Extending infection prevention and control nursing (IPCN) provision to weekends at one National Health Service hospital in the United Kingdom: A feasibility and acceptability study

BACKGROUND: Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Teams (IPCTs) provide clinical cover during weekdays with on call support at weekends. We report the results of a 6-month pilot of extending infection prevention and control nursing (IPCN) clinical cover to weekends at one National Health Service trust in the United Kingdom. METHODS: We examined daily episodes of infection prevention and control (IPC) clinical advice given before and during the pilot of extended IPCN to weekends. Stakeholders rated the value, impact, and their awareness of the new extended IPCN cover. RESULTS: Episodes of clinical advice given were more evenly distributed across the weeks during the pilot. Advantages for infection management, patient flow, and clinical workload were seen. CONCLUSIONS: IPCN clinical cover at weekends is feasible and valued by stakeholders.