The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is proud to celebrate the winners of this year’s Awards for Excellence and Award for Nurturing IPC Talent, recognising outstanding contributions, innovation, and commitment to advancing infection prevention and control (IPC) across health and care settings.
Award for Excellence: SECAmb IPC Team – SECAmb IPC App
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) IPC Team has transformed the way clinicians access and apply infection prevention guidance with the launch of their innovative SECAmb IPC App.
Designed to modernise and simplify access to IPC standard precautions, the app delivers real-time information, including PPE requirements, decontamination procedures, and guidelines, directly to clinicians at the point of care.
Since launch, access to IPC information has increased by 200% compared to the previous A–Z of Infections platform, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from users who say it has enhanced their practice and improved patient safety. The app has become an invaluable digital resource ensuring up-to-date, evidence-based IPC guidance is always just a click away.
The team told us: “Winning the award has made me feel super proud, not only of this achievement but to be part of the IPC team at SECAmb.
I am so happy that I am part of a team who really do put our staff first to make it easier for them to follow IPC guidance, I feel very proud to work for this team and Trust.
“The award is well deserving for an incredibly innovative idea from a committed and creative team. I feel honoured to be part of SECAmb IPC.
“I’m incredibly proud to have co-created an IPC app that brings infection prevention and control directly to the patient’s side, transforming how care is delivered. This innovation empowers frontline staff with real-time tools and guidance, enhancing safety and compliance at the point of care. It’s a meaningful step forward in protecting patients and improving outcomes through smart, accessible technology.”
Award for Excellence – Highly Commended: Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – IPC Education Animation Video Portfolio
The 3 Boroughs IPC Service, in collaboration with the Communications and Education Teams at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been recognised for its Quality Improvement Programme to create a sustainable portfolio of IPC education animation videos.
The initiative aims to make IPC training standardised, engaging, and accessible across diverse care settings, from adult health and social care to schools, dental practices, and temporary accommodation.
By offering a sustainable online library of high-quality educational videos, the project empowers staff and providers to access vital IPC training anytime, supporting rapid learning during infection incidents and outbreaks. The programme not only promotes best practice but also contributes to reducing winter pressures across health and social care systems.
Award for Excellence – Highly Commended: Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Gloveless/Less Gloves Campaign
Birmingham Community Healthcare’s IPC Care Home Team has been celebrated for their inspiring Gloveless/Less Gloves Campaign, a creative adaptation of NHS England’s “Take Your Gloves Off” initiative.
The campaign, developed in collaboration with over 500 IPC Champions across Birmingham and Solihull’s adult social care sector, uses monthly posters and local IPC Expo events to promote appropriate glove use and hand hygiene.
By engaging care home teams through visual, relatable materials, the campaign has led to measurable improvements, reducing inappropriate glove use, cutting stock requirements, and supporting sustainability. The initiative has also empowered IPC Champions to lead change, improving resident and staff safety while reducing glove-related skin conditions.
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust IPC Care Home team were absolutely delighted to receive a ‘Highly Commended’ and welcomed the recognition for our Gloveless – less Gloves initiative across Birmingham and Solihull’s adult social care sector. The team are extremely proud to share this award with our care home colleagues, whose enthusiasm ensured each campaign poster featured our very own IPC care home champions in their workplace.
The team were particularly enamoured as the award came from our IPC peers and fellow professionals .
Award for Nurturing IPC Talent: Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust – IPC Training Cohort for Housekeepers
Recognised for their commitment to developing the next generation of IPC leaders, the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust IPC Team has been honoured for their Infection Prevention and Control Training Cohort for Housekeepers.
This pioneering programme provides structured IPC education and mentorship to hospital housekeepers, a crucial yet often overlooked group in frontline infection prevention.
The initiative not only enhances the IPC knowledge and confidence of housekeepers but also builds a pathway for professional growth, inspiring future IPC Champions and nurses. The success of the first cohort has led to high demand for expansion, with a second training group already planned for 2025.
On winning the award, Sarah Thomas, Megan Wilton and Kris Khambhaita said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award. This recognition reflects the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of IPC Team but also the Housekeepers as the participants who were engaging throughout. Thank you to those who nominated and supported us — it’s a privilege to work alongside such passionate and committed colleagues. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful for this meaningful acknowledgment.”
These award-winning projects exemplify the innovation, collaboration, and dedication driving excellence in infection prevention and control. The IPS extends warm congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements in safeguarding patients, staff, and communities.
