eBulletin December 2002 Edition 2
Visit from Teresa Horan of CDC
The VICNISS Coordinating Centre Staff were recently privileged to host Teresa Horan, Chief Performance Management Section, Healthcare
Outcomes Branch, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. Teresa was in Australia as a keynote speaker at the recent Infection
Control Association NSW Inc. Conference, and was keen to spend time catching up with Mike Richards (whom she worked with at CDC in 1999)
and meet the VICNISS team.
Teresa spent the day at VICNISS discussing many nosocomial surveillance issues with the team. Given that VICNISS methodology is based on
NNIS methodology, we were fortunate that Teresa was able to share her many years of knowledge and experience. Perhaps the most pertinent
message Teresa delivered was that surveillance is not meant to be difficult. We were also able to learn about exciting new developments
at NNIS, particularly relating to patient safety and quality issues, and progress in developing the ‘National Health and Safety
Network’ in the United States.
The VICNISS team are grateful that Teresa was able to spend time at the Coordinating Centre, and look forward to further contact
in the future.
Data Transfer - January 2003
Thankyou to all the participating hospitals for their patients during these first weeks. It is hoped that the first two months
data collection from Phase 1 hospitals (November 11th - December 31st 2002) can be transferred to the VICNISS Coordinating Centre
between February 3rd-7th 2003. How this data is to be transferred to the VICNISS Coordinating Centre is dependent on how you are collecting the data:
For those using a paper system only:
Fax each completed form using the VICNISS fax covering form and VICNISS will enter the data for you!
For those using eICAT or alternative technology:
Simon Burrell (IT Manager) will be in contact with you in the New Year to discuss specific requirements.
VICNISS User Groups to Commence in New Year
VICNISS is inviting current VICNISS surveillance participants and Infection Control staff from hospitals commencing data collection
in 2003 to participate in a VICNISS User group. The purpose of these user groups is for participants to:
- Share their experiences
- Review their data surveillance programs
- Discuss issues arising from surveillance definitions and software and to suggest improvements
The first VICNISS user Group meeting (VUG) will be held on Thursday February 6th from 1430 - 1600 in the conference room of the 7th
Floor Charles Connibere building, Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Further details are to follow. If you would like to express an
interest in attending the VUG please contact Jane Motley:
Jane.Motley @ mh.org.au
