If you have any enquiries, need clarification, or would like to request specific topics to be included in this e-bulletin, contact VICNISS.

Click subscribe to receive these regular email updates.

Latest Issue

October eBulletin

In this edition:

New staff at VICNISS
The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022 - Aged Care workshop 24/11/22
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
NISPAC (National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care) Update
Clinical View for caesarean sections
Surgical Site Infection - 75th percentile of surgery duration

Past Issues

VICNISS August eBulletin

In this edition:

The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
Mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers 2022
Clinical View: 2020 to 2021 Coronary Bypass Surgery report just out!
Surgical prophylaxis data entry and reporting for CALIPSO trial patients
2022 Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Campaign
VICNISS Education Day - video recordings now available
Changes to SAP section of SSI and SAP data collection forms (Jan-2023)
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
NISPAC (National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care) Update

June eBulletin

In this edition:

The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
Infection Prevention & Control eLearning project together with the Department of Health
2022 Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Campaign
VICNISS Education Day, Wednesday 29th June
Review your VICNISS registration details
Clinical View - who, what & when???
Tips for data entry in VICNISS modules
Surveillance Plans 2022/23
Changes to COVID-19 Patient Monitoring
Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP)- upcoming changes for 2023
National Hand Hygiene Initiative
NISPAC Update

VICNISS eBulletin April 2022

In this edition:

The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
Volunteers wanted - volunteer hospitals to trial new VICNISS module
2022 Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Campaign
VICNISS Education Day, Wednesday 29th June
Tips for data entry in VICNISS modules
National Hand Hygiene Initiative
NISPAC

VICNISS eBulletin February 2022

In this edition:

Monitoring of hospitalised COVID19 patients and recent increase in HA COVID-19 infections
Practical webinar on COVID-19 Patient Monitoring Data Entry
Resumption of routine HAI surveillance in April
2022 Health Service Influenza Vaccination Campaign
National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care (NISPAC)
Tips for data entry in VICNISS modules
The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
National Hand Hygiene Initiative

VICNISS eBulletin December 2021

In this edition:

Merry Christmas to you all
Staff Changes at VICNISS
Changes to submission deadlines for COVID-19 Surveillance Testing of Healthcare Workers over the holiday period
We need your help
Tips for data entry in VICNISS modules
National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care (NISPAC)
The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
National Hand Hygiene Initiative

VICNISS eBulletin October 2021

In this edition:

VICNISS Job Vacancy/Staff Changes
COVID-19 Patient Monitoring
National Infection Surveillance Program for Aged Care (NISPAC)
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) webpage with new resources has just gone live
The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
Quarter 1 Surveillance Check & Confirmation
Carbapenemase-producing Enterbacterales (CPE)
National Hand Hygiene Initiative

VICNISS eBulletin August 2021

In this edition:

Healthcare worker influenza data due
The VICNISS bi-monthly literature review
Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AC NAPS)
Tips for data entry in VICNISS modules
New VICNISS reports
VICNISS procedure codes – SSI & SESI modules
National Hand Hygiene Initiative

VICNISS eBulletin June 2021

In this edition:

Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis update
The VICNISS bi-monthly Literature review
VICNISS Manual Update
Surveillance Plans for 2021/22 due 30th June
Continuation of COVID-19 Surveillance Testing of Healthcare Workers
VICNISS Satisfaction Survey
COVID patient monitoring update
Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS)
National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) Update
Clinical View - periodic summary reports

VICNISS eBulletin April 2021

In this edition:

IPC Lead webinar series and upcoming monthly online IPC forums.
VICNISS bi-monthly Literature review
Links on setting up PRODA to access Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Continuation of COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing of Aged Care Workers
VICNISS webinars
The latest Hand Hygiene updates

VICNISS eBulletin February 2021

In this edition:

DHHS separated into two new departments - DoH and DFFH
IPC Lead support
Return to routine surveillance
HCW Influenza Vaccination Program 2021
COVID-19 patient reporting
Literature Review from Dr Lyn-li Lim
Surveillance reports
National Hand Hygiene Initiative
COVID-19 Vaccine (Victorian COVID-19 e-Learning Competency)

VICNISS eBulletin December 2020

In this edition:

Pandemic Response- Roll on Christmas!
Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey Report (2019)
Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) update from January 2021
Return to routine surveillance
Literature Review from Dr Lyn-li Lim
National Hand Hygiene Initiative

VICNISS eBulletin October 2020

In this edition:

AC NAPS - Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey
Suspension of mandatory reporting of some routine data to VICNISS
Quarter 1 Surveillance data check and confirmation
Occupational Exposure Module
Literature Review from Dr Lyn-li Lim
Antimicrobial Awareness Week - NCAS Webinar Series
National Hand Hygiene Initiative - Data Submission for NHHI Audit 3 2020 | Gold Standard Auditor Training | Learning Management System

VICNISS eBulletin August 2020

In this edition:

DHHS COVID-19 Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines
Aged Care Resident Screening Module
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Occupational Exposure
Literature Review by Dr Lyn-li Lim
Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AC NAPS) 2020
National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI)
COVID-19 patient monitoring system
VICNISS Surveillance Plans

VICNISS eBulletin June 2020

In this edition:

Weekly Heathcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Data
Mandatory Vaccination for Healthcare Workers
VICNISS Surveillance Plans
Literature Review by Dr Lyn-li Lim
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2020 Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey
COVID-19 Indeterminate Results - what to do?
COVID-19 Infection Prevention & Control Guideline from DHHS
COVID-19: HCW Contact Tracing and Return to Work tools
Clinical Waste Guidelines from DHHS

VICNISS eBulletin February 2020

In this edition:

2020 Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AC NAPS)
Literature Review - Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov)
Hand Hygiene
VICNISS Education
VICNISS Competencies - updated
Infection Control Toolbox - updated

VICNISS eBulletin December 2019

In this edition:

Christmas Greetings
Changes to data collection and reporting: Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAB)
Hospital Peer Groups
Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey Report 2018
Literature Review - Candida auris
CVC or PVC associated SAB
National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI)
VICNISS staff
Help us keep you informed

VICNISS eBulletin October 2019

In this edition:

Help us stay in touch - Update your contact details on the VICNISS portal
A VICNISS Workshop - Surgical Site Surveillance
CLABSI Masterclass - Review the presentations
Literature Review
Guideline on Candida auris for Victorian Health Services
Implementation Guide: Surveillance of CLABSI
Legislation change regarding HIV testing
Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations summary.
CDI Investigation Guide - Update 2019
Hand Hygiene
Upcoming changes to VICNISS Surgical Site Infection & Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Modules

VICNISS ebulletin August 2019

In this edition:

CLABSI Masterclass
A new resource - The Infection Control Toolbox
Literature Review
Calling for Expressions of Interest - TAVI
SSI Module - Clarification of new data field
Resident Vaccination Modules
Therapeutic Guidelines - Update
SAB Module - Review
Performance Monitoring Framework 2019-20
Routine Antibiotic Prophylaxis Recommendations
HHA

VICNISS eBulletin June 2019

In this edition:

Key dates
CLABSI Masterclass
VICNISS Manual Update
SSI module - Upload Portal
Educational Webinars
2019 Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey
2019/20 Surveillance Plan & Performance Indicators
Hand Hygiene
Private Hospitals
Infection Control Literature Review

VICNISS eBulletin April 2019

In this edition:

Key dates - Surveillance and Education
VAC Committee meetings. We have a vacancy.
Congratulations Associate Professor Noleen Bennett
Aged Care Home Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccinations
2019 Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey
Reminder: 2019/20 Surveillance Plan
Hand Hygiene
Infection Control Literature Review April 2019
Short Course (2 day) on infection prevention and control run by Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS)

VICNISS eBulletin February 2019

In this edition:

Prophylactic antibiotic choice assessment guide
Aged Care National Prescribing Survey certificates
VICNISS Manual update - 2019
Community-associated Staphylococcus aureus, with A/Prof Leon Worth
Smaller Hospital Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia (SAB) Investigations
Private Hospitals
Hand Hygiene
SSI surveillance - update of included procedure codes
Important - for hospitals participating in the ASAP trial

VICNISS eBulletin December 2018

In this edition:

Merry Christmas
Staff updates at VICNISS
VICNISS Manual Review
ACIPC conference attended by VICNISS in November
Gold Standard Auditor Training Workshops 2019
Ageing and Skin Health Seminar - Revisit presentations
Support. How we can help
Confirmation emails
Demographic Update

VICNISS eBulletin October 2018

In this edition:

Private Hospitals Surveillance – Information Day
Ageing and Skin Health Seminar
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Audit Three 2018
Hand Hygiene Auditor Training and Validation
2018 Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Campaign
2018 Aged care resident vaccination reports

VICNISS eBulletin August 2018

In this edition:

SSI Report – Non risk adjusted procedures now included
SSI Procedure Codes - does it belong to the procedure group?
2018 Health Care Workers Influenza Vaccination Campaign
Changes to Surveillance Plan Access
Aged care resident vaccination webinars
Activation Lock Message on iPad Minis
Designate Primary Hand Hygiene Contact in HHCApp
Gold Standard Auditor Training Workshop – Register for 2019
Inclusion and Exclusion Prompts for Small Hospitals
Submit Annual Occupational Exposure (OE) Denominator in Q1
Twitter
Need Help?

VICNISS eBulletin June 2018

In this edition:

2018-2019 Surveillance Plan Submission - Due date: June 30th
Submit Annual Occupational Exposure (OE) Denominator in July
2018 HCW Influenza Vaccination Campaign
Activation Lock Message on iPad Minis (‘Toolkit/s’)
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Audit 2 due by 30th June 2018
Second Dose Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) - New Web Form Available
Ageing and Skin Health Seminar - September 25th 2018
Gold Standard Auditor Training Workshop - Register for 2019
Twitter

VICNISS eBulletin May 2018

In this edition:

Twitter
Staff Changes and eBulletin edition
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2018-2019 Surveillance Plan Submission
2018 HCW Influenza Vaccination Campaign
Small Hospital Surveillance Update
Aged Care Surveillance
Having difficulty with VICNISS Web forms?

VICNISS eBulletin February 2018

In this edition:

Twitter
Influenza in Residential Aged Care Seminar
Occupational Exposure (OE)
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
Small Hospital Surveillance Update
Education
2018 HCW Influenza Vaccination Campaign
Seasonal influenza survey from DHHS
Small Hospital Surveillance Update
Aged Care Surveillance
SAB Control Charts
Health Services Performance Monitoring Framework 2017/18
Infection Clinical Network EOI Governance Committee
Having trouble using VICNISS Web forms?

VICNISS eBulletin December 2017

In this edition:

Christmas Greetings
Twitter
VICNISS Demographic Update for 2018
Small Hospital Surveillance Update
Update to Cleaning Standards in Victoria
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
Aged Care Surveillance
Health Services Performance Monitoring Framework 2017/18
Having trouble using VICNISS Web forms?
Infection Control Literature Review – October 2017

vicniss eBulletin October 2017

In this edition:

Twitter
Surveillance Update
Small Hospital Surveillance Update
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
Aged Care Surveillance
Health Services Performance Monitoring Framework 2017/18
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
Changes to electronic data management for large and small hospitals – confirm numbers of events; data quality checks; replaces type 2 monthly summary, etc
Having trouble using VICNISS Web forms?
2017 HCW Influenza Vaccination Module
Education
Infection Control Literature Review – October 2017

VICNISS eBulletin August 2017

In this edition:

Master Class: Data Speaks, 29th August 2017 Reminder
Twitter
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
Important! Upcoming changes to the surveillance plan management and data quality checks - confirm numbers of events;data checks;replaces type 2 monthly summary etc.
Update to VICNISS Manual
Occupational Exposure Denominator Data
Having trouble using VICNISS Web forms?
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2017 HCW Influenza Vaccination Module
Change to VICNISS Performance Indicators 2017-2018
Type 2 Surveillance Update
AC-NAPS
EDUCATION
Infection Control Literature Review - August 2017 - Amendment

VICNISS eBulletin June 8 2017

In this edition:

Twitter
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
Clostridium difficlle Infection (CDI) Investigation Guide
Important! Upcoming changes to the surveillance plan management and data quality checks
Update to VICNISS Manual
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2017 HCW Influenza Vaccination Module
Change to VICNISS Performance Indicators 2017-2018
Type 2 Surveillance Update
AC-NAPS
EDUCATION - Save the Date - 29th August, 2017
Infection Control Literature Review - June 2017 - Amendment

VICNISS eBulletin June 2017

In this edition:

Twitter
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
Clostridium difficlle Infection (CDI) Investigation Guide
Important! Upcoming changes to the surveillance plan management and data quality checks
Update to VICNISS Manual
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2017 HCW Influenza Vaccination Module
Change to VICNISS Performance Indicators 2017-2018
Type 2 Surveillance Update
AC-NAPS
EDUCATION - Save the Date - 29th August, 2017
Infection Control Literature Review - June 2017

VICNISS eBulletin April 2017

In this edition:

Happy Easter
Twitter
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
VICNISS De-Identified Reports
WHO Guidelines for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection
Important! Upcoming changes to surveillance plan management and data quality checks
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Investigation Guide
Update to VICNISS Manual
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2017 HCW Influenza Vaccination Module
Hepatitis B Vaccine (Energix) shortage (potential impact on point prevalence surveys)
Smaller Hospital Surveillance Update
AC-NAPS
Infection Control Literature Review - April 2017

VICNISS eBulletin February 2017

In this edition:

Twitter
Occupational Exposure (OE) Module Revision - Type 1 & 2
Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia (SAB) Module Update
Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia (SAB) Investigation Guide
Bloodstream Infection Surveillance - do you want the option to report non-central line associated BSI???
VRE SURVEILLANCE – available for all Victorian hospitals
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Update
2017 HCW Influenza Vaccination Module
Type 1 Surveillance Data Entry Tip
Type 2 Surveillance Update
AC-NAPS
Infection Control Literature Review - February 2016

VICNISS eBulletin December 2016

In this edition: