NIPCM

Winter brings increased circulation of seasonal respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses alongside sustained pressures on health and care services. During these periods, even small lapses in practice can lead to transmission, outbreaks, staff sickness, and service disruption.

Adherence to SICPs - including effective hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe sharps management, environmental cleaning, respiratory hygiene, and correct management of equipment and linen - reduces the risk of both known and undiagnosed infection spreading. SICPs must be applied to every patient, resident, and interaction, regardless of diagnosis or setting.

Extra vigilance is needed during seasonal peaks and consistent application of all SICPs reduces outbreaks, helps break the chain of infection at each point of care and keeps everyone safe.

Visit our winter preparedness page in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) for more tools, resources and guidance.