Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, whether he has plans to review the long-term infection prevention and control measures required by Intensive Care Units; what assessment his Department has made of the steps required to minimise the risk of hospital acquired infections; and if he will make a statement.
There are no specific plans to review the long-term infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in intensive care units (ITU). However, we have committed to publish a National Infection Prevention Manual for England that will contain guidelines for IPC best practice across healthcare settings. All National Health Service providers will be expected to deliver care to the standards outlined in this guidance.
The United Kingdom IPC COVID-19 cell monitors and reviews emerging evidence and data and guidance on effective IPC. To support NHS trusts to assess compliance with COVID-19 guidelines in all clinical areas, including ITU, NHS England has a number of resources which are available at the following link: