The highly-trained staff have the responsibility for monitoring infections, methods of control, rapid identification and investigation of outbreaks of potential infection hazards.
The unit provides advice on the isolation of infectious patients, making day to day decisions with staff in all areas where potential risks of infection occur.
It is also responsible for developing and evaluating policies aimed at preventing infection and its spread and providing education for staff on measures of infection control. Surveillance of targeted hospital acquired infections also occurs.
Bendigo Health is required to report Health Care Worker influenza vaccination rates to the Department of Health and Human Services, it is a statement of priority reporting requirement.
In addition to the number of staff vaccinated this data also includes the number of staff who decline the vaccine and the reasons.
Also, if an outbreak occurs, we can effectively manage staff who are not protected with a vaccine.