The hospital infection control program is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all, that is our patients and HealthCare workers. We achieve this by adopting the principles and procedures necessary for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases. The success of this is a program on good hygiene and a range of practices that arise from identifying hazards and implementing risk management strategies for those hazards.
Our practices include:
-- Use of 'Standard and Additional precautions' work practice to reduce the risk of transmission of infections
-- Sound personal hygiene practice including appropriate hand washing, cleaning of work spaces and equipment
-- Effective tracking system to track and trace surgical instruments and devices
-- Sterilisation of all surgical equipment in accordance with Australian standards
-- Designated Single use medical equipment and medication vials are used once only then discarded
-- Appropriate handling and disposal of sharps and other clinical waste.
-- Environmental controls including design and maintenance of premises, cleaning and spills management
-- Appropriate provision of support services such as laundry and food services. Food safety plan based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) the internationally accepted food program
-- Occupational health and safety policies and practices including staff vaccinations and exclusion from duty where warranted
-- Ongoing surveillance of infection rates and types
-- Ongoing education and training for all staff
Each year we are required to submit to the Department of Human Services as part of our annual licence review a detailed 'Infection Control Plan' that clearly identifies how we will achieve our outcomes.