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 the UKHSA, the NHS, local government, and other key partners.
In the first instance, report outbreaks or notifiable diseases to the 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 residents, 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 10th May 2024
- Wednesday 26th June 2024
- Wednesday 4th September 2024
- Wednesday 23rd October 2024 - cleaners leads/supervisors (one day course new)
- Wednesday 4th December 2024
- Friday 28th March 2025
Infection control short course training dates:
- Wednesday 29th May 2024
- Tuesday 30th July 2024
- Tuesday 12th November 2024
- Wednesday 15 January 2025
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.
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