The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) established the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) in 2008 as part of a suite of initiatives to prevent and reduce healthcare-associated infections in Australia. The Commission contracted with Hand Hygiene Australia (HHA) over this period to coordinate and support implementation of the NHHI, in conjunction with the states and territories, and the private sector.

With the support of HHA and public and private health service organisations, there has been substantial progress in regard to increasing hand hygiene compliance in Australia. HHA has provided significant and valuable support for the NHHI through a range of educational resources, the support of auditing through resource development and training, and in the support of hand hygiene compliance reporting.

After 10 years, and significant success, HHA and the Commission have both agreed that the NHHI coordination and support role will be provided by the Commission. The Commission thanks HHA for its support for health service organisations during this time.

A stakeholder consultation process will form part of a review to advise on the way in which the NHHI can best contribute to the overall requirements of infection prevention and control strategies into the future. The Commission will consider the outcome of this consultation process, and the options for future arrangements, in liaison with states and territories and the private sector to ensure that there is continuity and sustainability of the NHHI. The review provides the opportunity to ensure that the NHHI remains responsive to the future needs of health service organisations.

From 1 November 2019, the Commission will coordinate and support all aspects of the NHHI. For more information go to: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-associated-infection/hand-hygiene.