Health protection
What is health protection?
Health protection practice aims to prevent, assess, and mitigate risks and threats to human health arising from communicable diseases and exposure to environmental hazards. Health protection is dynamic and responsive to the current health needs of the population.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting the public from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats.
Whilst the UKHSA has a duty to deliver the specialist health protection response, local authorities have a critical role in protecting the health of their population, both in terms of planning to prevent threats arising, and in ensuring appropriate responses to incidents and outbreaks.
The effective delivery of local health protection services requires close partnership working between UKHSA, the NHS, local government, and other key partners.
In the first instance, report outbreaks or notifiable diseases to UKHSA Sussex and Surrey local health protection team:
Email: SE.AcuteResponse@ukhsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0344 225 3861
Out of hours urgent enquiries: 0844 967 0069
For any other general queries or for advice contact us: Health.Protection@eastsussex.gov.uk
Infection Prevention and Control
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach preventing patients and health workers and the public from being harmed by avoidable infections.
Preventing and reducing the transmission of infectious diseases is essential to ensuring people stay healthy.
Examples of infection control practices include hand washing, cleaning, and wearing personal protective equipment.
Adult residential settings
For general advice or support regarding infection control contact us: Health.Protection@eastsussex.gov.uk
Infection control training
There is a range of infection control training available for East Sussex care workers including infection control champions training for residential settings.
Infection control champions training dates:
- Friday 28 July 2023
- Tuesday 3 October 2023
- Friday 8 December 2023
- Thursday 29 February 2024
Infection control short course training dates:
- 06 July
- 08 September
- 02 November
- 16 January 2024
Email the team for more information: IPC.ChampionsProgramme@eastsussex.gov.uk
For an introduction to the fundamentals of infection prevention and control visit our infection control e-learning course on the East Sussex Learning Portal.
Community-based social care infection prevention and control project
Our aim is to enhance the knowledge of health protection and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices amongst non-CQC regulated community-based providers such as unpaid carers, Personal Assistants, day services, informal care and support, and volunteers working in the community and people’s own homes.
We share newsletters, resources such as current guidance and advice, as well as opportunities for engagement through online drop-ins, events, training and webinars.
Email us to find out more or ask to join our mailing list to receive updates: PAIPCProtectCovid19@eastsussex.gov.uk
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