The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare has updated the National Infection Guidance on Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Associated with Heater-Cooler Devices.  A key change to the National Guidance is the stratification of risk based on date of device manufacture (i.e. before September 2014). This updated advice is consistent with advice provided by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The Commission’s updated National Infection Control Guidance is available online here: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/national-infection-control-guidance-for-non-tuberculous-mycobacterium-associated-with-heater-cooler-devices/

The National Shingles Vaccination Program commenced 1 November. People eligible to receive the free shingles vaccine include: people aged 70 years of age as an ongoing program. people aged 71 – 70 years of age as a catch-up program until 31 October 2021. People who are not eligible to receive the vaccine as part of the program can purchase the vaccine on the private market. Program posters and brochures are available to display. The WA Immunisation Schedule has been updated […]

Antibiotic Awareness Week commenced today.  This year’s  theme is “Handle with care” and the key message to health professionals is “Be part of the solution.”  Antibiotic Awareness Week resources  can be downloaded and printed  from the Commission’s website including: Ideas for activities Guide for planning activities and events Logos Email signature block CEO message template E-banner Poster Pocket card.    

The mandatory policy on Insertion and Management of Peripheral Intravenous Cannulae in WA Healthcare Facilities has now been released under the Public Health policy framework.  This policy outlines the minimum requirements for the management of Peripheral Intravenous Cannulae (PIVC) and applies to all healthcare facilities (HCFs) within the WA health system. These HCFs are to align their policies for the insertion and management of PIVCs with this document to ensure a standardised level of care and to minimise the risk of […]

HHA have recently launched a new learning management system where all of the hand hygiene e-learning modules are hosted. The modules are the same as previous, but the system is new.  http://hha.org.au/LearningPackage/olp-home.aspx

The Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges recently released a strong position statement on the Importance of Effective Hand Hygiene. Please see the link below. http://cpmc.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/CPMC_HandHygiene_July2016.pdf

The Public Health Act 2016 (‘the Public Health Act’), together with the supporting Public Health (Consequential Provisions) Act 2016 (‘the Consequential Act’), received Royal Assent on the 25th July 2016.  These Acts facilitate a comprehensive reform of public health regulation in Western Australia and are a substantial step towards preventing illness and better protecting and promoting the health of all Western Australians. The Public Health Act provides a flexible and proactive framework for the regulation of public health.  The Public […]

The Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Surgical NAPS) is an online auditing tool that facilitates the reporting of antimicrobial use in surgical and non-surgical procedures performed in Australian hospitals each year. The 2014 Hospital NAPS showed that surgical prophylaxis accounted for 13% of all antimicrobial prescribing in Australian hospitals, of which 40% was inappropriate. All facilities performing surgical procedures throughout Australia are encouraged to participate in the Surgical NAPS. The survey is open until Friday, 30 September 2016, and suits […]

The Commission started a review of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards in late 2014, to identify improvements to, and address gaps in, version 1 of the NSQHS Standards. Pilot and consultation processes for the draft version 2 of the NSQHS Standards were conducted in 2015. Version 2 of the NSQHS Standards has been refined based on feedback from these processes. New topics in version 2 will include: mental health; cognitive impairment; end-of-life care; nutrition and hydration; […]

Action 3.16.1 of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards states: “Compliance with relevant national or international standards and manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of reusable instruments and devices is regularly monitored”. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 4187 is the national standard most commonly used to meet the requirements in Action 3.16.1. AS/NZS 4187:2014 replaces AS/NZS 4187:2003 and becomes operational in December 2016. Standards Australia has withdrawn AS/NZS 4187:2003. The Commission is seeking expert advice on implementation […]