Development of Water Hygiene for Healthcare Scheme

We are currently exploring the development of a new Water Hygiene for Healthcare scheme, intended to build upon the established National Water Hygiene Scheme and provide healthcare-specific awareness and knowledge relating to water hygiene risks within healthcare environments.

The development reflects the increasing focus across the healthcare sector on infection prevention and control, waterborne pathogen risks, and the importance of ensuring that individuals working on or around healthcare water systems understand the potential impact of their activities on patient safety.

The proposed scheme is being informed by current healthcare guidance and emerging requirements, including HTM 04-01 (Safe Water in Healthcare Premises), the ongoing revision of SHTM 04-01, and NHS Estates Technical Bulletins relating to waterborne pathogen risk management, including NETB 03-24.

The intention is to build on the core principles of the National Water Hygiene Scheme while introducing healthcare-specific content covering topics such as:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs);
• Waterborne pathogens and aerosol risks;
• Vulnerable and augmented care environments;
• Infection prevention and hygiene behaviours; and
• The role individuals play in supporting healthcare water safety.

As part of the development process, EUSR will be engaging with industry stakeholders and healthcare specialists to help ensure the scheme is relevant, practical, and aligned with current healthcare sector expectations.

Trainer Engagement

We are seeking a small review group of existing National Water Hygiene trainers with demonstrable healthcare industry knowledge and experience of working within healthcare environments. The group will review the proposed Water Hygiene for Healthcare scheme materials.

We are particularly interested in engaging trainers who already deliver healthcare-specific water hygiene, water safety, or infection prevention training. Their input will help us understand current training provision, identify industry requirements, and explore opportunities to align the proposed scheme with established healthcare practices and expectations.

National Water Hygiene trainers with relevant healthcare experience who would like to participate in the review group, or discuss their current healthcare-related training provision, are invited to contact the EUSR team by Wednesday 30 September to confirm their interest.