Inspection program results: what we found

As part of our ongoing commitment to effective infection prevention and control, 28 practices were inspected during the council’s 2024–25 inspection program.  

Of the 28 practices inspected, 16 were fully compliant with the infection control standards, 11 showed non-critical issues and 1 had a critical issue identified.

 Some common issues 

• Cleanliness and organisation: Some treatment rooms were messy, reception areas cluttered, and reprocessing zones dirty or poorly organised. We also noted overflowing waste as well as sharps bins, dirty storage cabinets and surfaces.
• Instrument cleaning and reprocessing: Several practices lacked a clear “dirty to clean” workflow. Common concerns were missing batch numbers on sterilised equipment and incomplete patient records.
• Furniture and equipment: Inspectors reported damaged treatment chairs, sharps containers on the floor, empty cleaning product containers left in treatment areas, and improper use of basins for handwashing and instrument cleaning.
• Infection control policy: Some practices did not have a specific, practice-tailored infection control policy and demonstrated limited awareness of current standards.

We encourage all practices to review these findings carefully and address any gaps to ensure patient safety as well as compliance with infection control standards.

Our approach to infection control