Dear Member

This letter is to provide you with an update of proposed changes to the structure of the Australian Infection Control Association (AICA) of which you are a member through your State or Territory Association.

The AICA Executive recently met for a 2-day face-to-face meeting in Brisbane and tackled some challenging issues, notably a proposed change of existing structure and how these changes would affect you as a member. In the months leading up to the National Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held in Perth on October 5th 2010, you will be asked to consider the information carefully and to vote at the AGM with a motion of support to change the rules of the Association. In doing so this would allow a change to the structure that more accurately reflects AICA as a national leader in Infection Prevention and Control.

For some time the AICA Executive has recognised that change is critical to the growth and success of AICA in providing a unified national voice for infection control professionals. By improving access and services available to members, we aim to strengthen our profession and to improve health outcomes for patients.

In the last 2 years, AICA has experienced a surge in requests to represent our members in a growing number of national forums and we have exceeded our current capacity. AICA is also experiencing internal expansion and there are major projects scheduled in the coming months.

Our ability to move swiftly and collaboratively is demonstrated by the release of a timely AICA position paper on the hypervirulent strain of Clostridium difficile (available from the AICA website). As a national body we are able to be responsive and proactive as we are called on to provide expert opinion and feedback in public forums on behalf of our members and key industry stakeholders.

A unified response is imperative in strengthening our National profile and as a leader in the field. Without this we are at risk of losing valuable opportunities for engagement.

AICA is proposing a change of structure from a state based organisation with a State and Territory membership (capitation) base to a National membership with elected S/T representation. Such a change will enable more efficient service provision and enhance communication to members. AICA would continue to have a strong national voice which would extend to other activities at an international level but there would be increased buy in at a grass roots level and a reduction in duplication of effort at State/Territory level.

The change would not affect your day-to-day job; however, it will improve communication with you as a member by increasing availability and access to resources, representation and opportunities available for research and development.

AICA has engaged an external company to assist us during this time of transition. Following a baseline assessment AICA will provide more detailed information about the proposed changes and the way forward. We are seeking endorsement and support from all members to enable this to happen. This will include the appointment of an external steering group consisting of AICA members who are not part of the AICA Executive. Nominations for these positions will be sought shortly.

AICA is anticipating that the time ahead will raise plenty of questions. As a starting point a list of questions and answers are posted on our website. We welcome feedback and encourage you to stay informed.

For more information please contact myself as President of the Association or discuss the proposed changes with your current appointed AICA representative as follows:

STATE/TERRITORY NAME PHONE

AICA (President) - Claire Boardman admin@aica.org.au

AICA (Secretariat)- Lorelei Broadbent admin@aica.org.au

ACT (ICACT) - Philippa Keating philippa.keating@act.gov.au

TAS(TICA) - Nicola Isles nicola.isles@healthscope.com.au

NSW(ICANSW) - Julie Hunt juhunt@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

QLD(ICPAQ) - Jodie Powell jodie.powell@mater.org.au

SA(ICASA) - Linda Henderson linda.henderson2@health.sa.gov.au

VIC(VICPA) - Wendy Bacalja bacaljaw@dhsv.org.au

WA(ICAWA) - Sylvia Gandossi sylvia.gandossi@wdp.com.au

Comments and questions can also be sent directly to the AICA Secretariat, Lorelei Broadbent who will assist in the compilation of responses to members and, to make this information available on our website.

We encourage debate and discussion around the proposed change which will commence with your State/Territory President during a National teleconference in July.

The change management process would commence following a vote of support by members at the AGM in October 2010 with changes to take effect from October 2011.

Yours sincerely,

Australian Infection Control Association

CLAIRE BOARDMAN

President, AICA

Check the Members Only Section for more information.

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