Programs and Strategies

Role of TIPCU

The TIPCU provides professional advice, leadership and information about healthcare associated infections (HIAs) to health professionals in DHHS Tasmania. The team also provides representation of the State at a national level.  

The Primary roles of the TIPCU can be summarised as:

  • Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infection
  • Infection Control Input on Emergency Planning in DHHS
  • Education & Support
  • Tasmanian (DHHS) Representation for Infection Prevention & Control initiatives.

Undertaking the Role

It is the responsibility of individual healthcare providers (public and private) to implement and manage strategies for the prevention and control of infections within their respective organisations. The TIPCU is not a substitute for existing infection control services, rather it provides additional specialist support. The TIPCU will work with key stakeholders in undertaking its role.

Programs

The TIPCU has a number of programs working alongside each other. These include:

PROGRAM

DETAILS

LEADERSHIP/STATE REPRESENTATION
     
NHMRC National Infection Control Guidelines Committee TIPCU Director sits on this Committee
HAI Surveillance Group  Dr Alistair McGregor sits on this Group on behalf of TIPCU 
Policies and Procedures  Development of guidelines to follow after the introduction of the NHRMC Australian IC guidelines 
Professional Development Forum  Infection, Prevention and Control practitioners from acute hospitals are encouraged to
participate in regular forums facilitated by the TIPCU 
Nursing and Midwifery Exec  Director TIPCU is a member of this committee 
ACSQHC Hand Hygiene Initiative  Representation and input on the national steering committee 
SURVEILLANCE
      

Acute hospitals

Current surveillance includes:

  • Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
  • Vancomycin resistant enterococcus
  • Staphylococcus aureus sensitivity 
  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • Hand hygiene indicator surveillance

Planned

  • Antibiotics utilisation surveillance

Click on this link for more details:

 

Primary Health and
non-acute healthcare providers  

Infection Prevention & Control Audit

Click on this link for more details

 

EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
      

Internet

 Continued development of resources

Link Practitioner scheme

Delivering education.  More details can be found on the 'training and education' link

Hand Hygiene Initiative

Click on the following links for more details www.hha.org.au and the Hand Hygiene (DHHS)

 

EMERGENCY PLANNING 
       
  Continue to work collaboratively with Public Health and relevant departments to enhance Tasmania's
preparedness and response for infectious disease threats.