Infection control in small rural facilities: a generic service plan

Abstract

The South West Region Infection Control Association (SWICA) has identified a range of problems facing the infection control practitioner (ICP) in a small rural hospital. These include lack of knowledge, support, resources and time, as well as other issues associated with the rural location. These serious problems prompted SWICA to develop a generic service plan which can be used as a guide to help ICPs fulfil their role to the best advantage. The plan needs only to be individualised for nosocomial surveillance and target dates but can be altered or expanded as needed. The rural health sector in NSW consists of a large number of small facilities, with ICPs in a similar situation to those in the south west region. This service plan is available to anyone who would like to use it.