ERH Infection Prevention Programs

ERH has a number of programs in place to monitor and prevent infections. We track infections like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Surgical Site Infections (SSI), to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our rates low. Our infection prevention team reviews every case to see if there is anything more we can do to prevent infections.

MRSA and Bloodstream Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium often found on the skin. While it is usually harmless, it can sometimes enter the body through a break in the skin, leading to a serious infection known as Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB). These infections can be acquired as a direct or indirect result of care received in the hospital.

Some types of Staphylococcus aureus are resistant to the antibiotic called methicillin. These germs are known as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Some people call MRSA infection “golden staph”.

MRSA (Golden Staph)

At ERH, our low rate of infections demonstrates the effectiveness of our infection prevention efforts. We monitor and report all cases to the Department of Health Victoria and our infection rate is well below the Victorian target. Each case undergoes thorough review by our infection prevention team to identify any potential improvements in care.

Clostridium difficile Infections

Clostridium difficile is a bacterial infection of the bowel that can cause diarrhoea. It can be acquired both in the community and during a hospital stay. At ERH, we closely monitor and report C. difficile infections to the Department of Health Victoria.

Who Is at Risk?

• People with chronic illnesses
• Individuals requiring prolonged antibiotic use
• The elderly
• Patients on certain cancer medications or gastric acid suppressants
• Those needing a lengthy hospital stay.

People can become infected if they touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their mouth. Antibiotic use is the most common cause of C. difficile infections, as antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the bowel, allowing C. difficile to grow and cause diarrhoea.

Clostridium difficile Brochure

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Infections

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are bacteria resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic used to treat certain infections. VRE infections can occur in people who have weakened immune systems or have had extended hospital stays. ERH consistently reports low rates of VRE, which highlights the success of our infection prevention strategies.

Who Is at Risk?

• Individuals previously treated with vancomycin or requiring prolonged antibiotic use
• People with weakened immune systems
• Patients undergoing abdominal or chest surgery
• Individuals with medical devices like urinary catheters or central intravenous catheters
• Those with chronic illnesses requiring long hospital stays.

Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Brochure

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

Surgical site infections are one of the most common complications after surgery. At ERH, we closely monitor SSIs for key procedures like hip replacements, knee replacements, and caesarean sections.

ERH Surgical site infection rates 23/24

How you can help prevent surgical site infections

How we prevent surgical site infections