As you are all too well aware, this year has brought about many changes and new challenges to our work day. Expertise, in infection control in particular, understandably has been in demand and the staff here at VICNISS have been called upon to share their expertise and give support to several DHHS key projects to assist in the fight against COVID-19. DHHS Deputy Public Health Commander and Director Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Cell Claire Boardman has written a letter extending her gratitude to the team and asked we share it with you. You can read more about it here, in her letter of thanks, where she details the projects and involvement the staff have had. VICNISS staff would in turn like to pass on a heartfelt thanks to all of you. We could not have played our role in supporting the response without your assistance, cooperation and patience. We hope you all get to enjoy Christmas and New Year with family and friends.
Read more...As of January 2021 changes to SAP compliance assessment will come into effect and apply to the following VICNISS surveillance modules: SSI, SESI (small hospitals), SAP (small hospitals) and COLOPAM. Click on the link to read more...
Read more...Click on the link below to read our infectious diseases physician Dr Lyn-li Lim's latest literature reviews. This month's review is on two recently published articles on seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Read more...In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Victoria, VICNISS have added information to our Infection Control Toolbox (latest update 14/12/2020)
Read more...The COVID-19 frontline health workers study explores the important social, occupational and mental health effects experienced by frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. People working in other frontline health areas (such as medical or surgical areas) are also welcome to take part via the survey. You do not need to have worked directly with people with COVID-19 to participate, as the study would like to hear from all frontline health workers.
Read more...For the latest updates and information about the novel coronavirus in Victoria please refer to the DHHS website. As this is a rapidly changing situation please refer to this link for updates regularly.
Read more...Ongoing CPE surveillance in Victoria was disrupted by COVID-19 activities. Investigation is ongoing and TRA list will be updated shortly
Read more...Please note the recent release of the "Clinical and related Waste Guidance - Supplement for healthcare staff". You may recall that this topic was covered at last year's Infection Clinical Network forum.
Read more...For the latest updates, information and advice about the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Victoria please refer to the Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria (DHHS) website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
For links to other Department of Health and Human Services websites and social media channels please click here
Click here for information and advice from the Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria (DHHS) on how businesses can reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the workplace, helping to keep both staff and customers safe. This page contains information on reducing risk by implementing hygiene measures and physical distancing advice. Topics covered include:
Many healthcare associated infections are preventable. As a consumer of healthcare, you may wish to know more about how to prevent acquiring an infection during your hospital stay. Consumer facts sheets have been developed to support the messages on healthcare associated infection contained in the NHMRC Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. These fact sheets aim to inform patients, visitors, families and carers about healthcare associated infection, what activities healthcare facilities have in place to prevent infections and/or to limit the spread of infections.
The current fact sheets can be accessed via the NHMRC website here
Click on the Go to Downloads button to find the brochures for the following:
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)
Clostridioides difficile (CDI)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
There is a vast amount of information available on the internet in relation to healthcare associated infections some of which may not be accurate. If you wish to know more regarding infection prevention; contact the Infection Prevention team at your hospital, or you can use the recommended links of reputable websites below.
VICNISS is a partner in the National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS). The multiple areas of overlap between antimicrobial stewardship and infection control mean NCAS and VICNISS are working collaboratively on many joint projects.
Some of these include:
Resources such as guidelines, root cause analysis/ audit tools and fact sheets can be found on the following link: https://www.ncas-australia.org/
