VICNISS has recently created surveillance competencies which should be completed by ICP's and other personnel that collect and report VICNISS surveillance data.

Each VICNISS competency comprises a training course (includes learning activities) Followed by a multiple choice quiz to demonstrate adequate knowledge and understanding to perform the nominated VICNISS module.

If the participant does not successfully complete the module competency after three attempts further education by VICNISS staff will be arranged.

Click here for more information on the competency for CDI, SAB, SSI and the new module CLABSI will be available soon.

New Reporting Tool

You may have noticed on the HHCApp there are now more options for reporting.  There are the reports that have always been available called standard reports and now there are additional reports called custom reports, which give more flexibility to be able to look at time trends and other functions.  If you have any queries or need assistance with these reports please contact Elizabeth.Orr@mh.org.au

New LMS on its way

Hopefully in the coming weeks the new LMS will be live on the HHA website.  Staff will be required to log in first and then complete their relevant online learning package.  There is the ability to log back in at a later stage and print certificates, negating the need to repeat the package if the certificate is misplaced or a staff member works across different organisations.  Look out for an email from HHA in the next 2 weeks. (remember to check your junk boxes as well)

Dental Tools

New dental audit tools and an education package are now available on the HHA website.  New codes have been created specifically for dental.  If you are auditing a dental department, make sure you are using the correct codes and that the department type in the HHCApp is labelled dental.  A dental online learning package is currently being developed and will be available early in the new year. http://www.hha.org.au/home/resources-for-dental.aspx

Auditor Refresher

Just a reminder that after the next Victorian ACIPC Journal club on Friday 11th December at the Alfred, there will be a quick refresher and the new dental codes and education package will be presented.  The refresher will follow on from journal club from 9.30 to 1030am.

Gold Standard Auditor Workshop in February 2016

The next 2 day gold standard workshop will be run at the Austin Hospital on the 15th and 16th February 2016.  This date is available for selection on the online booking page and spots are filling up quickly.  http://www.hha.org.au/ForHealthcareWorkers/workshops/workshop-online-booking.aspx

Host GSA Workshop

If your hospital would like to host a gold standard workshop. please contact Elizabeth.Orr@mh.org.au All that is required is a room booking for 2 consecutive days and up to 5 GSAs from your organisation to assist with the practical session for an hour early on the second morning.  Without your support the GSA workshops cannot run, so it would be greatly appreciated if you could host one.  There is a course in August hosted by Peninsula Health and the dates will be advertised next year. 

Congratulations to everyone on the influenza vaccination results for 2015. While the results aren’t available publicly as yet, they continue to improve each year and this year was no exception. Reports for all hospitals that entered data (all public hospitals and any private hospitals that entered data) are now available via the VICNISS website. If you have any questions or problems with generating your reports, please contact the VICNISS Coordinating Centre via email (vicniss@mh.org.au) or phone 9342 9333.

Early scoop for 2016 - The initial news is that the vaccine is unlikely to be available until mid-April.  You will hear more from us in February, so until then, sit back, relax and try not to think about influenza vaccinations!

Data Submission

For those hospitals not using webforms or SHIINe to submit VICNISS data please ensure the most recent data collection form is used and all data fields are included. VICNISS data collection forms and istructions for completion of the forms can be found in the VICNISS Manual.

Education

If you have any further queries please contact the VICNISS Coordinating Centre via email or phone 93429333.

Keeping looking at this spot for what's on in the New Year!