Improving infection control and combating antimicrobial resistance in nursing practice

Robust infection control practices are of paramount importance in health care. England's 5-year antimicrobial national action plan, first published in 2019 (Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), 2019) stated that the Scottish National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) would be adopted in England as the gold standard for national guidelines, reflecting the NHS's dedication to ensuring high levels of patient safety and care (NHS England, 2023). Tailored specifically for England, the NIPCM serves not only as a guide but also as a foundation for healthcare providers, aiding them in meeting the 10 criteria set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance (DHSC, 2022a; NHS England, 2023). This holistic approach emphasises the UK's commitment to establishing and maintaining stringent regulatory measures, affirming that infection control is an integral part of healthcare practice.