1. Attendees: Dr. Anya Sharma, Infection Control Nurse; Sarah Jones, Ward Manager; David Lee, Microbiology Consultant.
2. Apologies: John Smith, Head of Nursing.
3. Previous minutes agreed: Minutes from the previous meeting on 4 October 2024 were approved.
4. Review actions outstanding:
* Action: Review hand hygiene compliance rates on Ward 3. Status: Ongoing. Lead: Sarah Jones.
* Action: Finalise the updated isolation protocol. Status: Complete. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
5. Lead IPN update:
5.1 Positive themes over the last month: Successful implementation of the new hand hygiene audit tool. Actions: Continue to monitor and provide feedback. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
5.2 KPI data: Hand hygiene compliance rates increased to 95% across the hospital. Actions: Celebrate success and maintain focus. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
5.3 Trust wide/ IPC specialty things to note: Update on the flu vaccination campaign. Actions: Ensure all staff are aware of the campaign and encourage uptake. Lead: Sarah Jones.
5.4 Future plans: Planning for the winter surge and potential outbreaks. Actions: Review surge plans and ensure adequate resources. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6. Senior IPN update:
6.1 Audit lead:
6.1.1 Audits: IP Annual: Review of the annual infection prevention and control audit. Actions: Finalise the audit report and present findings. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6.1.2 Audits: efficacy: Review of the efficacy of current cleaning protocols. Actions: Conduct a spot check audit of cleaning practices. Lead: David Lee.
6.1.3 Joint monitoring: Joint monitoring of antibiotic prescribing and stewardship. Actions: Review antibiotic usage data. Lead: David Lee.
6.1.4 Cleanliness training: Update on staff training on cleaning protocols. Actions: Ensure all staff have completed the training. Lead: Sarah Jones.
6.1.5 Annual leave/ Time owing updates: Review of annual leave and time owing for the IPN team. Actions: Ensure adequate staffing levels. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6.2.1 Team lead: Update on the IPN team's activities. Actions: Continue to support the team. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6.2.2 Positives in last month: Positive feedback from the wards on the support provided by the IPN team. Actions: Acknowledge and thank the team. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6.2.3 team updates: Update on the team's training and development. Actions: Provide opportunities for further training. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6.2.4 IPATS: Review of the IPATS (Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Therapy System) data. Actions: Monitor and address any issues. Lead: David Lee.
6.2.5 Areas to focus on in coming month: Focus on hand hygiene and environmental cleaning. Actions: Continue to monitor and provide feedback. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
6.3 Divisional IPN team updates: Update on divisional activities. Actions: Share best practices. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
8. New policies/ guidance: Review of the new guidance on the management of Clostridioides difficile infection. Actions: Disseminate the guidance to all relevant staff. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
9. Any other business: Discussion on the upcoming flu season. Actions: Prepare for the flu season. Lead: Dr. Anya Sharma.
10. Date and time of next meeting: 6 December 2024, 14:00.