In the UK over a million people are employed as carers and millions more provide informal care and support for relatives and friends. The Department of Health has drawn up a code of practice acknowledging that everyone involved in care provision needs training to tackle the risk of Health Care Acquired Infection (HCAI). This new qualification is designed as an introduction to hygiene and ensures that vulnerable people are not exposed to unnecessary risks. It will help everyone, including those in the private and voluntary healthcare sectors, to play their part in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Who needs this qualification?

This is for employees who have already received basic health and safety training and would benefit from additional focused training in hygiene hazards and controls. This would include carers and others who provide cleaning and support services in a broad range of contexts, for example hospitals, nursing homes, care homes, patients'/clients' own homes, prisons and residential schools.

Subjects covered

• hygiene hazards
• personal hygiene
• cleaning

Course Information

Duration: One day programme
Assessment: Multiple-choice examination
QCA Accredited: Accreditation being sought
Prerequisite: None - successful candidates will gain credit towards the Level 2 Award in Health & Safety in Health and Social Care