Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to strengthen infection control in hospitals treating covid-19 cases.

National Health Service infection prevention and control (IPC) principles are applicable to all healthcare staff in all healthcare settings. The IPC measures recommended are underpinned by the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual practice guide and associated literature reviews and are aligned with World Health Organization guidance. The guidance sets out safe systems of working to reduce the risk of transmitting infection, including through administrative, environmental and engineering controls, as well as interventions such as cleaning and decontamination of the environment and shared equipment, social/physical distancing, hand hygiene personal protective equipment and ventilation.

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) completed its investigation into how hospitals can minimise the risk of patients catching COVID-19 on acute hospital wards. The HSIB has produced safety recommendations at a national level, as well as practical advice for trusts.