Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Zone

📅August 2026

• Transmission-Based Precautions (TBPs): This is a newly developed module aligned with the new guidance provided in the NIPCM/CHIPCM.

  The aim of this module is to help you prevent transmission or spread of harmful infectious agents to yourself, individuals and staff in the care environment through consistent application of Transmission-Based Precautions (TBPs). 

  The module is now live on the Transmission-Based Precautions (TBPs) page.  

• Patient/Resident Placement and assessment for infection risk: This module has been fully reviewed and updated to include new material on IPC Risk Assessment. 

  This module aims to equip health and social care staff with an understanding of how to conduct an infection prevention and control (IPC) risk assessment and how it supports safe decision-making in patient/resident placement and across all Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs).  

  The module is now live on the Patient/Resident Placement and assessment for infection risk page.

• Occupational Risk: Preventing hazards in the workplace module 3: respiratory protective equipment (RPE) The Preventing Hazards in the Workplace – Module 3: Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) learning module has been temporarily unpublished while it is being updated to align with the latest guidance contained within the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) chapter 2.  Until the updated module is republished, staff are asked to review the current NIPCM guidance using the link provided.

📅 May 2026

• Infection Prevention and Control considerations for water and drainage systems in the healthcare-built environment:  Complete suite of 5 learning animations for the Healthcare Built Environment are now available.

  The videos cover a range of topics on understanding water systems and what can be done to reduce and eliminate the risk of infection – keeping patients in our care safe.

Developed by our Antimicrobial Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland team, part of NHS Scotland Assure, and NHS Education for Scotland. To access the animations on the Water Safety page.

📅January 2026

• Safe management of care equipment: The Safe management of care equipment module and assessment have been fully reviewed and updated. The new version is now live on the Safe management of care equipment page.
• IPC risks in the HBE : building services: The second toolbox talk of our IPC Risks in HBE series is now available! This resource focuses on building services. Visit the Fundamentals of HBE page to access the programme.

• SIPCEP foundation module changes - Important information: Following the release of the SIPCEP foundation module, 'Why infection prevention and control matters,' we will retire four existing SIPCEP foundation modules on Monday 9th March:

  • Breaking the Chain of Infection
  • Infection prevention and control: Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Infection prevention and control: refresher for clinical staff
  • Infection prevention and control: refresher for non-clinical staff

  These changes support a clearer and more streamlined learning experience aligned with the most up to date information. 

  It is important to note that Why Infection Prevention and Control Matters does not replace all foundation modules. Learners should still complete other SIPCEP foundation modules where these relate to their role, responsibilities, and area of work.

📅December 2025

• NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has developed a draft “IPC Specialist Career Framework for Scotland” to support the development of the specialist IPC workforce across health and social care. Consultation on new draft framework - Infection Prevention and Control Specialist Career Framework for Scotland | Turas | Learn  The consultation is now open until 16 January 2026 to seek feedback from learners, line managers, educators and organisations.

📅October 2025

• Unite. Prevent. Protect. Prevail.  It’s International Infection Prevention Week 2025 (IIPW2025). Infection prevention and control is everyone’s responsibility.  Many roles, one goal – protect those we provide care to, relatives, colleagues and communities through small actions which can make a big difference. Unite in action, prevent infections, protect colleagues and communities, prevail this winter. infectionpreventionandyou.org,
• Raising awareness of antimicrobial stewardship for nurses and midwives: The Raising awareness of antimicrobial stewardship for nurses and midwives has been fully reviewed and updated. The new version is now live on the Antibiotic management page.
• Healthcare Built Environment Knowledge and Skills Framework: The Healthcare Built Environment Knowledge & Skills Framework has been fully reviewed and updated. The new version is now live on the K&S Framework page.
• Winter Preparedness: Refresh Your IPC Knowledge Winter pressures can increase the risk of outbreaks and staff sickness. Refresher training helps health and care staff stay aligned with best practice, protecting those receiving care, staff, families, and visitors. Refresh your IPC knowledge through the Scottish Infection Prevention and Control Education Pathway (SIPCEP) and encourage colleagues to do the same.

If you require this resource to be made available in alternative formats, please email HAI@nes.scot.nhs.uk or altformats@nes.scot.nhs.uk to discuss how we can best meet your requirements.