The Infection Prevention and Control Helpline (the Helpline), funded by the Victorian Department of Health, was made available in June 2021, to ensure patient and staff safety was maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since launch, the Helpline, delivered by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), has assisted 630 health professionals, with guidance, tips and strategies to improve their infection prevention and control (IPC) processes. Now that COVID infections no longer warrant an emergency response and primary care providers are proficient in IPC processes, the dedicated Helpline will cease on 30 September 2023.
Victorian pharmacies, general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations can continue to access the dedicated Helpline for free until then, by calling 1800 312 968 or 03 9956 1046 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
From 01 October 2023, members of APNA can continue to seek support directly via the APNA Nurse Support Line: https://www.apna.asn.au/membership/member-benefits/nurse-support. Non members should reach out to their local PHN if in need of further IPC support. The following resources are also available:
Unsure/still can’t find what you are looking for? Further resources including fact sheets and webinar content are available here: https://www.apna.asn.au/nursing-tools/clinical-resource-information/infection-prevention-helpline. Note this weblink will be updated after 30 September 2023.
The service aims to:
Some examples of services provided:
Helpline team members will answer questions from callers and include those answers in the FAQ. Over time, as more people call the helpline, the list of FAQs will grow. To access the FAQ click here.
Murray PHN has collaborated with the National Asthma Council to provide the following educational clip which promotes the latest guidelines in relation to infection prevention when spirometry testing. Spirometry testing is not advised if there are community cases and during times of peak COVID risk. Please refer to nationalasthma.org.au for the latest advice.
Murray PHN worked with the First Nations’ owned production company, Little Rocket, to create a new video that focuses on information and support specifically for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to help keep their workforces safe. It outlines everyday actions that staff can take for reception areas, home visits and car travel.
For a range of recorded educational webinars and a comprehensive toolbox series click here.
Topics include protocols for administration staff in general practice and pharmacy, alternatives to staff tea rooms, cleaning tips and personal safety checks and measures for staff and patients.
As part of this series, a car cleaning protocol as also been developed. Click here to download.
Videos for all staff
Videos for clinical staff
This webinar was held on Thursday, 22 July 2021.
Resources
This webinar was held on Wednesday, 28 July 2021.
Resources
This webinar was held on Thursday, 26 August 2021.
Resources
This webinar was held on Thursday, 23 September 2021.
Resources
This webinar was held on Thursday, 28 October 2021.
Resources
This webinar was held on Wednesday, 8 December 2021.
Resources
Hear about the Infection Prevention Helpline on APNA’s Nursing Australia podcast.
Infection Prevention – Spirometry testing – National Asthma Council
HealthPathways aims to guide best-practice assessment and management of common medical conditions, including when and where to refer patients, with guidance on what information is needed. It also includes helpful information and advice on other clinical areas of concern such as infection prevention and control. It’s free for health professionals to use. Contact your local HealthPathways team for more information.
HealthPathways Melbourne
HealthPathways Western Victoria
Murray HealthPathways
Gippsland HealthPathways
South Eastern Melbourne Pathways
Murray PHN
Donna Dullard
Infection Prevention and Control Project Coordinator
Ph: 03 4408 5602
Gippsland PHN
Bernadette Heaton-Harris
Coordination Regional Services (Bass Coast/South Gippsland)
Ph: 03 5175 5444
South Eastern Melbourne PHN
Campbell Rule
Manager – Provider Support
Ph: 1300 331 981
Eastern Melbourne PHN
Kathy Tepper
Lead – Sector Capacity and Workforce
Ph: 03 9046 0300
Western Victoria PHN
Clair McDonald
Senior Manager Wimmera Grampians
Ph: 03 4310 5105
North Western Melbourne PHN
Christine Ferlazzo
Project Manager, Vaccine Preventable Conditions
Ph: 03 9347 1188