“Introduction” workshops are held to assist the number of new infection control nurses that have joined VICNISS participating sites, or for those existing nurses that would like a refresher. Content for the workshop included introductions to HAI surveillance, and VICNISS surveillance methodology (SSI and ICU), instruction on the basic and modified risk index and SIR for CSEC and AB prophylaxis, and understanding and interpreting reports.

We are planning to conduct an “Introduction” workshop followed by a “How to Read Reports Workshop” in early October 2007. As with previous days, the “Introduction” workshop will be held in the morning, followed by lunch and then the “Reports” workshop.

We will contact you regarding the date and venue [we are undergoing major renovations] as soon as we have confirmed.

If you would like to register your interest in attending these workshops, you can email us at vicniss @ mh.org.au.

Further to information provided in the last eBulletin in regards to some issues clarifying difference between DEEP and ORGAN SPACE SSI, we made the following points:

With regards to drainage:

• When there is no drainage through the incision – the SSI remains an Organ Space SSI.
• If there is spontaneous drainage through the incision – the SSI becomes a Deep SSI [Criteria (a) of Deep SSI].
• If there is no spontaneous drainage through the incision, but the wound is deliberately opened – remains an Organ Space SSI.

Following this last point, we were then asked by one Infection Control Consultant if it mattered if the “wound is deliberately opened” in theatre or with a pair of forceps in the ward? The response from Teresa Horan is that it DOES NOT matter where the wound was deliberately opened, just that it was deliberately done.

Over the years we have had several requests from Type 1 hospitals regarding participation in Haemodialysis Outpatient Event surveillance that is currently offered to Type 2 Hospitals.

The objective of this module is to provide a method for individual outpatient Haemodialysis unit to monitor bloodstream and vascular access infections and IV Vancomycin starts. It is based on the “Haemodialysis Incident” component of the CDC NHSN program. Further information about this surveillance activity can be accessed from the VICNISS Type 2 Surveillance Manual or the NHSN website.

Presently we are exploring the best way to offer this module to Type 1 Hospitals. If you would like to register your interest in undertaking this module if offered in 2008, you can email us at vicniss @ mh.org.au.

We will keep you updated on progress.

Over the next month, Type 1 sites will receive a copy of the 2007 Satisfaction Survey. This survey is very important for the ongoing evaluation of the VICNISS Coordinating Centre, and planning of future resources.

One copy of this survey will be sent to each participating site, and we request that only one copy be returned to the VICNISS Coordinating Centre for each site. We recommend that the Infection Control Coordinator consult with all members in the infection control team who are involved with VICNISS surveillance to assist in the completion of the survey.

All hospitals will be informed of the results of the survey.