The Infection Prevention Society of the UK and Ireland is a registered charity, existing to serve its active network of around 2,000 members working in infection prevention and control, in both health and social care. Whilst it is not a patient focused group itself at times it works with a number of organisations representing patients' interests but primarily health and social care organisations in the course of its work.
(See our Links to Patient Groups page for those seeking additional support organisations.)
Our vision is that no person is harmed by a preventable infection.
We specifically promote skills in monitoring and improving quality indicators such as hand hygiene practices, as well as assessing risks from drug resistant bacteria for example.
IPS members work across health and social care to make sure the right practices take place at the right time to keep patients, visitors and staff safe. As a patient or member of the public it’s important to make sure you are aware of information that is available to you, in for example your local hospital, on the role you can play in infection prevention and control.
This information might cover the following important topics (note this list is not exhaustive):
- Hand Hygiene
- Hand hygiene at the right times is essential for safety – find out more about hand hygiene and the role you can play.
- Visiting Hospital
- Hospitals provide advice to the public on visiting during outbreaks and/or when you yourself may be suffering from certain infections – check your local hospital advice before visiting relatives or loved ones if you are at all unsure.
- Admission to Hospital
- Before going into hospital you may be provided with advice and information on infection control; you can ask your local hospital.
Education is a key activity for the society which organises many events and infection prevention programmes of work are run by our members in hospitals, clinics and other areas aimed at professionals at all levels.
As well as running educational events we support our members to help build competence and practice effective care. We do this through:
- research;
- sharing of knowledge;
- influencing national policies.
Many of our members sit on national committees, are authors of national guidelines, write scientific papers, present at conferences and are involved in research programmes.
The Infection Prevention Society actively collaborates with governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, other professional societies, making our work both rewarding and supportive of our vision.