Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections

What are Healthcare Associated Infections?

Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are infections, such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), that patients may acquire during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting.

The ongoing reduction of HCAI rates is one of the most important challenges facing health and social care services. Reducing these infections is vital to improve the quality and safety of care for people who use the health and social care services.

Further advice and guidance is provided on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website.

Standards

We have published National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections.

These national standards were designed to promote an environment that maximises safety, quality and accountability in health and social care services.  They aim to drive a culture of responsibility and accountability among all staff involved in the management and delivery of health and social care services. They incorporate the key safety and quality requirements for hygiene services.

The aim of the Standards is to provide guidance and direction to all health and social care service providers. This will help prevent and reduce HCAIs so that people using these services receive the safest and highest quality care.

Download our public-friendly guide to the standards.