Researching and identifying healthcare infections

20 June 2017

The Clinical Excellence Commission is partnering with other health organisations to develop a statewide network for rapid detection of healthcare associated infection outbreaks.

The research will be led by Chief Investigators Dr Matthew O'Sullivan, Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health Pathology, and Joe-Anne Bendall, Clinical Excellence Commission.

The Translational Research Grants Scheme funds research projects that will translate into better patient outcomes, health service delivery, and population health and wellbeing. The scheme provides grants to staff within NSW Local Health Districts, Specialty Health Networks, the Ambulance Service of NSW and NSW Health Pathology.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Clostridium difficile (Cdiff) are some of the most severe healthcare-associated infections. Tracking the spread of these pathogens through the hospital using genetic fingerprinting can swiftly identify outbreaks. As well as better detecting outbreaks the research hopes to develop strategies for prevention and transmission and help improve patient safety in hospitals.