Update 19 July 2021: Infection prevention control guidelines to remain in place
The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules. Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected. Go to .Gov.uk for full information on infection prevention control guidance.
We are in a fast moving, evolving situation and, as with any new strain of infection, there are multiple sources of guidance and information produced for staff.
We recognise that this can be confusing for staff. Therefore, we have set up a dedicated email address and phone number, directing you to published advice and guidance regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and PPE procurement.
Contact details for IPC
- Email address: nclccg.covid-19infectioncontrol@nhs.net
The IPC email address will be monitored Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm.
Contact details for PPE procurement
- Email: ncl.covidprocurement@nhs.net
Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own
PHE have issued some guidance on the wearing of face coverings which we need to post on the NCL IPC (internet and intranet) sites please. Face coverings are not classed as PPE, and do not replace the requirements for people to maintain good hand hygiene, observe social distancing etc – therefore, it is not appropriate to place this guidance within any of the current tabs, it will have to sit out on both websites.