{"id":460,"date":"2026-01-13T14:52:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:52:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surgerywebtemp.org.uk\/c82009\/?page_id=460"},"modified":"2026-01-13T14:52:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:52:36","slug":"practice-policies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/surgerywebtemp.org.uk\/c82009\/practice-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"Practice Policies"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tChaperones<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t
<\/p>\n

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure with a healthcare professional where they feel that one is required. The chaperone can be a friend or a relative.<\/p>\n

On occasions, you may prefer to have a formal chaperone present, for example a trained member of staff (usually a nurse or health care assistant).<\/p>\n

Wherever possible we would ask that you make this request when you book your appointment so that arrangements can be made in advance. \u00a0Where this is not possible, we will endeavour to provide a formal chaperone at the time of request.<\/p>\n

The healthcare professional may also request a chaperone to be present for certain consultations, and this will be in accordance with our chaperone policy.<\/p>\n

If you would like to see a copy of our chaperone policy or have any questions or comments please\u00a0contact the practice<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tConfidentiality<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t
<\/p>\n

GPs and the practice staff are bound by strict rules to protect and maintain the confidentiality of personal and clinical information about their patients. This means that we are unable to give out information about a patient without his\/her consent. Please respect this code when enquiring about relatives.<\/p>\n

Medical information may be shared with other health care professionals to ensure coordination and continuity of care. All personnel who may manage your care are bound by strict confidentiality procedures.<\/p>\n

Your medical records are held mainly on computer, and we are registered under the Data Protection Act for this. Some information is still retained in paper files. All personal and clinical information about you is treated confidentially and held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss. Certain anonymised data is used for clinical audit.<\/p>\n

In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented, or in the case of public health issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released \u2013 such as for medical reports for insurance solicitors etc.<\/p>\n

You have the right to view your medical records or to have a copy of them and we would be happy to arrange this if you would apply in writing to the Practice Manager. Details of\u00a0current fees<\/a>\u00a0can be found in reception.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFreedom of Information<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t
<\/p>\n

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a publication scheme. A publication scheme is a guide to the \u2018classes\u2019 of information the practice intends to routinely make available. This scheme is available from reception.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tInfection Control Statement<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t
<\/p>\n

Market Harborough and Bosworth Partnership<\/h2>\n

July 2025<\/p>\n

Purpose\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This annual statement is generated each year in July in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It summarises:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Any infection transmission incidents and actions taken<\/li>\n
  • Details of infection control audits and outcomes<\/li>\n
  • Risk assessments completed or planned<\/li>\n
  • Staff training<\/li>\n
  • Updates to IPC policies and procedures<\/li>\n
  • Immunisation and vaccination activity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    This statement applies to all staff employed across both practice sites.<\/p>\n

    Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) lead <\/strong><\/p>\n

    GP Lead:<\/strong> Dr Mark Yates, GP Partner<\/p>\n

    Nurse IPC Lead:<\/strong> Natalie Sweet, Lead Nurse<\/p>\n

    Practice Manager Support:<\/strong> Karen Partyka<\/p>\n

    Additional IPC Support:<\/strong> Charlotte Mabbutt, Nursing Associate<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Infection transmission incidents (significant events)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      In the past year there have been 0 infection-related significant events<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      There have been 0 complaints<\/strong> relating to cleanliness or infection control.<\/p>\n

      Positive IPC practice continues to be shared through team meetings<\/p>\n

      b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Infection prevention audit and actions<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Significant progress has been made in the past year, including:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Extensive renovations<\/strong> at Market Harborough Medical Centre with the creation of six new treatment rooms<\/strong> designed to the highest IPC standards.<\/li>\n
      • New cleanliness audits<\/strong> introduced in line with NHS England 2021 Cleaning Standards.<\/li>\n
      • Consultation room improvements<\/strong> and updated signage<\/strong> at both Husbands Bosworth and Market Harborough sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Audits completed in the past 12 months:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Cleanliness audits (updated framework)<\/li>\n
        • Sharps disposal audit<\/li>\n
        • Hand hygiene audit<\/li>\n
        • Signage checks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Actions:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Strengthened cleaning schedules and frequency monitoring<\/li>\n
          • Increased focus on consultation room IPC compliance<\/li>\n
          • Clear patient and staff-facing IPC signage in clinical and waiting areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            There has been no CQC inspection<\/strong> this year.
            \nThe ICB IPC lead has changed<\/strong>, and no external inspection or visit has taken place in the last 12 months.<\/p>\n

            Planned audits for 2025\/26 include:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Bi-annual cleanliness and IPC audits<\/li>\n
            • Quarterly hand hygiene audits<\/li>\n
            • Annual sharps audit<\/li>\n
            • Continued monitoring of consultation room compliance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Risk assessments\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Risk assessments undertaken in the past 12 months:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • COSHH Standards- Updated COSHH records across both sites and new procedure on ordering and monitoring of COSHH products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                New risk assessments planned for 2025\/26:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Ventilation and air quality<\/li>\n
                • Injection technique and training (Nursing Team)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Ongoing\/rotational risk assessments:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Cleaning standards<\/li>\n
                  • Hand Hygiene<\/li>\n
                  • Privacy curtains<\/li>\n
                  • Infrastructure and water safety<\/li>\n
                  • Sharps and clinical waste<\/li>\n
                  • Assistance dogs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    D. Staff Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n
                      \n
                    • All staff complete annual IPC training via Blue Stream.<\/li>\n
                    • Nursing staff attended aseptic technique training at PLT sessions.<\/li>\n
                    • The new Nursing Associate has completed IPC training and supports audits and monitoring at both sites.<\/li>\n
                    • Learning updates (e.g. hand hygiene) are included in staff newsletters and team meetings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      E. Immunisation and Vaccination<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • All clinical staff are required to maintain up-to-date Hepatitis B and other occupational vaccinations in line with UKHSA Green Book guidance.<\/li>\n
                      • MMR, seasonal flu, and COVID vaccines are offered to eligible staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Patient Immunisations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • The practice participates in national immunisation campaigns for children and adults.<\/li>\n
                        • NHS England and NICE highlight that vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, protecting individuals and reducing the spread of infectious disease. Increasing uptake of childhood immunisations remains a priority for our local population.<\/li>\n
                        • Planning is underway for the annual flu and COVID vaccination programmes for 2025\/26. Eligible patients will be invited via text, phone, or letter, and home visits will be offered to housebound patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          F. Policies and Procedures<\/strong><\/h2>\n
                            \n
                          • All IPC policies were reviewed, updated, and migrated to the new staff policy portal<\/strong> in 2025 for improved accessibility.<\/li>\n
                          • Updated or new policies include:\n
                              \n
                            • IPC Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                \n
                              • Cleaning Standards and Schedules Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                  \n
                                • Curtains Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                    \n
                                  • Sharps Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                      \n
                                    • Bloodborne Virus Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                        \n
                                      • Respiratory Conditions Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                          \n
                                        • Scabies and Communicable Conditions Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          G. Facilities and Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • All six new treatment rooms meet current IPC standards.<\/li>\n
                                          • Consultation and waiting rooms are equipped with wipeable seating and hard flooring.<\/li>\n
                                          • Air conditioning and ventilation systems are serviced annually to prevent risks such as Legionella.<\/li>\n
                                          • Spill kits are maintained at both sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            H. Waste and Cleaning<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Clinical waste is collected weekly in line with policy, with records retained for audit.<\/li>\n
                                            • Domestic waste is collected via Harborough District Council.<\/li>\n
                                            • Cleaning contractors work to agreed NHS specifications, monitored via internal audits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              I. Patients<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • An isolation room is available for contagious patients to reduce transmission risks.<\/li>\n
                                              • Patients with MRSA or other known infections are scheduled appropriately, with cleaning protocols followed post-consultation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                Market Harborough and Bosworth Partnership remains committed to infection prevention and control. This year has seen significant facility upgrades, the introduction of new audit processes, and policy modernisation.<\/p>\n

                                                Our strengthened IPC workforce, combined with ongoing staff training and audit, ensures we maintain high standards of safety and care.<\/p>\n

                                                We remain committed to supporting vaccination uptake in our community, including childhood immunisations, flu, and COVID boosters, in line with national guidance.<\/p>\n

                                                Review date: July 2026
                                                \nResponsible for review: Practice Manager & IPC Lead Nurse<\/p>\n

                                                <\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n

                                                \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tZero Tolerance<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t
                                                <\/p>\n

                                                The NHS operates a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons.<\/p>\n

                                                Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n

                                                In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient\u2019s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.<\/p>\n

                                                <\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n

                                                \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLost Property<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t
                                                <\/p>\n

                                                Any lost property will be held at the medical centre for 3 months before disposal.<\/p>\n

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