a day ago
Taskforce tackling infections in Dumfries and Galloway looking for new members
The infection prevention and control public involvement group scrutinises how infection prevention is delivered and plays a key role in forming policy and procedures.
A taskforce aimed at tackling infections in Dumfries and Galloway is looking for new members.
The infection prevention and control public involvement group scrutinises how infection prevention is delivered and plays a key role in forming policy and procedures.
And it is encouraging anyone with an interest in infection prevention to consider joining.
No medical experience is needed – just a willingness to learn, question, and contribute.
Group chair Irene Henry said: 'This is not a passive role. It's about helping to shape decisions that affect the health and lives of everyone living in Dumfries and Galloway. If that sounds like something you care about, we want to hear from you.
'Covid taught us a lot – not just about how infection spreads, but about how critical it is to include patient voices in decision-making.
'This group isn't symbolic. We're actively shaping the way infection risks are managed, and our views are being taken seriously. We've already seen that in the changes that have come about as a direct result of our role.'
The threat from infection hasn't faded since Covid-19.
A report for the latest healthboard meeting revealed there had been 77 cases of over the first 10 months of 2024/25 – up from 62 over the same period the year before.
There were 25 cases of staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SABs) – down from 31 – with clostridium difficile ( cases rising from 30 to 39.
Infection prevention and control manager Ross Darley said: 'Having this group involved raises the bar. They ask difficult questions, highlight gaps, and keep infection prevention a living, evolving part of our health system – not just a set of static rules. Their work is essential to how we respond and implement policy and procedures.
'The NHS continues to be challenged with evolving infection threats – from the recent emergence of Mpox to new antibiotic-resistant superbugs fuelled by global travel.
'These aren't distant problems – they affect how care is delivered in our region, how patients are protected and hospitals are kept as safe as possible.'
The group meets every two months for a meeting attended by senior NHS infection prevention and control management, public health representatives and vaccination leads
Training is provided, as well as direct insight into the local NHS processes, with members actively encouraged to draw from their own experiences and knowledge to inform the shaping of approaches.
Anyone with an interest in joining the group should email
