Media releases
Media releases
The Commission responds promptly to all media enquiries and provides regular media releases on matters relating to safety and quality in health care.
Media enquiries
Please direct all media enquiries to: communications@safetyandquality.gov.au
If the matter is urgent please contact:
Margaret Sleath, Communications Director
(02) 9126 5020 | 0414 505134 | margaret.sleath@safetyandquality.gov.au
Angela Jackson, Communications and Media Manager
(02) 9126 3513 | 0407 213 522 | angela.jackson@safetyandquality.gov.au
Media releases
2022
30 June
New standard is a ‘game changer’ that will ensure healthcare workers recognise sepsis as a medical emergency
Each year more than 8,700 Australians die from sepsis, a condition that is triggered by an infection and can turn into a deadly disease if undetected. Today the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released the national Sepsis Clinical Care Standard, in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health.
27 April
New standard to avoid long-term harm from opioid analgesics
A new standard of care will help thousands of Australians at risk from long-term reliance on opioid analgesics following short-term use for acute pain in hospital.
21 March
Joint Statement on the Inappropriate Use of Psychotropic Medicines to Manage the Behaviours of People with Disability and Older People
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability identified that psychotropic medicines are being misused and overused, particularly with older people and people with disability. Inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines has been recognised as a safety and quality issue in health care.
2021
24 November
National standard of care for anaphylaxis will save lives
The first national standard of care for patients with anaphylaxis has been released today. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires medical treatment. The new standard emphasises the need for prompt treatment and continuity of patient care between acute and general practice healthcare settings.
12 October
New standards to keep Australians safe when accessing local health care
Launched today by Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s (the Commission) National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards aim to protect Australians from harm and improve the quality of health care that people receive in these settings.
9 September
Delirium care standard recognises value of family and carer support
With one in four older medical patients affected, an updated national clinical care standard to improve care for people at risk of delirium – a serious and often preventable condition – has been applauded by healthcare professionals.
27 August
New report on antimicrobial use and resistance in Australia
The Fourth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA 2021), released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) today, highlights the ongoing public health and safety threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.
17 August
New standard to improve care for Australians with cataract
The first national standard of care for patients with cataract will streamline how patients are prioritised for the most common elective surgery in Australia – and ultimately improve access to care.
26 May
New standard to improve the care of 7.7 million Australians who receive IV cannulas or ‘drips’ each year
For the 7.7 million Australians who have a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) – also known as a cannula or ‘drip’ – inserted each year, their hospital experience is set to become safer.
28 April
High rates of early caesarean sections are putting Australian babies at unnecessary risk
A major report released today has revealed that many Australian babies are being placed at unnecessary risk because their birth by caesarean section is scheduled too early, without a medical reason. This is despite clear evidence that waiting until 39 weeks – unless there is a medical reason not to – is best for the baby.
21 April
Australian women to benefit from national standard to reduce perineal trauma at birth
In a momentous leap forward for women’s health in Australia, a new national standard of care released today will reduce the risk of women experiencing a serious tear of the perineum at childbirth.
2020
30 November
New standards open the door to safe and effective digital mental health care
The introduction of world-leading standards for digital mental health services in Australia is set to be a game-changer for the nation at a time when the delivery of high-quality mental health care has never been more important.
23 September
Antimicrobials report reveals consistently high use areas in major cities
A five-year trend report on antimicrobial medicines use in Australia has revealed a sustained pattern of high use in some of the most disadvantaged areas of major cities, with outer areas of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne identified as having the highest rates of antimicrobial dispensing year after year.
2019
18 November
More support for frontline emergency care staff
A national initiative launched today will support the time-critical work and informed decision making of frontline hospital emergency department (ED) clinicians through the use of patients’ My Health Record.
8 August
New Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights empowers patients as partners
A revised Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights to be launched today encourages people receiving health care in Australia to actively engage in decisions about their care with their healthcare provider.
30 May
Joint guideline update ensures best available evidence for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), in partnership with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), today released the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019).
09 May
Third comprehensive report on antibiotic resistance identifies ongoing threat
The most comprehensive report produced on Australian antimicrobial use and resistance trends has found that antimicrobial use in the community is falling, but they continue to be overprescribed, while some dangerous bacteria are growing increasingly resistant to common antibiotics.
January 2019
Public consultation underway to boost the clinical trials sector
Reforms are underway to boost Australia’s clinical trials sector and attract more clinical trials – giving Australian patients increased access to potentially life-saving treatments and medications.
2018
11 December 2018
New Atlas shines light on wide variations in health care for Australians
A major report released today has found wide disparities in the use of some health treatments and investigations – revealing potentially adverse outcomes for the youngest members of the community as well as older Australians.
12 November 2018
Survey identifies opportunities to improve appropriate use of antibiotics in Australian hospitals
In 2017, around one-third of prescriptions for antimicrobials in participating Australian hospitals were assessed as not compliant with treatment guidelines. Almost 1 in 4 antimicrobial prescriptions were assessed as inappropriate.
11 October 2018
Blood clot prevention care to save lives and reduce $1.7b burden on health system
A new nationally agreed standard of care released today aims to reduce the tens of thousands of Australian lives put at risk each year by largely preventable blood clots, which kill four times more people than road accidents.
10 September 2018
Millions of Australians to benefit from national treatment standard for colonoscopy
The first nationally agreed standard of care for patients undergoing a colonoscopy says the complex procedure should only be offered if the benefits outweigh the risks.
17 August 2018
Review of hospital accreditation further embeds safety improvements in the Australian health care sector
A review of the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation (AHSSQA) Scheme, released today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), identifies improvements to be made to the way that health services are assessed to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
08 August 2018
National report on critical antimicrobial resistance highlights prevalence of CPE bacteria in hospitals and novel resistance in N. gonorrhoeae infections
Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (also known as CPE) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae continue to be the most commonly reported organisms with critical resistances to antimicrobials across Australia, according to a national report released today.
02 August 2018
Launch of National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards User Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at COAG meeting
A practical resource to support health services deliver better and more appropriate health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was launched today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) at the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) meeting in Alice Springs.
28 February 2018
Rising antibiotic resistance in E. coli, the commonest cause of bloodstream infection
The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), often thought of as a stomach bug, is in fact the most common bacterial cause of potentially dangerous bloodstream infections – and new data shows the germ responsible is becoming more resistant to the antibiotics doctors rely on to treat it.
13 February 2018
Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea drives bulk of rise in alerts
The number of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea samples reported to health authorities nearly trebled in the six months to September 2017, reinforcing worldwide concern over the spread of this and other types of dangerous drug-resistant bacteria.
2017
06 December 2017
Commission releases online module aimed at improving communication of risk
An e-module to help clinicians develop their skills in communicating risks and benefits with their patients has been made freely available to all clinicians today.
29 November 2017
Survey identifies opportunities to improve use of antibiotics to prevent post-surgical infections
More than half (60%) of antibiotics given to patients after surgery to prevent infections are prescribed inappropriately, usually because they are not required at all – a situation that may be contributing to the rise of antibiotic resistance.
10 November 2017
Launch of updated EMM guide to help make medication use in hospitals safer
The latest version of a guide to help hospitals implement electronic prescribing and reduce adverse drug events is being launched today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
20 October 2017
Women to benefit from first national treatment standard for heavy periods
The first nationally agreed standard of care for women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding says women should be offered less invasive treatments before considering a hysterectomy – a major operation best done only when other treatments are not suitable.
10 October 2017
Australia joins international push to halve medication errors
A global drive to reduce medication errors by 50% within five years will be launched in Brisbane today, as part of a new push by the World Health Organization to save lives and reduce the harm caused by medication mix-ups.
03 August 2017
Comprehensive report on antibiotic resistance identifies new challenges
A comprehensive national report on the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Australia has highlighted a number of specific types of bacteria as major emerging healthcare problems, with one type in particular causing resistance to last-resort antibiotics in just over half of hospital samples.
01 August 2017
Clinical trials pay off for safety, quality and the economy
The cost of clinical trials investigating gaps in medical evidence is outweighed almost six to one by the savings that flow from the health improvements experienced by patients, and the direct savings to the health system and wider economy.
27 July 2017
Professor Villis Marshall AC reappointed as Chairman of the Commission
One of Australia’s most distinguished and respected healthcare leaders, Professor Villis Marshall AC, has been reappointed to the role of Board Chair for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to guide the organisation for a further three years.
19 July 2017
New system spotlights spread of antibiotic resistance
A new surveillance system set up to provide early warning of the spread of dangerous bacteria has detected more than 1,000 cases across Australia resistant to last-line antibiotics – giving experts much better and more timely information to help combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
5 July 2017
Australia’s hospitals helping the fight against antibiotic resistance
Use of antibiotics has dropped markedly in Australian hospitals, new figures show – a shift that will help slow the spread of antibiotic resistant germs that cause dangerous infections that are difficult to treat.
7 June 2017
Second Atlas highlights opportunities for healthcare improvement
A landmark new report to be launched today shows large variations in the provision of common health treatments across the country – giving health experts and clinicians valuable new information that will help to ensure more patients get the most effective and appropriate care.
5 June 2017
Fit for surgery – the National Patient Blood Management Collaborative
Evidence-based management of anaemia and iron deficiency before surgery greatly improves patient care, an innovative project led by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Heath Care has shown. The project, which has representation from 12 health services and is known as the National Patient Blood Management Collaborative (the Collaborative), aimed to increase the number of patients who had their haemoglobin and iron stores optimised before elective surgery.
19 May 2017
New Clinical Care Standard sets the benchmark for treating knee osteoarthritis
Surgery should be considered a last resort for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, under a new clinical care standard released today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and which is designed to help patients get the best care.
11 May 2017
Time with your doctor is precious: We can help you make the most of it
A tool to help people make the most of their medical appointments has been launched today, Thursday 11 May. Called Question Builder, the tool guides patients through a series of steps, from selecting which type of appointment they are preparing for, to selecting the most important questions to ask first. It then creates a list of questions that a patient can print or email to themselves, or someone else, and take to their medical appointment.
03 May 2017
Hand hygiene and fighting antibiotic resistance go hand-in-hand
Friday 5 May is international Hand Hygiene Day, and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) is joining the World Health Organization to highlight the role that clean hands can play in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotic medicines.
2016
3 November 2016
A new platform to explore Australia’s healthcare variation
A new online interactive tool allows users to explore data in the Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation (the atlas) in more detail, zooming in on maps and comparing data.
13 September 2016
New standard to improve hip fracture care
Patients with hip fracture should receive surgery within 48 hours of arriving at hospital and start moving around the day after surgery, if possible, according to a new care standard launched by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
15 July 2016
Delirium Clinical Care Standard to improve care and prevention
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has released a Delirium Clinical Care Standard to support safe, high quality and appropriate care for patients with, or at risk of delirium.
16 June 2016
Australia’s most comprehensive report on antibiotic resistance released
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has released a landmark report outlining the most comprehensive picture of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial use and appropriateness of prescribing in Australia to date.
5 May 2016
App to support reduction of radiation exposure from CTs for children and young people
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) and the Western Australian Department of Health have developed the DIP 4 Kids App to support a reduction in unwarranted exposure to radiation from CT scans for children.
28 January 2016
Caring for Cognitive Impairment – A National Campaign
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has launched a national campaign to improve knowledge and care practices to provide better outcomes and reduce the risk of harm to people with cognitive impairment in hospital.
2015
26 November 2015
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care launches first Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation
The Honourable Sussan Ley, Australian Minister for Health, launches the first national healthcare ‘atlas’, illuminating variation in health care provision across Australia. The Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation presents a clear picture of substantial variation in healthcare use across Australia, across areas such as antibiotic prescribing, surgical, mental health and diagnostic services.
16 November 2015
Increasing awareness of appropriate use of antibiotics in Australia: health and agriculture join together for Antibiotic Awareness Week
World Antibiotic Awareness Week (16-22 November 2015) aims to increase awareness of the growing problem of global antibiotic resistance, and encourage best practice across the health, veterinary and agriculture sectors in using antibiotics responsibly.
4 September 2015
New report shows wide variation in antimicrobial usage in Australian hospitals
A new report on antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals shows there is wide variation in usage between hospitals, indicating that although overall usage rates have decreased slightly in recent years, there is still considerable room for improvement. The report, Antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals: 2014 report of the National Antimicrobial Utilisation Surveillance Program (NAUSP), released today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), provides important information on how much antimicrobials are being used in Australian hospitals.
24 August 2015
New resources help parents and clinicians better understand the benefits and risks of CT scans for children and young people
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has today released a range of resources aimed at reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to children and young people from computed tomography scans (CT scans).
24 July 2015
Latest report shows room for improvement in antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals
The latest report on antimicrobial prescribing practices provides important information about the rate and appropriateness of antimicrobial use in Australian hospitals. The report, National Antimicrobial Prescribing Practice: results of the 2014 National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS), was released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) and the National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS) at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
10 June 2015
Ministers launch new clinical standard for improving care to patients with stroke
Improving the early assessment and management of patients with stroke is the focus of a new Clinical Care Standard, which was launched today at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by the Honourable Sussan Ley, Australian Government Minister for Health and the Honourable Jillian Skinner, NSW Minister for Health.
28 May 2015
Health Ministers endorse new approach to end-of-life care in hospitals
A new consensus statement describing the essential elements for providing safe and high-quality care at the end of life has been endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers as the national approach to the delivery of end-of-life care in Australian hospitals. The consensus statement was launched today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Brisbane, as part of National Palliative Care Week.
2014
4 December 2014
New clinical standard to improve care to patients with heart attacks or suspected heart attacks
Thousands of Australians are affected by acute coronary syndromes (heart attacks and suspected heart attacks) every year. Despite well-developed management guidelines, there are regional variations in treatment interventions across Australia. Improving early, accurate diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes is the focus of a new standard for clinical care which was launched today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission).
19 November 2014
New report provides insights into antibiotic prescribing in 151 Australian hospitals
A national report released today as part of Antibiotic Awareness Week, provides important information about antibiotic prescribing practices in a number of Australian hospitals. The report, National Antimicrobial Prescribing Practice: Results of the 2013 National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS), was released by the Melbourne Health National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship and the Commission.
18 November 2014
New standard for clinical care to help in fight against antibiotic resistance
Australia has one of the highest rates of antibiotic use in the developed world, with around 22 million prescriptions written every year in primary care alone. In hospitals, 30% of antibiotics prescribed are used inappropriately*. A new standard for clinical care, which will drive appropriate use of antibiotics, was launched today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission). The launch of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard coincides with Antibiotic Awareness Week, a global initiative to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and promote the responsible use of antibiotics.
17 November 2014
Leaders in health and agriculture join together to promote appropriate antibiotic use
Today marks the beginning of international Antibiotic Awareness Week and Australian experts in human and animal health have joined forces to highlight the escalating problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Baggoley said, “AMR is a global public health issue and continues to be one of the major threats to human health. There is a real concern that without new antibiotics in the development pipeline some infections will be difficult or impossible to treat.”
5 November 2014
A better way to care for patients with cognitive impairment in hospital
Improving the safety and quality of care for patients with cognitive impairment (dementia and delirium) is the focus of new resources launched today by the Commission. Cognitive impairment is common among older people admitted to hospital. Around 30 per cent of patients in Australian hospitals who are aged over 70 have some form of cognitive impairment.
16 October 2014
National launch of Vital Signs 2014: the state of safety and quality in Australian health care
Professor Villis Marshall, Chair of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, today released Vital Signs 2014: The State of Safety and Quality in Australian Health Care. Vital Signs 2014 provides an overview of a series of key topics in relation to the safety and quality of Australia’s health care system.
3 October 2014
Mental Health: The elephant in the room
It’s time to start talking about mental health. There remains a stigma about mental illness in mainstream Australia. The Australian Private Hospital’s Association (APHA) has launched a campaign to address the stigma head on, in a confronting and yet non-threatening way. Coinciding with Mental Health Week (5-12 October 2014), ‘The Elephant in the Room’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the prevalence of mental illness and encourage all Australians to speak openly about the issue.
16 September 2014
OECD report finds variation in common procedures across Australia
The management of common health conditions varies considerably depending upon where people live, according to an OECD Report released today. The report, Geographic Variations in Health Care: What do we know and what can be done to improve health system performance?, examines regional variation in the rates of several common hospital interventions both within and between 13 participating countries.
3 September 2014
Commission and jurisdiction partners receive award for excellence at APAC Forum
We are very pleased to announce the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s (the Commission) success at the APAC Forum - Asia Pacific’s premier healthcare conference. The Commission and the Australian, state and territory health departments received the award for National Partnership in the Implementation of Improved Safety Systems for Patients for implementation of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
25 August 2014
Addressing health literacy through a new national approach
Almost 60% of Australians have a low level of individual health literacy. This is important to the safety, quality and effectiveness of health care, according to the National Statement on Health Literacy (national statement) released today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission). Low levels of individual health literacy contribute to poorer health outcomes, increased risk of an adverse event and higher healthcare costs.
9 July 2014
Improving the safety and quality of health care for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community
The introduction of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, and assessment against these Standards in the acute sector is driving changes in health service delivery and improving patient safety and the quality of care provided. It is hoped that these changes will improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing health care. In a collaborative project with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, jurisdictions, health services and others, the Commission is working towards improving the safety of care provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in main stream health services. By determining the areas of greatest safety risk, the Commission and its partners can develop resources to support main stream health services to implement culturally appropriate safety systems and quality services. Information gained from the project will also inform the revision of the NSQSH Standards scheduled to commence in 2015.
26 June 2014
Building upon a shared commitment to quality healthcare (Healthscope and Bupa)
Healthscope and Bupa have built upon their shared commitment to further improve quality in the private healthcare sector with the launch of the Pay for Quality initiative. Shifting focus from cost to value-for-money, Pay for Quality provides a funding platform whereby Bupa rewards Healthscope for providing better healthcare outcomes in clinical quality and safety.
17 June 2014
Leading intensive care specialist to play pivotal role in Australia’s health care safety and quality
The Commission has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Herkes as its new Clinical Director. This important role provides expert clinical advice across all of the Commission’s nationally coordinated health care safety and quality priority programs.
28 May 2014
New report finds variation in common procedures across Australia
The management of common health conditions varies considerably depending upon where people live, according to a discussion paper released today by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The paper, Exploring Healthcare Variation in Australia, examines variation in the rates of several common procedures, such as knee surgery and hysterectomy, undertaken in hospitals during 2010-11.
11 April 2014
General practice accreditation to benefit from collaborative approach
Joint communiqué from the Commission and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Commission have embarked on a project to develop a governance and reporting framework for general practice accreditation in Australia.
26 February 2014
Professor John Turnidge appointed to lead program for national surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic usage
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), today announced the appointment of Professor John Turnidge as a Senior Medical Advisor to lead work on a national surveillance program for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic usage (AU). Under the 2013/14 Australian Federal Budget, the Commission has been funded to coordinate national action to prevent and contain antimicrobial resistance through enhanced surveillance systems.