Tackling IPC Challenges in Mental Health Settings
28th April 2026 | National Conference Centre, Birmingham
Rethinking Infection Control in Mental Health
Join healthcare leaders at the IPC in a Mental Health Setting 2026 Conference. A focused day exploring real-world challenges, practical solutions, and frontline innovation shaping safer mental health environments across the NHS and private care.
A Room Full of Decision-Makers
IPCMH 2026 brings together professionals from across the UK and beyond, working at every level of IPC in Mental Health Setting — from frontline staff to national leaders.
Infection Control & Clinical Leads
Head of IPC / DIPC
IPC Lead
IPC Matron
Infection Prevention Nurse
Physical Health Lead
Clinical Lead
Consultant in Infection Control
Mental Health & Nursing Roles
Mental Health Nurse / Practitioner
Adult Acute Mental Health Nurse
Ward Lead
Psychiatric Lead
Clinical Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Forensic Lead
Facilities & Operations
Facilities Manager / Estates Lead
Hotel Services Manager
Cleaning & Decontamination Lead
Laundry & Linen Services Lead
Environmental Services Lead
Risk & Compliance Manager
Health & Safety Lead
Why Attend?
Break free from one-size-fits-all guidance and isolated working. This conference brings together leading voices in infection prevention and mental health care to share practical, real-world strategies designed for complex, secure, and high-risk environments. Learn what’s working on the frontline—and how to apply it in your setting.
The Challenges You Face
- Outbreaks behind locked doors – controlling infections in secure, high-risk settings
- Guidance that doesn’t fit – national IPC protocols rarely suit mental health care
- High risk, low time – balancing safety with therapeutic care under pressure
- Inconsistent teams, inconsistent practice – sustaining IPC standards with high staff turnover
Free to Attend
No cost for NHS professionals
7.5 CPD Points
Enhance your professional development
Speakers
Learn from NHS & Mental Health leaders
Innovation
See the latest solutions in action
Networking
Connect with senior decision-makers
Free Lunch
Stay energised throughout the day
Conference Speakers
Louise Forrester
Lead Nurse - Physical Health (Mental Health & L&D) Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
[Proposed]
Emma Hucker
Infection Prevention and Control Nurse - Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
[Proposed]
Prof. Mark WIlcox
National Specialty Advisor for Infection Prevention and Control & AMR Diagnostics - NHS England
[Proposed]
Suzanna Osgerby
Hotel Services Manager - Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
[Confirmed]
Conference Agenda
07:45 – 09:00
Registration, Coffee & Networking
09:00 – 09:15
Chairs Introduction
Louise Forrester – Lead Nurse – Physical Health (Mental Health & L&D) Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust [Proposed]
09:15 – 09:35
Managing At-Risk Patients in Isolation
Emma Hucker – Infection Prevention & Control Nurse – Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust [Proposed]
09:35 – 10:05
Group Discussion
10:05 – 10:25
Outbreaks Behind Locked Doors: Managing MDRO / Norovirus
Prof. Mark Wilcox – National Specialty Advisor for Infection Prevention and Control & AMR Diagnostics – NHS England [Proposed]
10:25 – 10:55
Group Discussion
10:55 – 11:30
Morning Coffee & Networking
11:30 – 11:50
What Works: Practitioner Stories in MH IPC
Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust [Proposed]
11:50 – 12:10
Group Discussion
12:10 – 12:35
Laundry/Linen – Why Laundry Processes Matter: Innovative Cleaning/Decontamination
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust [Proposed]
12:35 – 13:45
Lunch & Networking
13:45 – 14:05
The Challenges of Dispensers with Mental Health Environments
A discussion around the challenges we have faced within the Humber Trust when it comes to soap dispensers in mental health environments. Where we started, what we have tried and where we are now. The risks involved from the patients perspective- how do we keep them safe, along with the cleaning and Estates works required.
Suzanna Osgerby – Hotel Services Manager – Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust [Confirmed]
14:05 – 14:35
Group Discussion
14:35 – 14:55
New Hospital: Risk Factors Considered in Design
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust [Proposed]
14:55 – 15:25
Group Discussion
15:25 – 16:30
Panel Discussion: What Have We Learned Today? – Q&A
16:30