The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is delighted to celebrate Ben Degay, winner of the Rising Star in IPC Award 2026, presented at Infection Prevention 2026 in Leeds.
The award recognises an IPC practitioner who is still relatively early in their career but is already demonstrating significant impact, leadership potential, innovation and influence.
Since taking on the IPC Local Lead role at Sancta Maria Hospital, Ben has made an impressive contribution to infection prevention and patient safety – despite IPC being a completely new specialist area for him when he took on the role.
Making a measurable difference
Ben has quickly developed expertise across IPC governance, surveillance, audit, training, policy development, antimicrobial stewardship and consultant engagement.
His commitment to learning has included completing a Level 7 micro-credential in Infection Prevention and Control with distinction, alongside further education in IPC, antimicrobial stewardship and water hygiene. He has applied this learning directly to practice, helping to strengthen standards and improve patient safety.
One of his key achievements has been his work on surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance and reduction. Through monitoring infection data, identifying trends and working closely with surgical teams, Ben has supported improvements across the surgical pathway.
This work contributed to a reduction in the overall average SSI rate from 1.51% in 2024 to 1.44% in 2025.
Ben has also led targeted quality improvement work, including a project focused on fleur-de-Lys abdomen procedures, introducing improvements to pre-operative processes, skin preparation and post-operative wound care.
His wider initiatives have included developing training in ANTT and hand hygiene, improving cleaning routines and introducing additional cleaning time between longer procedures. These changes contributed to total SSIs for procedures in one department almost halving during 2025.
A rising clinical leader
Ben has demonstrated leadership well beyond what might be expected at this stage of his career.
Using data, audit findings and evidence-based guidance, he has helped influence clinical practice in areas including hand hygiene, ANTT, environmental cleaning, wound care and SSI reduction.
His approachable and collaborative style has also helped him build strong relationships across the hospital. He works with consultants, nursing teams, IPC link staff, pharmacy, microbiology, estates, facilities, domestic services and senior leaders to ensure IPC standards are understood and embedded into everyday practice.
Despite starting with no specialist IPC experience, Ben has become a trusted source of advice for colleagues and is increasingly recognised for his calm, professional approach and commitment to improving practice.
Speaking about the award, Ben said: “Winning the IPS Rising Star in IPC Award 2026 is a lovely surprise and a genuine honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to have my work recognised by the IPS. I’d also like to thank my fantastic colleagues at Sancta Maria Hospital for their ongoing support and for the part they play in helping to maintain high standards of infection prevention and control. Since taking on the IPC Lead role, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to make a positive difference to patient safety, support colleagues and help build a strong culture of IPC. This recognition motivates me to continue learning, developing and improving practice.”
The IPS congratulates Ben Degay on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to seeing his continued contribution to infection prevention and control.
