Infection control in the built environment

The provision of a safe environment for those receiving healthcare is essential and has an important role in preventing HAIs (healthcare associated infections). The built environment in healthcare covers the construction and adaptation of healthcare buildings, as well as the design and provision of healthcare services in all clinical areas. It is essential that infection prevention and control (IPC) is included throughout these processes.

We review current built environment technical guidance ensuring that IPC is taken into consideration and provide advice and support to NHS boards. Support with technical engineering expertise for the built environment is provided by Health Facilities Scotland.

We provide NHS boards with evidence-based guidance on areas of the built environment, including recent literature reviews on surgical site infection risks and HAI risks associated with healthcare ventilation systems.

Chapter 4 of the National Infection Prevention and control manual – Infection Control in the Built Environment and Decontamination. The healthcare built environment means the buildings and related infrastructure used for the provision of healthcare. This includes utilities such as water and ventilation. The healthcare built environment plays a critical role in the provision of safe patient care and protection to staff and visitors.

Chapter 4 is informed by evidence-based literature reviews and best practice guidance tools and resources relating to IPC in the built environment.

Content going forward will be developed via the ARHAI Scotland Infection Control in the Built Environment and Decontamination (ICBED) programme informed by stakeholder engagement and requirements, learning from the NHS Assurance programme and outbreaks and incidents.