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INFECTION CONTROL STANDARDS FOR ADULT CARE HOMES: A CONSULTATION

Draft Standards for Infection Control in Adult Care Homes and Other Adult Care Services.

STANDARD 1 – Accountability: Accountability Arrangements

Standard Statement

Responsibility for infection control is clearly defined and there are clear lines of accountability for infection control matters throughout the service.

Rationale

Clearly defined responsibility and accountability are required to support the operational and

strategic decision making and management of infection control. The Chief Executive/ Owner (Service Provider) is responsible for ensuring a safe, effective and clean physical environment of care in facilities and must be able to account for the overall management of infection control.

Criteria

1.1 There are clear lines of accountability throughout the service that define the relationships between those with particular responsibility for risk management, governance and infection control functions.

1.2 The infection control programme (ICP) is developed with the support and approval of the Chief Executive/ Owner (Service Provider).

1.3 The Chief Executive/ Owner (Service Provider) and those responsible for the risk management function receive the annual report on the ICP.

1.4 The Chief Executive/ Owner (Service Provider), or a deputy with authority to make decisions on their behalf, works closely with those responsible for infection control.

1.5 Senior Management ensures that internal support is provided for infection control emergencies out of hours.

1.6 The Chief Executive/ Owner (Service Provider) ensures that guidance, on how to obtain infection control advice, is available on a 24-hour basis.

1.7 The Chief Executive/ Owner (Service Provider) and those responsible for risk management are informed of any serious problems or issues relating to infection control.

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