To complement the launch of their new educational DVD and other initiatives for care home staff in key areas of infection prevention and control, the Health Protection Agency held a one day conference, in partnership with the Infection Prevention Society.

The conference was an opportunity to bring together those who share responsibility in this important area.  The conference was co-chaired by Dr Christine McCartney, Executive Lead for HCAI and AMR Programme, Health Protection Agency and Martin Kiernan, President, Infection Prevention Society. There were many key speakers, with around 280 delegates from Care Homes across the UK.  The Residents' Perspective was presented by Derek Butler, Chair, MRSA Action UK, and there were opportunities to share experiences and learn more about the latest developments in infection prevention and control in Care Homes.

Programme and presentations:

 

The challenges for care homes

Dr Christine McCartney - Director, Regional Microbiology Network and HCAI & AMR Programme Executive Lead - Health Protection Agency

 

The Health and Social Care Act - its relevance for care homes

Sally Wellsteed - Team Leader, Infection Control - Department of Health

 

Can we do it? - Compliance with the Hygiene Code by care homes

Dr Richard Slack - Regional Microbiologist/CCDC, East Midlands - Health Protection Agency

 

Regulation and registration: roles and responsibilities

Richard Elson - Care Quality Commission

 

Issues for care homes

Ginny Storey - Head of Care and Clinical Governance - Anchor Trust

 

The residents' perspective

Derek Butler - Chair - MRSA Action UK

 

New research: infection prevention and control at the social and healthcare interface - emerging findings

Richard Elson - Care Quality Commission

Jackie Gallagher - Associate Director of Consulting - Tribal Consulting

 

Effectiveness of short term enhanced IC support in improving compliance with IC guidelines and practice in nursing homes. A recent study in Lewisham

Dr Guduru Gopal Rao - Consultant Microbiologist and Lead Clinician, Infection Control - North West London Hospitals NHS Trust

 

Infection prevention - the different perspectives

Debbie Wright - Infection Prevention Society

 

Problems and solutions - finding from recent training programme work

Trish Johnson - National Programme Lead for Healthcare Associated Infections - Improvement Foundation

 

Infection control in care homes: A pilot accreditation programme

Caroline Foley - Health Protection Nurse, Beds & Herts HPU - Health Protection Agency