First Choice Healthcare — Carer Handbook

Standards

Infection Prevention & Control

Infection prevention and control is fundamental to safe care. Every carer is responsible for minimising the risk of infection to clients, themselves, and others. These protocols are aligned with CQC best practice standards.

Why IPC Matters

The people we support are often more vulnerable to infection due to underlying health conditions, reduced immunity, or invasive care procedures. Effective infection prevention and control protects everyone — the client, their family, you, and your colleagues. Poor IPC practice can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation, or death.

Hand Hygiene — The 5 Moments

Before touching or providing care to a client

Before any clean or aseptic procedure

After exposure to or risk of exposure to body fluids

After touching a client or their immediate surroundings

After removing gloves or other personal protective equipment

Hand Washing Technique

Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap

Rub palms together, then rub each palm over the back of the other hand

Interlock fingers and rub between them thoroughly

Rub the backs of fingers against opposing palms

Clasp each thumb and rotate — clean around the base

Rub fingertips in the palm of each hand in a circular motion

Rinse thoroughly under running water and dry completely with a disposable towel

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Disposable gloves

wear for all personal care tasks and when handling body fluids or contaminated items

Disposable aprons

wear for all personal care tasks, food preparation, and cleaning duties

Face masks

wear when instructed by the care plan, during respiratory illness outbreaks, or as directed by your manager

Eye protection

wear when there is a risk of splashing from body fluids

PPE Rules

Always put on PPE before starting a task and remove it immediately after

Never reuse disposable gloves or aprons — single use only

Change gloves and aprons between different care tasks for the same client

Always change PPE between clients — never carry contamination between homes

Dispose of used PPE in the correct waste stream as instructed

Wash hands immediately after removing PPE, even if gloves were worn

Waste Disposal

Clinical waste (dressings, soiled PPE, continence pads) — yellow bags as directed by the care plan
Sharps (needles, lancets) — designated sharps containers only, never overfill
Domestic waste — standard household waste bags
Never mix clinical and domestic waste
Never push waste down into bags — risk of needlestick injury
Report any waste disposal issues to your manager immediately

Preventing Cross-Contamination

Clean from cleanest area to dirtiest area — never the reverse

Use separate cloths for kitchen, bathroom, and personal care areas

Never place soiled items on clean surfaces

Bag soiled laundry at the point of use — do not carry it loose through the home

Clean and disinfect reusable equipment between uses and between clients

Report any signs of infection in a client to your manager immediately

If You Are Unwell

Do not attend a client visit if you are experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or any symptoms of infectious illness. Contact your manager before your shift. You must remain off work for at least 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. Attending work while infectious puts vulnerable people at serious risk.

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