Infection prevention is a core part of delivering safe care. For healthcare professionals, knowing how to reduce infection risk is just as important as knowing how to deliver medication or respond to an emergency. Infection Control Training ensures that staff have the knowledge and confidence to carry out their roles safely and responsibly. Whether in a hospital, GP surgery, care home or community setting, infection control is not optional—it’s a legal and professional requirement.
Why Infection Control Training Matters
Healthcare settings expose people to higher infection risks due to close contact, vulnerable patients and shared equipment. Infections can spread quickly without the right precautions in place. Infection Control Training helps staff:
Understand how infections spread
Identify and minimise risks
Follow safe working practices
Respond to incidents or outbreaks confidently
It also helps organisations stay compliant with regulatory expectations and avoid the disruption, cost and risk that follow poor infection control.
Legal Responsibilities for Infection Control
Every healthcare organisation must meet certain legal and professional standards around infection prevention. Training supports compliance with:
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Code of Practice)
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
CQC standards for infection control in care services
Failure to provide regular, appropriate training can lead to enforcement action, reputational damage and avoidable harm to patients or staff.
What Infection Control Training Covers
A good course should be relevant, practical and aligned with current guidance. Key areas typically include:
Hand hygiene – Effective techniques and when to wash
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – What to use, when and how to remove it safely
Environmental cleaning – Cleaning schedules, cross-contamination and disinfection practices
Sharps and clinical waste – Safe use, handling and disposal
Spill management – How to deal with blood or bodily fluid incidents
Chain of infection – How infections are transmitted and where to break the cycle
Outbreak response – What to do if infection is suspected or confirmed
Courses should reflect the setting and staff roles involved. For example, training in a care home may differ from what’s needed in an outpatient clinic.
Who Needs Infection Control Training?
Infection Control Training is essential for:
Healthcare assistants and nurses
Domiciliary care workers
Allied health professionals
Cleaners and porters in clinical environments
Admin and support staff working in care settings
Even those who don’t provide direct care play a role in keeping environments safe. Training ensures everyone understands their part.
How Often Should It Be Completed?
Most organisations require infection control training to be refreshed annually. Additional sessions may be needed if there are changes to regulations, equipment or internal procedures. New starters should receive training as part of their induction before beginning any care-related tasks.
How It’s Delivered
Training can be delivered in different formats depending on what works best:
In-person sessions – Ideal for teams and hands-on demonstrations
Live online training – Offers flexibility while maintaining trainer interaction
Blended learning – A mix of practical and online delivery
Sessions should be led by someone with direct experience in infection prevention, such as a registered nurse or healthcare trainer, and include time for discussion and practical scenarios.
Supporting a Safer Workplace
Training alone doesn’t guarantee safety but it’s an essential foundation. When staff understand the ‘why’ behind infection control, they’re more likely to follow procedures, spot issues early and act responsibly. It also helps build consistency, ensuring that no matter who’s on shift, the same standards apply.
Getting the Basics Right, Every Time
Infection control isn’t about one-off actions. It’s about routine. Proper handwashing. Wearing PPE correctly. Cleaning equipment between uses. These aren’t extras—they’re basic standards in healthcare. Training ensures those standards are met, even under pressure. When these practices become second nature, infection risk drops. Services run more smoothly. People feel safer—because they are.
Ready to Train Your Team?
Infection Control Training isn’t something to leave to chance. It protects staff, patients and your organisation. Done well, it builds confidence and creates a strong safety culture across your service. If you're looking for straightforward, hands-on training tailored to your setting, The Leicestershire Training Team delivers infection control sessions led by experienced healthcare professionals. Courses are practical and aligned with CQC expectations.
Visit The Leicestershire Training Team to find out more or book training for your team. Sessions can be delivered at your site or online, whichever works best for you.
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