Few things are more important in healthcare settings than stringent infection prevention and control measures. Poor hygiene and cleanliness procedures can have serious ramifications for patients, staff and organisations alike. As such, it’s crucial that all staff within a health-care environment understand their role in relation to infection prevention and control. This learning programme looks at the meaning and importance of infection control, as well as the causes of infections and the conditions in which they thrive and spread. It also outlines the methods used to prevent and control the spread of infection.