Infection Prevention and Control of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Western Australian Healthcare Facilities

Infection Prevention and Control of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Western Australian Healthcare Facilities

This Operational Directive (OD) describes the requirements for the routine screening and subsequent management of people identified with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Western Australian (WA) healthcare facilities (HCFs). Routine screening beyond the patient groups specified in this OD can only occur with the endorsement of the Chief Medical Officer. Guidance for the management of VRE-positive individuals in specific healthcare settings and residential care facilities (RCFs) is also provided.

Compliance with this Operational Directive (OD) is mandatory for all public hospitals and those licensed private healthcare facilities contracted to provide services to public patients. These healthcare facilities are to ensure their procedures are aligned with those described in the attached policy document Infection Prevention and Control of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in Western Australian Healthcare Facilities.

Compliance with this OD supports the requirements of Standard 3 of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

Dr David Russell-Weisz
DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH