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
Phone: 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
Immunisation Service for Children and Young People
The NHS HPV vaccination programme in England, delivered in schools, has dramatically lowered HPV infections and rates of cervical cancer in vaccine-eligible women, with the strongest effects seen in those offered vaccination at younger ages. Over a quarter of pupils missing out on HPV vaccine - 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. Email 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 homes.
Email the team for more information: IPC.ChampionsProgramme@eastsussex.gov.uk
For an introduction to the fundamentals of infection prevention and control, see our infection control e-learning course on the East Sussex Learning Portal.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Champions Training 2025
We are running IPC Champions Training for East Sussex care workers.
The sessions will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams on:
- Tuesday 22 July 2025
- Thursday 25 September 2025
- Tuesday 21 October 2025
- Friday 21 November 2025
- Wednesday 17 December 2025
All sessions are 9.30am to 4pm. You need to attend one training session date only.
About the sessions
Your certificate is valid for 2 years after which you will need to attend a refresher training session.
The aim is to support someone to take on an IPC Champion role in their setting to promote IPC practice and act as a role model for good practice.
It is essential that the person attending this training is an East Sussex care worker and is either a senior carer or support worker, registered nurse or registered manager.
Champion's responsibilities in the workplace
- Help create an environment which will promote and improve the safety of residents, staff and visitors in relation to infection prevention and control.
- Convert IPC policy into achievable 'do-able' practice.
- Able to challenge poor practice and empower others to provide care safely.
- Acts as a resource person and role model for staff in relation to best IPC practice at all times.
How to register
Book your place here:
