Statement on Prevention of Healthcare-Acquired Infection

Family Planning NSW is committed to the maintenance of best practice in infection control, as outlined in the FPNSW Infection Control Policy. This policy aligns with the national recommendations from the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, the National Safety and Quality in Healthcare standard 3 Preventing and Controlling Healthcare-Associated Infection. Our sterilisation processes align with the recommendations in the AS/NZS 4187:2014 Standard: Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organisations.

A risk management approach to infection control is implemented across all Family Planning NSW centres. The Infection Control Committee is responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures related to infection control, including monitoring, evaluation and planning professional development activities for Family Planning NSW clinical staff.

The Infection Control Committee reports to Integrated Health Services Management Committee as part of the organisational governance network set up to ensure ongoing Quality Improvement and to minimise health risks to Family Planning NSW clients and staff.

The implementation and maintenance of effective governance and management systems for healthcare associated infections underpins Family Planning NSW work towards fulfilling the requirements for clinical accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.

You can assist us by reading client information materials provided by your clinicians and by practising personal hygiene as per posters displayed in our public areas (waiting rooms, clinics, toilets and meeting rooms).

Continuous Quality Improvement activities to manage healthcare-related risks are the foundation of our clinical accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Your feedback is important as we develop strategies to reduce our risks and improve services for our clients.

We invite your feedback about services provided at Family Planning NSW centres on our Feedback page.