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<p>The Government continues to work with a range of stakeholders towards the successful
completion of the commitment to prioritise infection prevention and control (IPC),
the management of infections and biosecurity in the built environment, ensuring that
an understanding of antimicrobial resistance is integrated into health and social
care estate design, veterinary practices, and farm settings, as specified in the <em>UK
AMR National Action Plan 2024-2029</em>. The plan recognises the importance of the
healthcare environment, not only as a potential source of infection, but also how
building design can facilitate effective IPC practices.</p><p>Despite a growing body
of evidence to suggest that the hospital-built environment, its fabric, layout, and
equipment, can contribute to the spread of infection, the mechanisms are still not
fully understood. The UK Health Security Agency has unique expertise and capabilities
for investigating how the indoor environment contributes to the spread of infection,
including aerobiology expertise deployed during various outbreaks, for example in
COVID-19 and Mpox, and a dedicated research facility designed and built to simulate
a hospital ward.</p><p>The age of much of the National Health Service estate means
there is an ongoing need for repair, renovation, or replacement. Decisions made during
the design, build, or refurbishment process are informed by the latest evidence, considering
the spread of infection alongside a range of other factors.</p><p>The Department for
the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs works with the veterinary sector and livestock
industry to promote good practices and ensure the farm environment and design enables
the rearing of healthy animals, reducing the need for antibiotics.</p>
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