Mrs. Belinda Andrews1, Mrs. Kathryn O'Brien1, Mrs. Toni McLean1, Mrs. Belinda Henderson1,2,3
1Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia, 2ACIPC, Hobart, Australia, 3WHO GOARN, Switzerland
Biography:
Belinda Andrews is an Infection Prevention and Control CNC with Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit and a 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:
Infrastructure upgrades are commonplace in Queensland Health as ageing facilities are refurbished/rebuilt to meet evolving standards and technologies. A fungal infection outbreak linked to construction at a major Brisbane hospital highlighted the need for consistent involvement of Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (IPCPs) in infrastructure projects. Fungal outbreaks are a known risk during construction, and poor healthcare facility design can contribute to preventable infections. Despite being a key stakeholder, engagement of IPCPs in infrastructure planning and projects has been inconsistent in Queensland.1
The Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit (QIPCU) developed supporting resources to facilitate integration of infection prevention and control principles into infrastructure projects – resources include clinical guideline, assessment tools, and an interactive education workshop for IPCPs. QIPCU continues to engage with local and statewide infrastructure teams as part of the implementation of these resources to ensure infection control is a key pillar of infrastructure projects. QIPCU provide ongoing support to Queensland Health IPCPs facing challenges with infrastructure projects.
Resources are published on the Queensland Health website. Education sessions, workshops and supporting resources have received positive feedback from IPCPs. QIPCU’s advocacy has influenced design changes in current builds and fostered close collaboration with local project teams.
Failure to involve IPCPs throughout the infrastructure cycle may lead to infection-related harm and costly redesign.
Health facility infrastructure projects must include IPCP involvement to minimise infection risks at all stages. Ongoing interdisciplinary partnerships supported by statewide guidance and resources is essential to embed IPCP’s expertise in the healthcare infrastructure projects lifecycle.