Information for
Patients
Latest publications
Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Report No 11 (Jan 2012)
Tasmanian Healthcare Associated Infection Prevention Strategy 2009-2011
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are infections that result as an unintended consequence of receiving healthcare.
Globally and in Australia, up to eight per cent of hospitalised patients will acquire an infection during their hospital stay. Some of these infections may be life threatening.
In Tasmania, there are an estimated 2300 HAIs each year, equating to approximately 2500 lost bed days.
It is important to understand HAIs cannot be completely eliminated and will remain a challenge for hospitals and other healthcare settings around the world.
However, they can be reduced through:
- Public awareness - for information on healthcare associated infections, or tips on how to lower your chances of getting an infection during your treatment, click here
- Healthcare improvement - with appropriate education and support, infections can be reduced through a range of infection control and hygiene measures. For information for healthcare professionals, click here
Tasmanian Infection Prevention and Control Unit
The Tasmanian Infection Prevention and Control Unit (TIPCU) is based within Population Health, but coordinates and supports activities across a range of settings including the private sector.
TIPCU has a number of functions including:
- monitoring HAIs and healthcare safety indicators. TIPCU releases quarterly HAI surveillance reports of Tasmanian public hospitals.
- education and training
- leadership in the area of HAIs and their prevention and control
- support for public health activities.
To coordinate and plan the necessary statewide response to HAIs, Tasmania also has a HAI Steering Committee and HAI Advisory Committee.
Want more information?
Contact TIPCU on 6222 7779 or email tipcu@dhhs.tas.gov.au
For all hand hygiene enquiries email handhygiene@dhhs.tas.gov.au