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Hume Region Infection Control Resource & Consulting Service

Introduction
The Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS) was established in March 2001 as part of the Victorian Government's initiative to facilitate a coordinated approach to the implementation of a state wide infection control strategic framework. Two infection control consultants, Joy Grinter and Beverley Butler-Mack, manage the service.

The Hume Region covers the area from Corryong to Kilmore, Cobram to Mt Beauty and Mansfield and encompasses 15 Public Hospitals and 2 Multi-purpose Services.

Objectives
The objective of HRICRCS is to provide a comprehensive infection control service that facilitates equitable, effective and efficient use of resources whilst providing a high standard, outcome focussed, product to the public health industry.

Achievements
Development and implementation of a 3 year Regional Infection Control Strategic Plan to facilitate a standardised and coordinated approach to infection control within the Hume Region.

Development of a formal link, between Alfred Infectious Diseases Unit and Hume Region Health Care agencies, for the provision expert consultative 24 hour advice and education sessions to be held within the region.

A survey of current endoscope monitoring and endoscope processing procedures has been conducted within the region. A report with literature review and recommendations was written in response to the survey and disseminated to health care agencies providing endoscopic procedures.

A survey of the level of satisfaction by users of HRICRCS has been undertaken and the results of the survey with recommendations disseminated to health care agencies.

Regular site visits to organisations are undertaken to support and assist Infection Control Practitioners develop and implement Infection Control Programs within organisations. Telephone and email contact for support and assistance is also available.

Development and provision of education and training opportunities for health care agencies within the region including:

• Scholarship opportunities for Infection Control Practitioners to gain appropriate qualifications e.g. Sterilisation and Infection Control Certificate, and also to attend State and National Infection Control Conferences
• Organisation and funding of
  • HIV and Hepatitis pre and post test counselling courses
  • Introduction to Sterilising Services course
  • Practical implementation of AS/NZS-4187-2003 workshop.
• All courses were conducted by Metropolitan based education providers and held at venues within the Hume Region to facilitate participation by rural personnel in first class programs.
• Infection Control Orientation and Education Packages
• Purchase of library and education and IT resources which are available to ICP's within the region

The Hume Region Consultants are inaugural members of the Rural Infection Control practice group (RICPRAC). This is a representative group comprising regional infection control consultants from throughout rural Victoria.

This group has developed, and implemented, several initiatives to promote standardisation and to address specifics in rural health care agencies including:

• Infection Control Website for rural regional areas
• Review of current and proposed DHS state wide strategies to ensure that the needs of rural and regional areas are considered
• Generic Infection Control Procedure Manual
• Information Brochures including
  • Infection Control for patients and visitors
  • Reprocessing and Sterilisation of medical equipment
  • Hand Hygiene
  • MRSA

Outcomes
The Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service assists acute care facilities within the region to strive for and achieve Infection Control best practice, and supports these facilities in meeting the requirements set out in the State Government Infection Control Strategic Plan.

Publications / Reports

Minimisation of dust generated at construction site (internal and external) and elimination of the risk of dust/debris entering into adjacent patient care and patient care support areas and existing buildings is of utmost importance.
Construction and Refurbishment Risk Assessment and Action Plan Proforma (108kb, pdf)

Terms of Agreement for the Infectious Diseases Unit and Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service.
Infectious Diseases Unit and Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service - Infectious Diseases Expert Link - Terms of Agreement (30kb, pdf)

The Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS) seeks to engage the services of suitably qualified and experienced parties to provide an Infectious Diseases Expert Link to Hume Region in Victoria.
Infectious Diseases Expert Link - Link Delivery Brief (221kb, pdf)

A current clinical issue identified within our region is the provision of a ‘safe’ endoscopy service to customers. This involves cleaning, processing, storage, use and monitoring activities of endoscopes and endoscope processing equipment.
Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service Endoscope Survey - completed April 2003 (170kb, pdf)

Feedback form for the evaluation of Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS).
Evaluation of Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS) Survey Form (8kb, pdf)

An evaluation of the level of satisfaction with service provided by HRICRCS to infection control practitioners and executive representatives of acute hospitals within the Hume Region.
Results of Evaluation of Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS) Survey (17kb, pdf)

Provides a graphical display of the results of the Evaluation of the Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS) Survey.
Graph of Results of Evaluation of Hume Region Infection Control Resource and Consulting Service (HRICRCS) Survey (58kb, MS Excel)

Hume Region Isolation PPE calculator (55kb, MS Excel)

Contact information

Contact information for further queries.