What is Infection Prevention and Control?
Infection prevention and control training is essential for delivering safe, high-quality care across health and social care settings.
The IPC medical abbreviation stands for Infection Prevention and Control. It is a widely used term across healthcare settings to describe the policies, procedures, and training aimed at reducing infection risks.
Whether you work in a care home, hospital ward, GP surgery, or childcare setting, effective IPC is crucial. For organisations regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), embedding infection prevention and control is a legal and compliance requirement.
This Article Explains:
- Why infection prevention and control training is important
- Where to find the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England
- The role of infection prevention and control in health and social care
- How CBAT can support your IPC medical training needs
Why is Infection Prevention and Control Important?
Effective infection prevention and control training helps stop infections spreading, which is especially important in health and social care settings where vulnerable people are at greater risk.
Without appropriate IPC medical training, services may experience increased staff sickness, reputational harm, and even regulatory penalties.
Training staff on standard precautions for infection prevention and control ensures everyone consistently applies the right hygiene and safety measures to protect both themselves and those they care for. This improves safety, reduces outbreaks, and supports high-quality care delivery.
Infection prevention and control is a shared responsibility at all levels, from policymakers to frontline workers.
Where can Guidance on Infection Prevention and Control be Found?
In England, the main source of authoritative guidance is the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England. Produced by NHS England and supported by the UK Health Security Agency and Department of Health and Social Care, this manual provides:
- Evidence-based, standardised IPC guidance for all health and social care settings
- Clear procedures and governance frameworks for consistent infection control nationwide
Additionally, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 legally require providers to:
- Maintain documented infection prevention and control policies
- Implement standard precautions for infection prevention and control consistently
- Ensure all staff complete regular infection prevention and control training and demonstrate competence
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) routinely inspects providers to ensure compliance with these standards.
Infection Prevention and Control in Childcare Settings
Childcare providers must implement rigorous infection prevention and control measures because young children’s immune systems are still developing, and they often find it difficult to maintain hygiene independently.
Regulatory requirements for childcare settings include:
- Following the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England
- Applying standard precautions for infection prevention and control such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Maintaining thorough cleaning and safe disposal of clinical waste
These measures protect both children and staff and are also assessed during Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.
IPC Medical Training
At Care Business Associate Training (CBAT), our national two-day IPC medical training course equips participants with the skills to lead infection prevention efforts effectively. The training covers:
- Coordinating infection prevention and control measures
- Identifying and managing infection risks
- Conducting IPC audits and producing annual infection control statements
- Staying compliant with the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England
- Leading teams confidently during outbreaks
This practical training is ideal for managers and IPC leads across health and social care sectors who want to ensure safer services and stronger compliance.
Ready to Take the Lead on Infection Prevention Lead Training?
Whether you require online or in-person training, get in touch with CBAT today to explore our tailored infection prevention and control training options.
As a leading healthcare training provider, we’re here to help your organisation uphold high standards and safeguard those in your care.