Endoscopic procedures have been linked to serious infections, in particular Carbapenamase-producing Enterocacteriaceae (CPE). Industry guidelines are currently being reviewed to address these potentially catastrophic infections. A specialist Infection Control working party was established by GESA and developed Draft guidelines addressing CPE which were circulated widely but not adopted by the GESA Board. A second working party has been established by GESA to review the ICE Guidelines in totality. This GENCA Position Statement is to assist all endoscope users in making informed […]

The Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) have released their joint ‘Guidelines for Reprocessing of Ultrasound Transducers’.  They detail the minimum standards of practice for reprocessing ultrasound transducers and reflect the available evidence based on best practice. 2017.2.24 Guidelines Media Release ASUM and ACIPC

Current techniques used to clean endoscopes for reuse are not consistently effective, according to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official journal of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The findings of this study support the need for careful visual inspection and cleaning verification tests to ensure that all endoscopes are free of damage and debris before they are high-level disinfected or sterilized and used on another […]

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