RCN activity in Scotland
At the RCN Scotland activist conference in February 2010 two specific workshops were held which focused on the topic of healthcare associated infection. The first workshop, entitled The HAI agenda in Scotland, was an interactive session aiming to illustrate how activists could influence, support and enhance practice in relation to HAIs whatever the care setting i.e. hospital or community/independent sector.
The session was designed to enable participants to share what they considered to be the key issues or concerns in practice, to explore with participants what their responsibilities in relation to HAIs are and to highlight a range of activities being undertaken in support of members in relation to this important agenda.
The second workshop was entitled Preparing for Healthcare Environmental Inspectorate (HEI) visits. The aim of the session was to give participants an overview of the role and remit of the HEI and to identify opportunities for activists to support members in the workplace who may be involved or interviewed in relation to HEI inspections.
Both these events evaluated really well and there are plans to hold some further master classes for activists and members on the topic of HAIs.
Role and remit of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate
The HEI was established in April 2009 by the Scottish Government. The focus of the HEI is to reduce healthcare associated infection (HAI) risk to patients through a rigorous inspection framework. The aims of the inspectorate are to:
- Provide public assurance and protection, to restore public trust and confidence
- Contribute to the prevention and control of HAI
- Contribute to improvement in infection control and the broader quality improvement agenda across NHS Scotland.
The inspectorate will carry out both announced and unannounced inspections to each acute hospital in Scotland at least once every three years. An action plan and report is produced following each inspection. See the HEI inspectorate programme website for more information.
HAI Task Force
The HAI Task Force was formed in January 2003 and is led by the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland. The remit of the task force is to:
- Co-ordinate the development and implementation of the HAI action plan
- Review progress in its implementation across the NHS in Scotland
- Monitor the levels of HAI and assess the impact on them of control measures
- Take forward amendments to the action plan or its component initiatives
- Report on progress to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and annually to the general public.
The Nurse Adviser for Infection Prevention and Control represents the RCN at the Scottish Government Task Force and engages regularly with RCN Scotland colleagues about the management of HAI's and implications for members. Meetings are held approximately four times a year and the RCN provides both professional and clinical support at this meeting.
See the HAI Task Force website for more information.