Infection control experts will visit GP surgeries to conduct detailed checks in a new initiative launched by Williams Medical Supplies, provider to the primary care sector.
The south Wales company, which has four out of five of the country’s GP practices on its books, says the move follows a ‘wide groundswell of demand’ from customers.
As a total audit and advice package it will be benchmarked against QOF and nGMS requirements and, claims the company, will ensure surgeries are fit to meet PCT inspections and demands for proper policies and procedures.
Steve Dunn, chief executive of WMS, said he regards the new service as an important aid in helping surgeries protect patients and staff from cross infection. “Infection control is a tough area for GP practices to tackle, which is why so many have been asking us for help,” he said. “They know it is vital they ensure the correct processes and procedures are adhered to. The risks of not doing so are cross infection, with all the implicit threats to patient safety and welfare. Surgeries are well aware of the contractual and statutory requirements of the nGMS contract with regard to infection control.”
The assessments will be made by two WMS health and safety officers, who already help surgeries meet H&S legal requirements and have now been specially trained in all aspects of infection control. Their half- or full-day visits will cost from £320 to £640 depending on the size of the practice and, says WMS, will be painstaking and thorough.
www.wms.co.uk
Infection control service launched
Published 13th January, 2010 by Neil Nixon
