Mrs. Nicole Vause1, Ms Samantha Farrugia1
1Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW), Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Since 2023 Nicole is the Nursing Clinical Practice Director for Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) within the Safety and Quality Unit under Clinical System Support & Improvement at SA Health.
She has been credentialed by ACIPC at the expert level since May 2012.
Abstract:
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is fundamental to delivering safe, high-quality healthcare, yet its strategic importance has not always been reflected at the executive level. In 2024, this shifted when the Health Chief Executives’ Council (HCEC) Safety and Quality meeting identified IPC as a statewide priority topic, marking a significant advancement in the recognition and positioning of IPC across South Australia.
In response, HCEC approved three key recommendations: Local Health Networks (LHNs) including statewide services aligned to those LHNs and SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) confirm they have effective governance and local processes for IPC programs and continue to strengthen them; that the Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) review the state’s healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance system; and that DHW, in partnership with the SA Infection Reference Group, develop a statewide approach to reducing invasive device-related bloodstream infections.
Following endorsement, responses to recommendation one confirmed that governance frameworks aligned with national and international standards are in place and evolving. These frameworks are characterised by integrated clinical governance, data-informed quality improvement, and strong workforce engagement. As approved actions, HCEC notes the need for ongoing improvement and strengthening capacity, supported by IPC clinicians, and annual evaluations to monitor progress and ensure program sustainability across LHNs and SAAS.
Recognising IPC as a priority has generated momentum for stronger governance, improved surveillance, and shared innovation. This work reinforces the importance of positioning IPC within clinical governance structures, ensuring IPC professionals maintain a sustained voice in safety and quality, placing patients at the centre of care.