This report presents the findings from the annual Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS). It analyses resident infection and antimicrobial use data reported by Australian aged care facilities that participated in the survey. A total of 852 RACHs participated in 2023 – an increased number from 2022 (n=744). The Aged Care NAPS key results again demonstrate that there are significant opportunities for improvement. Recommendations for those working at a local or national level include: • participation in the Aged […]

The Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) released Australia’s sixth antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA) report, highlighting rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and urging responsible and appropriate antibiotics use in human health. This report compiles data gathered by the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA) systems from 2022 to 2024. It is a snapshot of information from hospitals, aged care facilities and the community, and demonstrates the use of surveillance data in safeguarding public health in Australia. […]

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released the Antimicrobial use in the community 2024 report. The report includes an analysis of antimicrobials supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The report shows that from 2023 to 2024: • overall community antimicrobial use increased by 4.8% • aged care residents’ antimicrobial use increased by 14.4%. See report

The Cook Government has announced a significant new health initiative, providing free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations to older West Australians residing in aged care homes. This $2.6 million program, set to commence in mid-May, aims to protect approximately 15,000 residents this year, bolstering their health during the winter months. For the first time, the Arexvy® RSV vaccine, which typically costs around $300 privately, will be made available at no cost to all people aged 65 and over in residential […]

Residential aged care homes no longer need to report COVID-19 outbreaks, cases and deaths through the COVID Support Portal. Government supports, strong vaccination practices and improved infection prevention control mean the sector is better prepared to manage COVID outbreaks. The COVID-19 reporting link will be removed from the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal in late February

Standards Australia has released the Amendment No. 1 for AS/NZS 5369:2023 which will primarily affect Australian office-based practices using Type B or some Type S cycle small steam sterilisers (chamber less than 60 litres). The key change in the amendment is a revision to the terminology regarding the daily test requirement for moist heat sterilisation load monitoring. References to “Bowie and Dick-type test” have been replaced with “air removal and steam penetration test”. For dental, medical, allied health and other […]

The 2025 update of Infection Prevention and Control in Endoscopy was developed in partnership by GESA and GENCA.  A multidisciplinary committee of representatives from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TCANZ) , Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC), Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) and Federation of Sterilizing Research and Advisory Councils of Australia (FSRACA) collaborated on this project.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care(ACSQHC) is preparing to develop the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (third edition) in collaboration with the healthcare system and community representatives. The NSQHS Standards provide a structured framework for providing high-quality care with nationally consistent systems across the continuum of care. Broad public consultations will be commencing soon to inform the development of the NSQHS Standards (third edition). To stay informed about the project and consultation process, […]

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency affecting 55,000 Australians each year and causing over 8,700 deaths. Early recognition and timely intervention are critical, but recognising and responding to sepsis in primary care can be challenging. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health, Sepsis Australia and Medcast has developed an online education module for primary health professionals. This free one hour, CPD approved course features three interactive case studies […]

ACORN invites you to provide feedback on drafts of Visitors to the perioperative environment and Perioperative team communication (formerly Surgical safety). Perioperative professionals, stakeholders, and interested contributors are invited to review the drafts and share their feedback during the designated consultation periods. Consultation open: 7 April – 18 May 2025 This draft standard outlines recommended practices and considerations for managing visitors – such as students, observers and medical company representatives – in perioperative areas, ensuring safety and minimising disruptions. https://www.acorn.org.au/the-oak-may-2025