Home About us Policy Frameworks Public Health Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Policy

Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Policy

MP 0108/19 - Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Policy (pdf 125KB)

Applicable to: This policy is applicable to Health Service Provider except Health Support Services, Quadriplegic Centre and PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA.

Description: The purpose of the Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Policy (policy) is to describe the mandatory healthcare associated infection (HAI) surveillance and reporting requirements.

Infections resulting from the provision of healthcare are one of the most common causes of unintended harm suffered by health consumers. They can cause patients’ pain and suffering, often result in readmissions, re-operations, antibiotic use, prolong hospital admissions and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As such, HAIs require significant human and financial resources and can be associated with adverse publicity and litigation.

Undertaking HAI surveillance is an essential component of effective infection prevention and allows for evaluation of prevention programs, thereby improving patient outcomes.The HAI surveillance indicators have been developed to enable standardised and meaningful surveillance to be performed. They have been selected by a process of review and consultation and are applicable to a variety of healthcare settings within Western Australia. The indicators incorporate the requirements of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

This policy is a mandatory requirement for Health Service Providers under the Public Health Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c) of the Health Services Act 2016.

This policy is in accordance with MP 0111/19 Performance Management Policy.

Date of effect: 31 May 2019