SEPTEMBER 2023
2IPC News | acipc.org.auThis month I’d like to celebrate the completion of our Strategic Plan, Mission and Vision. I look forward to sharing this with you all at the conference in November. There have been many members who have contributed to and participated in strategic planning and workshops, and I extend my sincere thanks.In October we will be celebrating IPC Week. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention and it is a great time to recognise the tremendous contribution ACIPC members make to IPC. Every day you are working to keep our communities safe and reduce the burden of infection, and I applaud you for your eorts.With the end of the year rapidly approaching and Christmas decorations already starting to be displayed in some stores I hope you can reflect on your accomplishments. Often, we focus on what still needs doing but even small steps in the right direction is progress. For those of you (like me) who have recently commenced new work roles, the year ahead is a blank canvas to plan some great engagement and a clear roadmap.Warm regards,Kristie Popkiss ACIPC President 2IPC News | acipc.org.auKristie PopkissWelcome to the September issue of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) News. Recently I have been looking back on the contributions of our Past Presidents namely Marija Juraja, Belinda Henderson, Professor Ramon Z Shaban, Professor Marilyn Cruickshank and Professor Philip Russo. Each had dierent challenges and supported the College in their strategic plan at the time, financial strategies and membership oerings. Thank you all for your leadership accomplishments and ongoing support of the College. Growing up in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Western Australia there have been many local IPC heroes that have motivated and inspired many of us. One such hero was Madeleine Mary McPherson who died peacefully at home at the end of August. Madeleine was the very first infection control nurse in WA and was instrumental in establishing the WA branch of the Infection Control Association of WA and developing a certificate course for IPC nurses. The Infection Prevention and Control Community of WA and wider, past and present, pay tribute to and acknowledge the loss of our esteemed colleague. Madeleine set the bar for IPC practices in WA Health Care facilities including public, private, regional and aged care facilities.
3September 2023Contents ACIPC President 2ACIPC International Conference 4Meet the Board - Stéphane Bouchoucha 12IPC Week 2023 142023 ACIPC AGM 16Recently Credentialled and Re-Credentialled Members 16New IPC Consultant - Carrie Spinks 17ACIPC Lunch & Learn Webinar 18September Lunch & Learn Webinar 20FSRACA National Conference 26Infection Control Matters Podcast 28National Medicines Symposium 2023 29ACIPC Member Profile 30Are you alert and ready? Safeguarding against infectious illness in aged care settings 32National Women’s Health Advisory Council End Gender Bias Survey 34WHO Releases Global Strategy on Infection Prevention and Control 35Research Survey 36Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & Health 37 Selected Publications of Interest 38Career Opportunities 393September 2023
4IPC News | acipc.org.auACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEOn behalf of the Board of Directors, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to attend the 2023 ACIPC International Conference.ADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEBy attending the conference, you will learn from national and international experts, network with likeminded professionals, and meet with Australasia’s largest collection of IPC industry suppliers.The conference is the peak event for infection prevention and control professionals (ICPs) in the region and includes Australasia’s largest trade exhibition dedicated to showcasing IPC industry suppliers.Delegates include nurses, IPC managers, and consultants, aged care workers, scientists, academics, educators, policy-makers, medical practitioners, hospital managers, and those responsible for managing and delivering IPC programs in non-healthcare settings.More information regarding the conference including invited speakers, social events, and engagement initiatives can be found on the conference website - https://acipcconference.com.au/EXTENDED! EARLY REGISTRATION CLOSES 13 OCT4IPC News | acipc.org.auCONFERENCE PROGRAMThe preliminary program for the 2023 ACIPC International Conference is now available For on-site attendees, the scientific program will be complemented by a comprehensive social program, commencing Sunday evening with pre-conference drinks hosted by College President Kristie Popkiss.For online attendees, all conference-invited speakers and free paper sessions will be live-streamed, with recorded content available for viewing on demand for 3 months following the conference.CLICK HERE FOR THE PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
5September 20235 Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Workshop: This workshop will look at aged care IPC, 12 months on – a reflection of what has occurred in the year; what has been targeted, provided, and implemented. The workshop will also take a close look at what is happening at ground level. The workshop is targeted at those involved, responsible for, or interested in aged care IPC - IPC Leads, IPC Consultants, clinical governance, risk, and quality managers, educators, researchers, residential and home aged care providers, and quality assessors.Infection Prevention and Control During Construction and Renovation Workshop: The construction and renovation of new and existing buildings occurs across many dierent settings in healthcare. The role of infection control is to minimise/prevent healthcare-acquired infections in patients due to exposure to micro-organisms released into the environment during construction and renovation activities. This workshop provides an informative educational day to enable delegates to directly apply learnings in their workplace and is targeted at anyone considering the construction of a new building or renovation of an existing building/s in any healthcare facility. Orientation to International Outbreak Response with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and World Health Organisation (WHO): This course is targeted to highly experienced Infection, Prevention and Control specialists who are aliated with GOARN Partner Institutions such as the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control with an interest in learning about opportunities and deploying internationally with GOARN and WHO. It is designed for IPC specialists with limited international outbreak response experience. International Invited Speakers• Dr Rajeka Lazarus, Deputy Director, and Vaccine research lead Bristol Clinical Research Facility• Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Ocer, NHS England• Julie Storr, Director and Co-founder KS Healthcare Consulting• Dr Buy Lloyd-Krejci, Founder IPCWell DrPH, CIC, Best Selling Author, IPC Expert, Advocate• Lilian Chiwera, Independent Surgical Site Infection Surveillance & Prevention Consultant, UKPRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS SUNDAY 12 NOV
6IPC News | acipc.org.auADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN 6IPC News | acipc.org.auCONFERENCE SPEAKER PROFILESWe are very excited to have a fantastic lineup of international and national speakers at this year’s conference. Lilian ChiweraLilian Chiwera is an independent Surgical Site Infection (SSI) surveillance & prevention expert with experience setting up and coordinating a very successful SSI surveillance service at Guys & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) (UK) from 2009 – 2022. She has Digital Transformation, extensive experience in critical care nursing, quality assurance and microbiology in pharmaceutical industries and is currently exploring SSI surveillance, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) (including SSI prevention) policy implementation at Sherwood Forest NHS Trust (UK). This experience will consolidate prior SSI/IPC experience at a large acute Trust.Buy Lloyd-KrecjciBuy Lloyd-Krejci, president and founder of IPC Well, has always had a passion for mitigating infectious diseases. Even before the pandemic, Buy realized how serious infections disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. COVID-19 merely sheds light on the systemic challenge of infection prevention and control and its adverse impact on patient care.She and her team take a “boots on the ground” approach to support nursing homes across the nation, conducting in-person, deep-dive assessments to oer immediate support to healthcare workers on the frontlines. She has developed practical tools, led trainings, provided ongoing support to IPC teams, and created the “LTC playbook” for the global humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders.
7September 20237Allen ChengAllen Cheng is Professor/Director of Monash Infectious Diseases at Monash Health and the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash University.He has research interests in clinical infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, influenza and other vaccine preventable diseases and communicable diseases control. He was previously Co-Chair of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and the Chair of the Advisory Committee for Vaccines, and during the COVID-19 pandemic was Acting Victorian Chief Health Ocer.Jared WattsJared Watts is currently the Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Kimberley and the Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the WA Country Health Service. He is also employed as a medical coordinator and Associate Professor for the WA Rural Clinical School based in Kununurra. He is a WA Clinical Senator, RANZCOG Board Member and the national chair for the ACRRM, RACGP and RANZCOG Joint Committee for GP Obstetrics. He has completed further studies in public health, medical administration, law and tropical medicine and has worked internationally in several low-resource settings including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Laos, and Syria.CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF SPEAKERS
8IPC News | acipc.org.auADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN CONFERENCE SPONSORS The 2023 ACIPC International Conference is proudly supported by:PLATINUM SPONSORGOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS BREAKFAST HOSTSWELCOME RECEPTION SPONSOR
9September 2023EXHIBITORS
10IPC News | acipc.org.auEXHIBITORS ADELAIDE, SA & ONLINE 12-15NOV23EMBRACING FUNDAMENTALS & CHARTING A PATH FOR THE FUTUREACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEREGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN
11September 2023112023 ACIPC LECTURE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEDEach year, the ACIPC Board invites an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of infection prevention and control to present The ACIPC Lecture at our ACIPC International Conference. On behalf of the board of directors, it gives me great pleasure to announce Professor Peter Collignon will present The ACIPC Lecture at our 2023 conference in Adelaide. Peter was invited to present in recognition of his ongoing support and leadership within our field, our profession, and the College.The ACIPC Lecture is scheduled from 1.55 to 2.30 pm on Tuesday 14 November 2023 at the Adelaide Convention Centre in Adelaide. Kristie PopkissPresidentAustralasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Ltd Peter Collignon is a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Medicine in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Infection Control.Active in many public health advocacy issues, Peter’s particular interests are antibiotic resistance, infection control, and hospital acquired infections. His research is widely published and referenced in many Australian and international journals. He has been and continues to be an active member of many national and international committees, including those of the Australian Quality and Safety Commission. He has been appointed to many of the expert committees of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the issue of antibiotic resistance and the use of antibiotics in food animals. In October 2017 he was awarded a PhD by thesis, examination, and defense in Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit – VU) on the topic of antibiotic resistance and One Health.Professor Collignon AM, M.B, B.S(Hons), B.Sc.(Med), PhD, FASM, FRACP, FRCPA Infectious Diseases Physician and Clinical Microbiologist at ACT Pathology and Canberra Hospital Professor in the Medical School of the Australian National University
12IPC News | acipc.org.auDr Stéphane Bouchoucha is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of School (International) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University. He is also a researcher based in Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation. As the incoming President of ACIPC, Stéphane kindly took some time out to tell us a bit about his background, career highlights and abiding interest in IPC.What is your educational background, and were you considering IPC as a career when you started your post-school education?I wanted to be a chemist when I was younger. I loved chemistry both the theory and the practical sessions. After high school, I studied pharmacy for two years, but I couldn’t really picture myself working in a pharmacy. I wanted to work in a hospital, so I applied to study nursing. While studying, I volunteered in an HIV/AIDS organisation and was on the board of the organisation. I also worked during the summer on the infectious diseases ward in at Rouen University Teaching Hospital. It was confronting at the time, as in the late 90s we didn’t have the treatment options we have now, and many people died. After my nursing studies I worked in the organisation I used to volunteer in, AIDES,* assisting people access care. All my projects/thesis during my nursing studies were infectious disease/infection prevention and even when I worked in intensive care, emergency, and hospital leadership and management I was passionate about improving outcomes for patients and preventing infections. I worked in the IPC team in a hospital in the south of the UK before coming to Australia in 2008. Nursing took me to Darwin where I worked in emergency nursing before taking a lecturing position at university. I have a Master of Public Health with a thesis on standard precautions, a graduate certificate in IPC and my PhD had a focus on IPC. All my higher education studies include IPC in some form!Now I am able to contribute to IPC through my research and supervising/mentoring research students. I have a passion for mentoring, and we have great plans for mentoring through ACIPC, keep an eye out for some more information soon.*AIDES is a French community-based organisation dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS and defending the rights of those aected by the disease. MEET THE BOARDStéphane Bouchoucha ACIPC President-Elect
13September 2023What led you to academia and what do you hope to contribute to your students’ understanding of IPC?I wanted to contribute to the nursing profession and the growth of nursing as a discipline by teaching students. I found some of my experiences in the hospital setting frustrating, and thought I could use that frustration to help develop nurses’ critical thinking skills, which would also contribute to positive patient outcomes. With regard to students’ understanding of IPC, I would like to see IPC embedded in undergraduate nursing, medical and allied health curricula from the first day of the courses. We did some research on undergraduate nursing understanding and knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship and found that there were significant gaps in students’ understanding of the nurse’s role and of the AMS concept itself. This made us change our undergraduate nursing curriculum to include more IPC and I think it is probably a finding that is not uncommon in other universities. In my view, we need to consider IPC more as a sustainability issue. For example, the best way to prevent antimicrobial resistance and have a sustainable healthcare system is to prevent infections and not need antibiotics, and that’s why we need IPC in curricula.What have been your career research highlights?It is hard to pinpoint something as a highlight. I like the fact that the projects I contribute to have an impact, whatever its size, on our understanding of IPC and also patients’ outcomes. I was fortunate enough to receive an Early Career Research Grant from ACIPC in 2017, a few years before I decided to stand for board election. In that study, we looked at how Australian media depicted antimicrobial resistance. We found that mostly, media coverage was well informed and surprisingly accurate and balanced. Media reports relied heavily on metaphors however to convey meaning to the public and some of these metaphors enabled people to minimise the seriousness of the AMR issue and to sidestep responsibility for changing their own behaviour. Based on these results, I think there is an opportunity to work with the media to increase public awareness and motivate people to take more responsibility for their behaviours, thus contributing to decreased antibiotics use and sustainable healthcare. The paper was published in the College’s journal Infection, Disease & Health here. Being the recipient of an ACIPC grant was very valuable for me and I would encourage all members to make sure to take advantage of the College research grant opportunities. How do you unwind, what are your hobbies and interests?As Associate Head of School (International) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University, I do a fair amount of overseas travel and it can be hard to unwind when travelling for work. I always pack my swimming gear and try to swim 3-4 times a week to unwind. I find that swimming allows me to clear my mind and I focus on the number of laps I am doing! I also volunteer weekly at a community radio station (when I am in Melbourne) where I host a current aairs show with an international perspective.
IPC News | acipc.org.au14IPC WEEK 2023 15 – 21 OCTOBERCelebrating the Fundamentals of Infection PreventionInfection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week is held each year in October, and highlights the importance of preventing infections and recognises the eorts of all healthcare workers in reducing the risk of infection in health services.This year’s IPC Week theme is Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention, and the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC) has outlined five key messages to support their focus on supporting health organisations to meets National Safety and Quality Health Services IPC standards.The five key messages are:• Preventing and controllinginfections means stoppingCOVID-19• Preventing and controllinginfections means ensuring patientand healthcare worker safety• Preventing and controllinginfections means using qualityimprovement systems• Preventing and controllinginfections means using eectiverisk management systems• Preventing and controllinginfections means achieving goodhealth outcomes for patientsEveryone has a role in the prevention and control of infection in healthcare. ACIPC members are at the frontline of infection prevention and control. IPC Week is a great time to acknowledge and celebrate our members. In settings such as healthcare, laboratories, veterinary practices, academia and more, they work year-round to reduce the burden of infection in communities.For more information, on resources to help your organisation meet NSQHS’s IPC standards click here.Join the conversationCLICK HERE FOR IPC WEEK RESOURCESFollow ACIPC on Twitter: @ACIPCFollow the ACSQHC on Twitter: @ACSQHCFollow the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) on Twitter: @APIC
15September 2023KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000KODAKTMK 2000 12 12 8 8 10 10celebrates the fundamentals of Infection PreventionJoin the IPC campaignMoments that MatterWe invite you to join our IPC ‘Moments that Matter’ campaign during International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), 15th – 21st October 2023. In healthcare, every IPC moment matters, and every action we take has a significant impact on the well-being of our patients, residents, healthcare staff and visitors. Together, let’s celebrate the fundamentals of infection prevention. Scan here to view our resources and celebrate the momentsthat matterEducational posters and screensaverThese visuals serve as constant reminders of the essential steps contributing to a safe healthcare environment.IPC Webinar - 16th Oct 2023, 7pm AEDTJoin our webinar, ‘IPC Moments that Matter: Fundamentals for Impact’ with Professor Brett Mitchell, an IPC expert.Capture IPC ‘Moments that Matter’ competitionUnleash your creativity and showcase key IPC moments that matter. Share your photos and captions on social media using #MomentsThatMatter, #GAMAHealthcareAU and #IIPW to enter the competition and inspire others. 12 20 20 8 6 10 14 14 20 14GHA230262GAMA Healthcare Australia Pty Ltd., Suite 1, 33-37 Duerdin Street, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia +61 (0)3 9769 6600 | info@gamahealthcare.com.au | www.gamahealthcare.com.auPAID ADVERT
2023 ACIPC AGMThe 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Ltd will be held on Tuesday 14 November 2023 commencing at 5.15 pm (ACDT) at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The meeting will be streamed on Zoom and members will be sent registration details prior to the meeting. Members will receive an agenda and participation details by email before the AGM. Nominations for ACIPC Board Director and ACIPC President-Elect are now open. Financial Members, Fellow, and Life Members who meet the essential criteria are invited to nominate themselves for either, or both, of these positions. You can read more about the role requirements including time commitments, legal responsibilities, and essential criteria for each position on the ACIPC website - https://www.acipc.org.au/agm/ Nominations must be received by email to oce@acipc.org.au by 5:00 pm on Monday 2 October 2023.16IPC News | acipc.org.auRECENTLY CREDENTIALLED AND RE-CREDENTIALLED MEMBERSThe board of directors would like to congratulate the following members who have received credentialling or re-credentialling this month:Primary credentialling: Keely TuckerAdvanced credentialling: Gilly GentExpert credentialling: Vanessa SparkleExpert re-credentialling: Janine CarrucanFor information on how you can become credentialled, visit the ACIPC website: https://www.acipc.org.au/credentialling/
September 202317WELCOME TO OUR NEW IPC CONSULTANT CARRIE SPINKSThis month, we are excited to welcome Carrie Spinks, who is ACIPC’s new IPC Consultant. Carrie will be providing expert IPC guidance and support through our website, member forums, in education and resource provision, and in policy and procedure development (working with the ACIPC Board and Committees). Her expert input will help us keep members abreast of current research and trends in IPC and support them to develop and implement IPC programs in a variety of healthcare settings.Carrie is an experienced infection control consultant, holding a BSc (RN), a Master of Science (Advanced Nurse Practitioner) and a Master of Advanced Practice (Infection Prevention and Control). In addition, Carrie has post graduate qualifications in chemotherapy, gastroenterology/endoscopy, genetics, immunisation, and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. After graduating and obtaining nursing experience in Australia, Carrie moved to the UK and became a Nurse Practitioner, and one of the first Nurse Endoscopists. When she returned to Australia nine years later, she found her passion for aged care, moving into roles of management, quality, and infection control. Carrie has remained in the industry of aged care infection control for the past 10 years and is particularly interested in the development and establishment of infection control programs, resources, and education.Carrie also facilitates the ACIPC’s IPC Foundations (FIPC) course and recently developed the addition of IPC aged care content within the course. She further facilitates the ACIPC IPC Aged Care course and presented in the ACIPC Aged Care Master Class course. Carrie is passionate about IPC, and believes the future is bright with ongoing research, technological advances, and new knowledge bringing practice change in so many areas. Carrie is looking forward to the ACIPC conference in Adelaide, where she is co-chairing the aged care forums and able to network with IPC Colleagues in person.Carrie is based in Sydney and has two boys aged 13 and 11 who share her love for team sports and adventure. She also loves long distance walking, Bikram yoga, sea swimming and catching up with friends.
18IPC News | acipc.org.auACIPC LUNCH & LEARN WEBINARTopic: Global Outbreak and Response Network (GOARN)Presenters: Belinda Henderson and Peta-Anne ZimmermanDate: Wednesday 4 October at 12.00 pm AEDTAbstract: Come along and enjoy your lunch whilst learning about the Global Outbreak and Response Network (GOARN) and the long-established partnership with ACIPC. Listen to our focal point lead Peta-Anne and Belinda talk about the important work and contribution ACIPC members have and continue to make to the global response. It will be a delightful segueway into the planned workshop to be hosted at the College conference in Adelaide. A webinar recording will be available to all ACIPC members, recordings can be found here: www.acipc.org.au/members/webinars/ CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR
Belinda Henderson has over 23 years’ experience as an infection control practitioner and is a Past President of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). She has recently been appointed as the Chief Nurse for infection prevention and control for the Queensland Department of Health and will lead the newly funded Queensland IPC program. Belinda provides clinical expertise on many National and International groups including AHPPCs National Infection control expert group (ICEG), ACHQS HAI program, ACIPC education and credentialling and professional standards, Queensland’s Statewide Infection clinical network, and is actively engaged with the WHO’s GOARN program. Her qualifications include a Masters of Advanced Health Practice in Infection Control, she holds Expert level credentialling and is a Fellow of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. And more importantly she claims to be a dugong whisperer enjoying a weekend paddle on the beautiful Moreton Bay.Dr Peta-Anne Zimmerman is an internationally respected clinician, educator, and researcher in infection prevention and control (IPC). Peta-Anne’s experience in IPC spans over 20 years and her domestic clinical experience, research, and expertise has led her to work extensively in China, South East Asia and the South Pacific, on outbreak response, the development of comprehensive infection prevention and control programmes, and on the integration of public health and acute care response in infectious disease emergencies, in low and middle income country settings.Peta-Anne is the program adviser for the Graduate Infection Prevention and Control Programs at Grith University, which includes the only named Master of Infection Prevention and Control in the region, and she is proud to be the Visiting Research Fellow with the Infection Control Department of the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.Peta-Anne holds the award of Credentialled Infection Control Professional – Expert. She is the convenor of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) LMI Special Interest Group, ACIPC representative and senior teaching faculty for the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and a member of the ACIPC Professional and Credentialling Standards (PACS) Committee. Peta-Anne has also recently received the award of of Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 19September 2023ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
IPC News | acipc.org.au20SEPTEMBER LUNCH & LEARN WEBINAR September 28 was World Rabies Day, and our webinar was presented by Carol Bradley and Angela Willemsen, experienced IPC professionals in the veterinary industry, who provided an overview of where rabies is found, why we need to be vigilant about the disease, and why bats need to be loved.Angela WillsemsenAngela is a practicing small animal veterinarian who enjoys all things infection control, with a special interest in zoonotic (diseases from animals to humans) and reverse zoonotic (diseases from humans to animals) diseases. Her interest in public health developed during her first career as a registered nurse and became broader as she identified similarities and dierences in health care between humans and animals. Her goal is to improve practices and knowledge regarding infection control practices in the veterinary profession. She volunteers with a national service providing free veterinary care to homeless and at risk pets and currently works in palliative and end of life veterinary care, academia and is working with ACIPC developing a veterinary infection prevention and control course. Carol BradleyCarol works as a Veterinary Consultant and Auditor who specialises in Infection Prevention & Control for the Veterinary Industry. Carol’s knowledge, expertise, experience, and eye for detail can be attributed to her 44 years of working in the veterinary industry at a University Teaching Hospital, initially as Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Tutor then as a Lecturer. Her interest in IPC developed when she was Clinical Head of the Veterinary Hospitals Sterilising Department (CSSD), and Supervisor of the Small and Large Animal Operating Theatres.She is an accomplished educator who designs learning programs that improve sta competency standards for a range of clinical skills, and has attained primary credentialing in 2021 with the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). She is enjoying the connection with practices across Victoria to help solve tricky situations and now focuses on the challenge for improving the standard of treatment for all animals through eective Infection, Prevention and Control.
September 202321ABOUT RABIESRabies is a preventable zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans) in the Lyssavirus genus which is spread from the saliva of infected animals, which then leads to infection of the central nervous system in mammals, resulting in disease and death. Although any mammal can get rabies, it is most commonly reported in wild animals like bats, monkeys, foxes, and in many countries, dogs. Australia currently has no rabies, but Australian bats do carry other viruses in the lyssavirus family, including Australian bat lyssavirus, closely related to rabies.Humans usually contract rabies after being bitten by an infected animal, with domestic dogs being the most common cause (99%) of exposure, but nonbite exposure can occur when an open wound or scratch becomes contaminated with infectious material from a rabid animal. It is rare for nonbite exposures to cause rabies.The risk of rabies in humans is reduced if prompt and appropriate medical attention is sought after exposure. Vaccination before visiting a country which has rabies is recommended depending on your exposure risk, which can be discussed with your doctor. The postexposure prophylaxis for rabies is not always available or eective, depending on the country you are in, so vaccination is always the most eective protection. Vaccinating pets protects them and their humans.The rabies incubation period in humans is generally from one to three months post-exposure. Symptoms can take up to a year to develop and include: loss of appetite, headache, fever, confusion, muscle aches, vomiting, pain and tingling or itching at the wound site, fear of water, air or bright lights, hallucinations and insomnia. In animals clinical signs include: drooling or frothing at the mouth, unusual and erratic behaviour, and paralysis. Sometimes animals do not show any clinical signs.RABIES WORLDWIDEThe World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that rabies kills around 65,000 humans each year, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. Rural poor populations are the most aected, and around half of all cases are in children under 15 years of age.
22IPC News | acipc.org.au22IPC News | acipc.org.auCONTINUED - SEPTEMBER LUNCH & LEARN WEBINARWHAT TO LOOK FOR• Unusual and erratic behaviour in dogs, such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, or paralysis. Animals can also present as normal.• There are three common forms – encephalitic, paralytic and non-classic.SURVEILLANCE How has rabies been kept out of Australia so far? • International partnerships with Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), who support these countries to stay rabies-free through prevention, early detection and preparedness and response. Indonesia has a rabies vaccination project.• In Australia: Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), Community Animal Health Reporting (CAHR) program, and the Torres Strait Islands dog survey. Northern communities play a vital role in ensuring Australia stays free of rabies.MANAGING THE RABIES THREATThe Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) manages the biosecurity risks to Australia to protect agricultural industries and our way of life.They ensure dogs and cats imported into Australia are rabies-free, vaccinated and undergo strict quarantine requirements in Mickleham, near Melbourne. All dogs and cats coming from countries with rabies are quarantined here from 10-30 days (but sometimes up to 100 days).PREVENTATIVE MEASURES• Pre-exposure vaccination (PreP) is recommended which is a three dose vaccination that can be given before travelling to a rabies-occurring region. At-risk groups: - Bat handlers, veterinarians, wildlife ocers, veterinary nurses, zoo keepers, wildlife researchers, or anyone who comes into contact with a bat. - Laboratory technicians working with live lyssaviruses. - Anyone working with mammals in a rabies zone. - Tourists visiting a known rabies zone.• Rabies vaccination.• In Australia, do not handle or approach bats. Contact a wildlife carer who is vaccinated and has appropriate PPE.TRAVELLING OVERSEAS
23September 2023• Will you need a rabies vaccination? Seek advice from a travel doctor.• Take care with stray dogs, wild monkeys, etc - No playing, feeding, or allowing them to lick you - Take care when taking photos at tourist hot spots - Remember, animals with rabies can look well• First Aid if unvaccinated – wash site well with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.• Post Exposure Prophylaxis can be dicult to access and not as eective. TRAVELLING OVERSEAS WITH OUR PETS• Every country has specific importing requirements, so check carefully or ask your vet.• Give yourself plenty of time before travel to organise vaccinations, identification and documentation.• Consider a pet transport company• Don’t forget to check requirements for re-entry into AustraliaAUSTRALIAN BAT LYSSOVIRUS (ABLV)Rabies, ABLV and other lyssaviruses (e.g. European bat lyssavirus) are closely related. Less than 1% of bats carry ABLV and infections to humans are rare. Transmission is always via a bite or scratch from an infected bat. Any type of injury is notifiable (call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888).FINDING AN INJURED OR DEAD BATAvoid handling bats - live or dead. Only trained professionals should handle bats, even dead ones. If you really can’t avoid contact with a bat, use PPE to keep from being bitten or scratched. Leather gloves or gauntlets are ideal, or use a robust glove, or a towel. It’s better to contact WIRES, or your local wildlife group who are experienced bat handlers.Contact local vet immediately if your pet interacts with a bat. It must be reported to the 1800 675 888. Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline.
24IPC News | acipc.org.au24IPC News | acipc.org.auCONTINUED - SEPTEMBER LUNCH & LEARN WEBINARWHAT IF MY DOG EATS A BAT?Less than 1% of bats are infected with ABLV, so there’s low likelihood of infection if a dead bat is consumed. Wash the wound with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and seek veterinary advice.Vaccination is available for dogs if considered high risk, with approval from Department of Agriculture. Not all vets have the rabies vaccine so it’s worth checking in your area.Reduce the risk – keep dogs and cats indoors/confined at night.If you have horses, do not leave water or food under trees where bats roost or feed.WHAT ABOUT HUMANS EASTING BATS?Many cultures worldwide eat bats. You may be exposed to this if you travel, so be cautious.WHY WE NEED BATS IN OUR LIVES • They’re a protected species and should not be damaged or hurt• Flying foxes are our only nocturnal long distance pollinator & seed disperser • Flying foxes, play an important role in our ecosystem by pollinating our native trees. • Extensive clearing of forests has displaced bats from their natural habitat, leading to Zoonotic spillover. For example, SARS-CoV-2, Nipah and Hendra viruses.
25September 2023Sources:CDC - Rabies around the World - RabiesProtecting Australia from rabies - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)Rabies | healthdirectRabies (who.int)https://rabiesalliance.org/aboutWHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabiesAustralian Government https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/rabies-and-other-lyssavirusesKey PointsAustralia is rabies freeABLV occurs rarelyDon’t panic!If you find a sick/dead bat ring your local wildlife organisationIf your dog plays with a dead or injured bat contact your local vet.BAT SAFETYHow can we keep bats safe? • Heat events can cause large numbers of bat deaths because bats are vulnerable to heat and cannot sweat• Netting around fruit trees or gardens is a big risk to bats, so use small, densely woven mesh such as Fruit Safe nets, or those recommended by your local wildlife organisation.• Barbed wire is always a problem. Microbats navigate by sonar while Flying Foxes (Fruit bats) use their eyes and can’t see barbed wire, leading to terrible injuries. Replace barbed wire with plain wire, or cover barbs with poly pipe or add white tape to wire to alert bats, birds and other wildlife of the danger. Try to avoid putting barbed wire near feed trees across wildlife corridors or near water.• Plant bat friendly trees such as eucalypts. Or contact WIRES or a local bat rescue centre for a list of bat-friendly trees suitable to your area. (https://jerry-coleby-williams.net/2014/03/15/favourite-flying-fox-food-trees-what-to-plant/• The PDF from this link is https://jerrycolebywilliams.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/flying-foxes-jerry-copy.pdf QUESTIONS?Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) 1300 094 737
The Federation of Sterilizing & Research Advisory Council of Australia (FSRACA) held its National Conference from 9-11 August 2023 at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park. Usually held every three years, this was the first National Conference since Sydney, 2018. Full plans were in place for a 2021 Conference however Covid played a large role in the event being postponed, so it was great to finally have the sterilising community come together again after an extended period of absence.A relatively new facility, the Centrepiece at Melbourne Park proved to be more than perfect for a national event. The auditorium and studio rooms were suitably used for workshops and symposiums over the three days and the large plenary provided the ideal backdrop for two solid days of keynote, invited and abstract speakers. The fantastic exhibition hall housed the many trade booths and eateries, and delegates could enjoy break time on the large outdoor balcony. The enormous foyer space made way for live streaming and an area to relax as well as enjoy a free massage and a handball competition to go with the conference theme ‘our teams, kicking goals.’26IPC News | acipc.org.auFSRACA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The event attracted delegates from all over the nation and abroad, who enjoyed a program packed with a variety of relevant topics presented by international, national and local speakers. The main plenary kicked o with our motivational speaker, Mr Mark ‘Squizz’ Squirrel OAM who kept the audience amazed as he walked us through some of his incredible journeys from delivering emergency aid in war zones to conquering the world’s tallest mountain. The Melbourne Cricket Ground Olympic Room played host to the conference Gala Dinner. The large digital scoreboard usually displaying AFL & Cricket scores was showcasing slides of the conference sponsors throughout the night and there was a fantastic live music band that kept delegates on the dancefloor for the majority of the evening.The final day commenced with Professor Michael Toole giving an overview of Australia’s Covid-19 response. Michael spoke about some of the challenges across the nation when Covid-19 first hit our shores and demonstrated the need for a national evaluation of our responses and also the need for a new pandemic preparedness strategy. With a diverse range of themes covered over the three days, delegates were able to indulge in a number of key topics that were included in the conference program, many of which focused on ensuring high quality standards for reprocessing reusable medical devices are improved and maintained. The conference closed with a number of prize giveaways and many delegates were fortunate to not only walk away with an abundance of improved knowledge but many with a prize or two up their sleeve.27September 2023FSRACA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
INFECTION CONTROL MATTERS PODCASTSinks in ICU Patient Rooms. Lower numbers of sinks equals lower infection rates?In this episode, Martin talks to Giovanni-Battista Fucini about a recent paper from Germany that examined infection rates in critical care in which it was reported that hospitals without sinks in patient rooms have lower infection rates. Newer hospitals in Germany tend not to have sinks in the patient rooms in ICU.Future directions for surveillanceMartin chats to Phil in Melbourne following a recent presentation. Yes, two old farts reminiscing about the days of wearing out the boot leather collecting surveillance data talk with envy about the potential of HAI surveillance in the era of the electronic medical record, automation, and artificial intelligence.TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE28IPC News | acipc.org.au
29September 2023SAVE THE DATE Let’s talk about the future of medicinesIn Australia, healthcare contributes close to 7% of our nation’s greenhouse gases, with medicines being one of the largest contributors. Pharmaceutical waste throughout the global supply chain has led to environmental, human, and animal toxicities, and in the case of antibiotic residues, to antimicrobial resistance. Theme: The future of medicines: good for people, good for the planetDate & time: Wednesday, 8 November 10am - 4.30pmLocation: VirtualHosted for the first time by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, NMS23 brings together leading organisations, experts, clinicians, consumers and policymakers in a timely discussion on emerging and key issues around sustainability and the quality use of medicines.Mark your calendar and subscribe to ensure you receive the latest updates on NMS23.
ACIPC MEMBER PROFILE30IPC News | acipc.org.auThis month, we chat with Petra Bookall, RN, CICP-P, Clinical IPC Nurse at Townsville Hospital and Health ServiceCan you tell us a bit about your current role?I work at Townsville Hospital and Health Services, Infection control, which provides services to seven rural hospitals, two medical centres and two aged care facilities. I support the ICP team and work in areas such as surveillance, implementing prevention strategies, sta health, risk assesments and education for sta and patients. I look after the medical service group and one of the rural hospitals. We take a holistic approach with patients involved as much as possible. I think it is important to educate patients, especially if they have multi resistant organisms or indwelling devices that need to be cared for. It is important that patients are included in their care and understand why indwelling devices are used and how to care for them, and feel comfortable to address issues or discomfort from the devices. We want patients to be part of their healthcare.What led you to IPC, and what do you love about it?I started working in a pandemic clinic in Darwin in 2020. I then completed nurse immuniser training which led to a role at Royal Darwin Hospital where I started on a project to check sta compliance, particularly vaccine compliance. In a way, I started IPC work in the midst of Covid and got stuck (in a good way). I love my job, it’s so dynamic, no day is the same, and I like the challenge. Building rapport with sta and being able to educate them is wonderful, and I really like it when sta start to pull me aside on a ward round to ask me questions. Being present and supportive is very important. COVID-19 helped to put infection control on the map, now sta are asking more for support. We do the daily ward round, as well as planned education sessions. It is important that sta understand the reason why we ask them to do hand hygiene and look after cannulas, etc, and that sta are aware of the risks of poor infection control practice. We are all in this together.
31September 2023You work in North Queensland, what are the specific nursing and IPC challenges in a tropical area compared to cooler climates?We see more tropical diseases, especially in the wet season with skin infections. We have Meliodosis in Queensland and the Northern Territory (a disease caused by bacteria found in the soil in parts of northern Australia) which can be very serious. There are some dierent presentations, however keeping sta and patients safe and IPC basics are still the same. What is more challenging is the demographic, we are looking after a huge area, if one of the rural facilities has an outbreak, we may have to support the organization remotely. During the pandemic we would jump in the car and go and support the facilities.What do you think makes a good IPC lead?No day is the same, no case is the same, so you need flexibility and a solid understanding of IPC and the risk of transmission. Good people skills and communication skills are vital, as a big part of our job is supporting sta, who don’t necessarily understand why we are asking them to do things a certain way. Once they understand we actually prevent a lot of work from happening, and you are interacting with sta, in a pleasant way, planting the seed and helping them think about their behaviours, then they are more willing to change behaviour. I try to build rapport with nurses, then they will come up to me with questions. In the past sometimes we came to the ward and people ran away, but now people are starting to see the point of us.You do need a sharp eye and attention to detail, as human observation is still the best surveillance in my view. I have heard about camera surveillance but I don’t think I’d like a hospital full of cameras, I like a personal aspect. Hand hygiene, for example, is not just telling people they miss their moments, it’s a chance to improve things and to educate in a non-confrontational way, instead of telling them what they did wrong. How do you like to spend your spare time, how do you relax?I spend time with my husband and two children. We have a swim most evenings in the pool and we like to go camping with our caravan. We always take the mosquito repellent and long clothing! Also, the sun is pretty fierce here, so staying in the shade and being sun smart is important too.
32IPC News | acipc.org.auARE YOU ALERT AND READY? Safeguarding against infectious illness in aged care settingsOlder Australians, particularly those that reside in residential aged care settings or in multigenerational households, are vulnerable to the ongoing risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and other highly infectious illnesses such as influenza and gastroenteritis.The Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have released a new fact sheet ‘Are you alert and ready? Safeguarding against infectious illness in aged care settings.’ It provides up-to-date resources to support infectious disease outbreak management planning.The key areas the Commission recommends services providers address are:PreventionIPC policies should be in place, along with an outbreak management plan that is regularly reviewed and accessible to all sta.Residential aged care providers are required to have at least one nursing sta member onsite as IPC lead.IPC policies should cover:VaccinationProviders should promote COVID-19 and influenza vaccination among residents and sta, and monitor and record their vaccination status.Early identificationPlans should be in place to:• detect symptoms of suspected infection;• rapidly access oral antiviral treatments;• ensure sta are trained in early detection and the collection of appropriate specimens for testing.Personal protective equipment (PPE)Providers should ensure there are adequate supplies of PPE, hand hygiene product, waste and cleaning supplies for both regular operations and in the event of an outbreak. The Commission emphasises the importance of sta having a good understanding of correct PPE use, and that there is a plan to support and monitor correct use throughout each shift.Sta exclusion from work if unwellGastroenteritis – exclude sta from work until 48 hours since the last loose bowel movement or vomit.COVID-19 – exclude sta for seven days from positive test date, or until substantial resolution of symptoms for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
33September 2023Influenza – exclude sta for at least five days from onset of the acute illness, or until symptom free, whichever is longer.Other confirmed viral respiratory pathogens – sta can return once symptoms have resolved. Outbreak management planAged Care providers should:• make sure their plan is up to date and ready to activate:• regularly test and rehearse the plan;• have easy-to-read documents explaining what needs to happen, how quickly, and all sta members’ roles and responsibilities;• list specific people for oversight and leadership. Visitor vigilanceVisitor screening protocols should still apply. It is important to ask visitors if they have recently had symptoms or been diagnosed with infectious diseases. Signs should be placed near the facility entrance to educate visitors about these illnesses and ask them to report to sta if they are unwell or have been unwell before visiting. Encourage visitors to perform hand hygiene and have appropriate products available. Ask them to practice respiratory and cough etiquette and wear masks as appropriate. Visitors who have tested positive to COVID-19 must not enter a residential aged care home for at least seven days or until they no longer have symptoms.Resident and home care wellbeingThe Commission recognises the importance of isolating elderly people for their protection, but encourages services to have plans in place to minimise the eects of isolation. Maintaining connections with family and friends is vital to the wellbeing of aged care residents, and a partnership in care program is recommended to support continuing relationships of care and companionship.For more information, and to see the fact sheet click here - Are you alert and ready? Safeguarding against infectious illness in aged care settings | Aged Care Quality and Safety CommissionFurther resources from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission:Infection Prevention and Control Leads: Updates for providers | Aged Care Quality and Safety CommissionOral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and influenza viruses in residential aged care services | Aged Care Quality and Safety CommissionCOVID-19 advice for people in residential aged care home and visitors | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged CareManaging a COVID-19 outbreak in residential aged care | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
34IPC News | acipc.org.auNATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL END GENDER BIAS SURVEYThe Women’s Health Advisory Council has launched the #EndGenderBias Survey to better understand the unique barriers and gender bias women face in Australia’s healthcare system. They want to hear from women, experts and healthcare professionals in the survey, which is available in 17 languages, with audio and video upload options also available.Have you or someone you care for been unfairly treated as a woman in Australia’s healthcare system? Be part of the solution and complete the survey from the National Women’s Health Advisory Council. Learn more: health.gov.au/womens-health-advisory-councilTAKE THE SURVEY HERE
35September 2023WHO RELEASES GLOBAL STRATEGY ON INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROLAt the Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly in May 2023 the World Health Organization (WHO) presented a resolution on infection prevention and control (IPC) which was adopted by consensus. The resolution called for 13 Member States to improve IPC at national, subnational and facility levels, and requested the Director-General to develop a global strategy on IPC (GSIPC).This document, Global strategy on infection prevention and control, has now been released. It outlines WHO’s vision and objectives and provides Member States with strategic directions to achieve measurable improvements. The strategy aims to substantially reduce the ongoing risk of health care-associated infections and limit infectious disease outbreaks by 2030.It recognises that preventing infections contributes to improving other critical health outcomes, with potential huge benefits in reducing health costs and providing safer health care. WHO stated that the GSIPC takes a people-centred approach that emphasizes health workers’ protection and patient safety and compassion, while highlighting the central role of IPC in combating antimicrobial resistance and in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response.The global strategy is available on the WHO website. TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B Page 4 Distributed by ACIPC on behalf of Deakin University researchers (Mataya Kilpatrick, Stéphane Bouchoucha, Ana Hutchinson, and Elizabeth Manias) Dear ACIPC member, You are invited to complete an online anonymous survey to examine paediatric nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control. This is part of a PhD student research project, which is being conducted towards Mataya Kilpatrick’s Doctorate with Deakin University. Participation in this anonymous online survey is expected to take less than 10 minutes. Gender, working experience and your current position will be obtained to establish demographic data. No personal information will be obtained for this study. If you want any further information concerning this project, the Participant Information Form is provided at the start of the survey, you can access this using the link below. If you require additional information or have any questions about this research project, please contact Mataya Kilpatrick at m.kilpatrick@deakin.edu.au or telephone 03 9246 8273 The findings of this study will be used by members of the research team for future research at Deakin University and in peer-reviewed publications, reports, and conference or seminar presentations. To complete the survey please click on the link below. Access the anonymous online survey here (or copy and paste in your browser): https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_6xRjkdXJ5F8bIbA You can also access the survey by scanning the QR code. This project has been approved by the Deakin University Ethics Committee as a Low Risk study (reference number: 2021-319). Kind Regards, The Research Team Mataya Kilpatrick, RN A/Prof. Stéphane Bouchoucha Prof. Ana Hutchinson Prof. Elizabeth Manias 36IPC News | acipc.org.au
37September 2023Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & HealthClean Hospitals day 2023 marks the global launch of a self-assessment tool Alexandra Peters, Pierre Parneix, Didier Pittet on the behalf of Clean Hospitals https://www.idhjournal.com.au/article/S2468-0451(23)00059-7/fulltextA commentary on “Care bundle for the prevention of peripheral venous catheter blood stream infections at a secondary care university hospital: Implementation and results” (Lladó Maura et al., 2023) Ema Mata, Gisela Silva, Teresa Peralta https://www.idhjournal.com.au/article/S2468-0451(23)00058-5/fulltext
38IPC News | acipc.org.auSelected Publications of Interest Examining outpatients’ hand hygiene behaviour and its relation to COVID-19 infection prevention measures. Gaube, S., Walton, K., Kleine, A.-K., Däumling, S., Rohrmeier, C., Müller, S., Bonrath, E., & Schneider-Brachert, W. (2023). Journal of Hospital Infection. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.013 International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control 2023. (2023). Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 12(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-023-01276-2 Information seeking behaviors of individuals impacted by COVID-19 international travel restrictions: An analysis of two international cross-sectional studies. McDermid, P., Craig, A., Sheel, M., Blazek, K., Talty, S., & Seale, H. (2023) Frontiers in Communication, 8, 1101548. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2023.1101548/full Socioeconomic disadvantage and engagement with digital contact tracing for COVID-19 in Western Sydney: A secondary analysis of surveillance data. Silberberg, B., Young, C., Bag, S., Moreira, C., Norton, S., Wells, J., & Shaban, R. Z. (2023).Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 47(5), 100087. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100087 Unpacking the social dimension of infection prevention and control – it’s not just about the germs. A blog by Julie Storr. Storr, J. (2023). https://www.pslhub.org/learn/patient-safety-in-health-and-care/high-risk-areas/infectious-diseases/unpacking-the-social-dimension-of-infection-prevention-and-control-%E2%80%93-it%E2%80%99s-not-just-about-the-germs-a-blog-by-julie-storr-r9501/ Have you been involved with a recent publication that would be of interest to the wider ACIPC community? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact the oce at oce@acipc.org.au
39September 2023CAREER OPPORTUNITIESMake an impact as an ACIPC IPC ConsultantThe Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control is seeking an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) consultant to join our team.The position will provide expert IPC guidance in various healthcare and clinical settings. This position requires a strong commitment to infection prevention and control practices, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing situations and regulations. For more information visit the ACIPC website https://www.acipc.org.au/resources/ipc-job-board/ NT Exciting Job Opportunity: Nurse / Midwife Management Coordinator – Infection Prevention and ManagementYou will provide expert advice and support to clinical and non-clinical sta of Primary and Public Health Care to ensure infection prevention strategies are evidence based and within a risk management framework that comply with national and international standards to prevent healthcare associated infections.For further information about this vacancy please contact Helen Gill on 08 8951 7165 or Helen.gill@nt.gov.auQuote vacancy number: 50724Closing date: 04/10/2023For a copy of the Job Description or to view career opportunities in the Northern Territory Government please visit www.jobs.nt.gov.auClinical Nurse Consultant IPC The Royal Women’s HospitalThe Women’s is expanding its Infection Prevention and Control Service and an exciting opportunity awaits a dedicated and experienced nursing professional committed to this ongoing Clinical Nurse Consultant position. The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting the care of this unique patient population of perinatal women, neonates, and those seeking care in women’s health, and will be rewarded by being part of a cohesive team within the dynamic environment that is The Women’s.To find out more and apply Click the link below https://www.seek.com.au/job/70269499
Level 6 152 Macquarie StHobart TAS 7000+61 (3) 6281 9239oce@acipc.org.auwww.acipc.org.auABN 61 154 341 036FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA