Here is a brief description of recent policy changes. Please make yourself aware of the changes, as they may also impact training requirements.

Policies that have been added, updated or renewed within the last 30 days are all stored on the Recent Updates page of the Policies and Documents library. So you can find these documents there or search from the homepage.

Blood and Blood Component Shortages Contingency Plan

• Added contingency plan for Platelets, Plasma and Cryoprecipitate.

Control and Management of Clostridium Difficile

• RCA Process updated and the addition of the new guidance: NHS Standard Contract 2022/23.
• Appendix 5 updated and Appendix 6 updated as a poster guide to stool sampling and isolation.

Isolation Policy

• Updated to include NIPC manual changes.

Management of Patients with Carbapenemase-Producing Enterbacterales (CPE)

• Updated to include guidance from the “Framework of actions to contain carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales” (Public Health England, September 2020).
• Minor amendments to cover risk assessment.
• Patient information and the national IPC manual changes re: PPE.

Clinical Audit and Effectiveness Policy

• Version 6 is a complete rewrite of the previous version (Clinical Audit Policy v5 G-72-2010). This version brings the policy in line with Clinical Audit best practice which outlines a rationale for Clinical Audit, provides a framework for such activity and includes standards, guidance and procedures.

Nasogastric Feeding Tube (Adults) Policy

• Change from sterile water to freshly drawn tap water.