RCN launches infection prevention toolkit

The RCN is emphasising the importance of infection prevention by launching a toolkit designed to help health and social care providers.

The infection prevention and control toolkit, launched by the college, the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) and NHS England, is intended to help healthcare staff reduce infections and manage the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. 

The toolkit flags up the significance of sepsis and its two main causes: pneumonia and urinary tract infection, which are estimated to be responsible for one third of all healthcare-associated infections.

RCN professional lead for infection prevention and control Rose Gallagher said: ‘We are calling on NHS England and the government to focus on two of the most common infections experienced by the general public. 

‘Infections are not confined to hospitals, can be caused by a variety of bacteria, affect people of all ages, and place a considerable burden on health and social care services. Success will require joint leadership and collaboration between national and local health, social care and public health organisations.’

The RCN and IPS published a joint paper last year to highlight concerns about the impact of NHS restructuring on infection prevention and control, including the loss of some specialist infection control expertise and a lack of central oversight.

The toolkit will be available here from today.