Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week is held during the third week of October each year to highlight the importance of preventing infections. The theme for IPC Week 2023 is Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week aims to promote better infection prevention and control practices in health care and to recognise the efforts of all healthcare workers to reduce the risk of infection in health services.
Everyone has a role in the prevention and control of infections in health care. Simple actions, such as cleaning shared patient equipment between each use and hand hygiene, can make big difference.
IPC Week 2023 - 15 to 21 October
The Commission’s focus for IPC Week 2023 is supporting health service organisations to meet the requirements of the National Safety and Quality Health Services (NSQHS) Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard.
Novel infections, such as COVID-19, that cause outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics present new challenges, and require rapid responses to control and prevent further spread. At the same time, it is essential to ensure the safety of patients and members of the workforce, and the sustainability of health service provision.
The NSQHS Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard provides the framework that supports health service organisations to prevent, control and respond to all infections.
Clinicians and organisations can participate in Twitter discussions during IPC Week to contribute to, and learn more about, the importance of infection prevention and control and improving patient safety.
Follow the Commission on Twitter: @ACSQHC
There are some more resources to help your organisation meet the infection prevention and control requirements of the NSQHS Standards:
To engage and educate your colleagues during IPC Week, you may wish to use the presentation slides and 10-question quiz below.
