Health protection is a statutory responsibility of the DPH and delivered by a range of partners. The DPH has responsibility for the overview of prevention and control infection and communicable disease in the population. This role includes being assured that effective arrangements are in place to prevent and control infection across health, social care and wider community settings including education settings. The aim of the Community IPC service is to protect County Durham residents by reducing the risk of infection and ensuring IPC across local settings. This is achieved by expert advice, guidance, training and intervention provided as required across of variety of settings including: o GP surgeries o CQC registered children's residential homes o Care homes o Educational settings, with a priority focus on special education needs schools (SEND) o Domiciliary care providers o Adult day care settings o Other settings as required. The service will provide assurance and oversight to the DPH that this is occurring, and ensuring quality standards are met in relation to management of HCAIs.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award Rationale for the direct award is based upon achieving best value for County Durham, using the local Trust and anchor institution, with existing clinical integration and structures. Clinical input from CDDFT Acute IPCT will provide continuity across acute and community settings, without compromising safety.

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