Quality Improvement in Care Homes – Promoting Infection Prevention and Control

Using money provided by NHS England to improve Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) in care homes, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board’s (BLMK ICB) IPC team and the Quality Improvement (QI) nurses for care homes joined together to organise three study days across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Jenny Brooks, BLMK ICB’s Head of Quality (Milton Keynes) and IPC Strategic Lead (BLMK), tells us about the Collaborative BLMK Conferences held at the end of 2022.

“We were supported by medicines management teams and clinicians from a range of NHS services across BLMK. The day covered a range of topics aimed at recognising frailty and risks of infections in this vulnerable group of residents.

“During the pandemic we have seen evidence of the great work that goes on in care homes and we are looking to make sure all of the key learning is carried forward into day to day practice.

“The agenda covered many areas of fundamental care with presentations from dieticians, continence specialists, falls specialists and oral hygiene, all with a thread of IPC running through. The event was supported by the BLMK Medicine Management Team, electronic tools for the deteriorating patient, and a sepsis lead who provided stands on the day. Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) and BLMK ICB’ joint project for care homes – Raizer Chairing Lifting Equipment – was also demonstrated. It was great to see all attendees from different homes interacting and sharing good practice.

“Over the three days approximately 120 care home staff attended, and excellent feedback was received. A quiz at the end of each day evaluated attendees’ learning and prizes of hand hygiene testing kits were awarded to those with higher scores.

“We aim to hold more days like this but focusing on colleagues working with service users with Learning Disabilities.”

Photos from the event: