CMO Message – 17 September
World Hand Hygiene Day – stop the spread of harmful germs
Accurate and timely diagnosis is foundational to effective patient care, serving as the critical first step toward preventive interventions and successful treatments.
Diagnosis is a collaborative effort involving patients, healthcare professionals, and the entire health system. Refining the diagnostic process is vital to reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.
The Commission is committed to improving patient safety and advancing many programs supporting diagnostic improvements.
Accurate and timely diagnosis of sepsis
Sepsis is a medical emergency requiring early and accurate diagnosis. Each year, over 55,000 Australians are diagnosed with sepsis, and over 8,700 do not survive.
As an Emergency Physician, I understand the critical importance of diagnosing and treating sepsis promptly. I encourage healthcare workers to use the Commission’s latest resources when patients ask, ‘Could it be sepsis?’.
Initiatives such as our Sepsis Clinical Care Standard provide healthcare professionals with guidelines to recognise sepsis as a medical emergency and ensure timely, coordinated care. This is an example of our broader commitment to enhance diagnostic capabilities, with continuous education, the use of advanced diagnostic tools, and the implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Together we can work towards a shared goal of improving diagnostic safety, across the spectrum of health conditions.
Let's make every diagnosis count, ensuring all patients receive the care they deserve.
Yours sincerely,
Conjoint Associate Professor Carolyn Hullick
Chief Medical Officer
