INFECTION CONTROL ANNUAL STATEMENT 2026/2027
Date: 16/04/2026
Report by: Bhavika Parekh
Purpose
This annual statement will be generated each year in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.
It summarises: –
Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure).
Details of any infection control audits undertaken, and actions undertaken.
Details of any risk assessments undertaken for prevention and control of infection.
Details of staff training.
Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead
The Smile n Shine Dental Practice Lead for Infection Prevention and Control is Bhavika Parekh. The Infection Prevention Control Lead is supported by Haleema Naz (Dental nurse).
Bhavika Parekh and Haleema Naz have both undertaken regular training and updates on IPC.
Infection transmission incidents (Significant Events)
Significant events (which may involve examples of good practice as well as challenging events) are investigated in detail to see what can be learnt and to indicate changes that might lead to future improvements. All significant events are reviewed at the quarterly Significant Event meeting and learning is cascaded to all relevant staff.
In the past year there have been no significant events raised that related to infection control.
Infection Prevention Audit and Actions
The 6 monthly Infection Prevention and Control audit was completed by Bhavika Parekh.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out so that best practice can be established and then followed. In the last year, the following risk assessments were carried out / reviewed: –
Legionella (Water) Risk Assessment: – Smile n Shine has conducted and reviewed its water safety risk assessment to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to patients, visitors, or staff.
Immunisation: – As an Organisation we ensure that all of our staff are up to date with their Hepatitis B immunisations. Smile n Shine encourages all employees to have the COVID 19 vaccinations as recommended by the Department of Health for Primary Care.
Other examples
PPE provisions: – with the increased need of PPE with COVID-19 pandemic Smile n Shine have secured access to the NHS PPE supplies to ensure that all staff are provided with sufficient resources to meet the changing needs due to the risk of exposure to COVID-19. All staff have undertaken a health risk assessment and where identified at high risk staff will be protected from face to face contact with patients of medium or high risk of disease.
Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness
We have a log to record cleaning done for each area of the practice. This is completed daily by the respective staff in charge. An assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the practice team and logged on schedules. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment and the responsibility of the property owners.
Training
All Smile n Shine staff members receive annual training in infection prevention and control. A meeting is conducted to discuss any concerns or suggestions about IPC among other things, every 6 months.
Policies
All Infection Prevention and Control related policies are in place till date.
Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control are available to all staff, are reviewed, and updated bi-annually, and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance, and legislation changes. Infection Control policies are circulated amongst staff for reading and discussed at meetings on an annual basis.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each individual to be familiar with this Statement and their roles and responsibilities under this.
Review Date
April 2027
