Infection prevention

The Infection Prevention team at Western Health is dedicated to reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections, keeping our patients, staff and visitors safe. 

We stop infections and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by ensuring all aspects of care are provided safely in a clean environment.

We take a proactive and evidence-based approach by:

• providing expert advice on infection prevention
• reviewing patients with infection concerns
• monitoring antimicrobial resistant bacteria and healthcare-associated infections
• auditing infection prevention practices to meet national standards
• managing outbreaks quickly and effectively
• training staff across all areas
• developing and updating policies and procedures
• supporting safe design of building works and renovations.

Our goal is simple: to keep everyone at Western Health safe. 

We offer key services across Western Health, including:

• infection prevention management and education
• staff training on infection prevention
• support and management of staff exposure to blood or body fluids
• staff flu vaccination program
• a comprehensive hand hygiene program for staff, patients and visitors
• ongoing surveillance and monitoring of infections.

Visits from family and friends are important for a patient’s recovery. To help keep our patients safe and reduce the risk of infection, please follow these simple guidelines during your visit:

Please do not visit family or friends in hospital if:

• You, someone in your household, or someone you’ve had close contact with has experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours.
• You or someone you’ve been around has had any flu-like symptoms, such as:
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • cough or sore throat
  • headache, body aches, chills, or fever
  • feeling unusually tired or unwell.

During your visit:

• Follow any visiting restrictions in place — these will be clearly signed.
• Use the alcohol-based hand rub provided at hospital and ward entrances.
• If visiting a restricted area, wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the ward.
• Follow any other instructions or safety measures explained by staff.
• Children must always be supervised while in the hospital.

Our offices are located at Footscray, Sunshine, Williamstown and Bachus Marsh Hospitals. If you have an enquiry, feel free to give our team a call on the numbers below. If you have any feedback on our services, visit our Feedback page.

Footscray Hospital

Infection Prevention Department
148 Gordon Street 
Footscray
Phone: (03) 8345 6783

Sunshine Hospital

Infection Prevention Office
Furlong Road
St Albans
Phone: (03) 8345 0210

Williamstown Hospital 

Infection Prevention Office
Railway Crescent
Williamstown
Phone: (03) 9393 0216

Bacchus Marsh 

Infection Prevention Office 
35 Grant Street
Bacchus Marsh
Phone: (03) 5367 9674