Mrs. Dawn Crook1
1St John WA, Australia
Biography:
Dawn Crook, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialist St John WA. A Registered Nurse with 15 years experience in IPC including public and private hospitals, public health emergency operations and facilities management. Qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Nursing, Diploma of Management and Masters degree in Infection Prevention and Control.
Abstract:
Western Australia’s vast geography presents unique challenges for ambulance services, with personnel delivering care in unpredictable environments across the world’s largest regional ambulance network. Recognising the critical importance of infection prevention and control (IPC), St John WA (SJWA) made history in 2016 by recruiting Australia’s first dedicated IPC officer for an ambulance service. This role encompassed managing the IPC program alongside staff health.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vital role of IPC, leading to significant growth in the service. By 2023, IPC and staff health became distinct entities, allowing the IPC program to expand into a dedicated two-person team focused on achieving compliance with national accreditation standards.
In August 2024, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the inaugural National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Guide for Ambulance Services. These Standards, particularly those related to infection prevention, aim to mitigate risks to patients, staff, and consumers. For SJWA, this marked a pivotal moment in its IPC journey.
October 2024 saw the publication of SJWA’s first IPC policy, defining principles to meet best-practice standards. Moving forward, SJWA’s IPC program will implement a comprehensive action plan, including a committee, audits, surveillance, education, and policies aligned with the Standards. Success hinges on engaging SJWA personnel as IPC advocates, driving quality improvements and enhancing patient safety.
The journey to meet the National Standards is just beginning. With a clear plan, ongoing audits, and quality improvement initiatives, SJWA is committed to advancing IPC and safeguarding its community.