Safety & Quality
Infection Control at the Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre
At the DEC infection control is taken very seriously, to ensure both patient and staff safety, and prevention of hospital acquired infections.
We are governed by both GESA (Gastroenterology Society of Australia) infection control policy and standards (further information at http://www.gesa.org.au/index.cfm/resources/clinical-guidelines-and-updates/endoscopy-infection-control/) and GENCA (Gastroenterology Nurses College of Australia) Guidelines. We follow the National Standards for sterilisation and reprocessing for Australia and New Zealand (AS5369:2023 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities).
To ensure compliance, staff are regularly trained and audited. All staff that are involved in the reprocessing and sterilisation of instruments, annually undergo online education and training for GENCA reprocessing course.
Two staff members attend the GENCA reprocessing course annually. All endoscopes are tested quarterly. This provides evidence that our systems function effectively to ensure safety and prevent cross contamination.
Where possible we use “single use/disposable” equipment.
We have an Infection Control Committee, which meets quarterly to discuss potential risks, review audit outcomes and report to other committees as required.
All linen is processed through the St Vincent’s Health Australia Environmental Services and cleaned according to the Australian Standard, and meets basic requirements for linen/OH&S and Infection Prevention (AS3789:1997 Textiles for health care and institutions). Our clinical staff wear scrubs that are provided by the linen service.
All staff members with a clinical role are immunised against Hepatitis B &C, Varicella, Measles/Mumps/Rubella and Tuberculosis. This is under direct advisory from The Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care. Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare 2010 (further information at https://nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcare-2010).
At the DEC we pride ourselves on achieving the highest infection control standards possible and encourage all staff, patients and visitors to contribute to this.
Medical Advisory Committee
The Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre has a formal Medical Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from the Governing Body, Visiting Medical Officers, Anaesthetists and Executive Officers. This committee ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, clinical practice guidelines, ethics and professional conduct. This committee is also responsible for the credentialing of all clinical staff. Meetings are held six monthly. The committee is complies with the requirements prescribed in the NSW Private Health Facilities Act 2007 and NSW Private Health Facilities Regulations 2017.
Total Quality Management Committee
The TQM is represented by all departments at the DEC; Clinical (representative from the Governing Body; anaesthetic staff and Nursing Unit Manager) and Administration staff (Chief Executive Officer and Operations Manager). The committee reviews the results of clinical indicator data submitted to ACHS; external benchmarking with QPS; internal audits; relevant standards and changes in guidelines; minutes of WHS and Infection Control meetings and any other quality projects. The committee meets quarterly. Data review includes staff, patient and clinician satisfaction surveys.
Falls Prevention
The DEC screens patients on admission to assess the level of falls risk. As the majority of our patients receive sedation for treatment; this puts them at an increased risk of falling. We use our assessment to increase the safety for our patients and staff.
For further information about falls prevention, visit www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/falls-prevention.
Medication Safety
The DEC manages the medications held in our Unit and asks that you do not bring your medications with you on the day of treatment. Our clinical staff are compliant with all aspects of medication safety and this compliance forms part of the annual training.
Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights
The DEC is committed to the framework of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. A copy can be obtained from our office or through.
For further information about the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, visit www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/about-the-australian-charter-of-healthcare-rights-a-guide-for-patients-consumers-carers-and-families.
