Infection Prevention & Healthcare Epidemiology Unit

What we do

The Infection Prevention team is made up of nurses, doctors, and data management staff.

Our goals include:

Improving patient safety by preventing healthcare-associated infections
Educating staff, patients and visitors to Alfred Health on their responsibilities in Infection Prevention
Reducing the risk of patients developing and transmitting antibiotic resistant microorganisms
Keeping our staff, patients and visitors safe from exposure to infectious agents
Doing research to promote evidence-based practice in Infection Prevention
Reducing the financial and social costs of healthcare-associated infections
Keeping up to date with advancements in healthcare infection prevention technologies, and recommending their introduction when benefits to patient or staff safety are evident

We have a large number of patient resources which you can access for more information about common diseases and different antibiotic-resistant bateria (such as MRSA).

Who we care for

The Infection Prevention team is dedicated to keeping all patients, visitors and hospital staff safe from infection.

What to expect

Our key activities include promoting hand hygiene and Infection Prevention education with staff, patients and visitors.

We also perform surveillance activities, staff immunisation, and promote evidence-based infection prevention and control practices.

Commonly asked questions

How do I stay safe from infection whilst I am a patient in hospital?

Hand hygiene is the most important way to prevent infections in hospital. You can clean your hands by using the alcohol-based hand rub, or washing your hands with soap and water.

All health care workers (for example, your doctor, nurse and physiotherapist) should clean their hands regularly. This is especially important before and after they provide care to you, and immediately before and after they perform procedures involving tubes, lines or dressings on you.

Can I ask my healthcare worker to clean their hands?

If you don’t see us using hand rubs or washing our hands when you think we should, then please remind us. We care about your health so – it’s OK to ask!

What do my visitors need to do to keep me safe from infection?

Your visitors should always clean their hands before coming in to visit you, and when they leave. It is important for visitors to stay away from the hospital if they are unwell. This is necessary to protect you and other patients in the hospital, especially those with poor immune systems.

Find out more about the other ways we can keep you safe & comfortable.

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

Your doctor can call us to organise for you to access this service.