We are pleased to announce a new infection prevention and control helpline is now operation.
It provides a free service to Victorian general practices, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and nurse practitioner owned or led primary care practices.
The helpline is a joint venture between Victoria’s six Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and is funded by the Victorian Department of Health. Murray PHN is the lead agency and has partnered with the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) who will deliver the service.
How to access the helpline
For more information and to access the helpline:
- call 1800 312 968 or (03) 9956 1046 (9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)
- visit vtphna.org.au/infectionpreventionhelpline
The helpline is free to access. When you call the helpline you will be connected with one of two full time division 1 nurses, who are supported by three infection prevention and control specialists.
What the helpline provides
The helpline aims to:
- provide an infection prevention and control advisory service for primary care services wishing to review or upgrade infection control practices – or simply ask a question
- help practices reassure patients and their communities of the safety and importance of regular health screening, which is significantly down due to COVID-19
- facilitate increased primary care access and keep our health workforce safe.
Examples of the types of services provided include:
- guidance with sterilisation processes
- strategies for reducing patient wait-times indoors and reducing inside contact
- cleaning tips for high-touch areas and washing of scrubs
- improvements in infection control processes
- infection prevention and vaccinations.
The service will run for six months, before a review to determine its longer-term viability.
