret Tannahill
Project Leader Healthcare Associated Infection Task Force
Scottish Executive Health Department
St Andrew's House
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
E-mail: Margaret.tannahill@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
OR
Dr Peter Christie, Senior Medical Officer
Scottish Executive Health Department
St Andrew's House
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
E-mail: Peter.christie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Dear Colleague

THE NHSSCOTLAND CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE LOCAL MANAGEMENT OF HYGIENE AND HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTION (HAI)

Prevention and control of HAI is a high-profile priority issue for NHSScotland. A major 3-year programme of work was laid out in the SEHD Ministerial Action Plan on HAI, now being actioned by the Scottish HAI Task Force, of which I am the Chair. One of the immediate priorities was to develop an NHSScotland Code of Practice for the management of hygiene and HAI.

My previous letter to you on this issue was to seek your views on a consultation document outlining the Code of Practice for the local management of hygiene and HAI across the NHS in Scotland. From September 2003, in the interim period before the Code of Practice was finalised, NHS bodies were asked to use the draft consultation document as interim guidance

The enclosed final document (see http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/hai1), has been developed by an HAI Task Force multidisciplinary working group, chaired by Dr Liz Jordan, Medical Director of NHS Argyll and Clyde, and has taken account of all views expressed from the overwhelmingly positive consultation process.

This final document is to be implemented with immediate effect in NHS Boards across all clinical areas, and I ask that Chief Executives take steps to ensure all staff are aware of this groundbreaking Code of Practice, the first of its type in the UK (and possibly in Europe).

The Code of Practice defines local management powers and responsibilities for delivering safe clinical care through ensuring high standards of hygiene and related measures to tackle HAI in the healthcare environment. It prescribes guidance on the management of hygiene and HAI in all clinical settings, and also for support services, within NHSScotland. In addition, the principles underpinning this Guidance can be applied across all healthcare settings, including beyond the NHS.

I would ask that NHS Board Chief Executives distribute copies of this letter and the attached document to:

  • Divisional Chief Executives

  • Medical and Nursing Directors

  • Chairs of Risk Management committees (or equivalent)

  • Chairs of Clinical Governance committess

  • The Senior Infection Control Manager (per HDL 2001(10))

  • Infection Control Teams (for further distribution to all clinical areas)

  • Directors of Facilities

  • Hotel Services Managers

Please accept my thanks for your assistance with this important initiative.

Yours sincerely

DR E M ARMSTRONG signature

DR E M ARMSTRONG

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