Mrs. Belinda Andrews1, Mrs. Kathryn O’Brien1, Mrs. Toni McLean1
1Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Belinda Andrews is an Infection Prevention and Control CNC with the Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit and facilitator for the Foundations of IPC course. Belinda holds a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and Master of Management. Belinda is credentialled as an Expert Infection Control Practitioner with ACIPC.
Abstract:
Issue Identified
Queensland’s Hospital Rescue Plan promises over 2,600 new beds through new hospitals, major expansions, and upgraded facilities across the state. This scale of infrastructure growth presents a significant challenge: ensuring infection prevention and control (IPC) principles are embedded in procurement. Without systematic IPC integration, there is a risk of selecting products that compromise infection control, potentially impacting patient safety. As procurement processes are streamlined to support rapid delivery, balancing efficiency with clinical safety is essential.
What Was Done
In 2025, the Queensland Health System Procurement Branch implemented a clinical engagement framework to formalise clinical input and governance in procurement. The Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit (QIPCU) developed core IPC principles to guide procurement across diverse product categories. This strategic foundation enables procurement teams to embed IPC considerations into draft specifications, which QIPCU reviews and refines with category-specific advice. This approach reduces duplication and supports sustainable engagement.
Results
The use of core IPC principles, applied strategically across product groups, has enabled consistent and efficient integration of IPC into procurement. This has supported the selection of products that meet both clinical and operational needs, enhancing safety across Queensland Health facilities.
Conclusion
A principle-based, scalable approach to IPC in procurement has proven effective in embedding infection prevention into system-wide processes.
Lessons Learnt
Sustainable IPC leadership, supported by adaptable guidance and structured collaboration, is key to ensuring safe, fit-for-purpose procurement across a range of settings and product categories.