Infections people get while being cared for in a healthcare facility are known as healthcare-associated infections (HAI).

SMHS is committed to minimising the risk of patients acquiring preventable infections and enabling the effective management of infections when they occur.

The most common types of infection acquired in hospitals are:

• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• pneumonia (lung infection)
• wound infection
• bloodstream infection.

Read consumer information about healthcare associated infections (Healthy WA).

For a patient, a HAI can result in:

• illness
• an extended stay in hospital
• a slower recovery
• increased stress
• lower morale.

HAIs are costly to patients, hospitals and the community. While they can occur in any healthcare setting, effective infection prevention and control can significantly reduce the infection rate. Patients, visitors and staff all play a role in reducing HAIs.

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