Construction, redevelopment and the built environment

Construction, redevelopment, and the built environment – Integration of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) principles guideline

Extensive planning and consultation are required for redevelopment activities, including new builds to include features that support good IPC practices and remove IPC risks that may cause harm. Infection Prevention and Control Professional (IPCP) input is fundamental in all stages of redevelopment within a healthcare facility. It is vital IPCP input is not overlooked or compromised throughout the lifecycle of the project. Failure to assess IPC risks properly can lead to expensive redesign and exposes patients, staff, visitors, and other users of the healthcare system to infection-related harm.

Building and refurbishment works Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) checklist

IPC is a key priority in Australian hospitals. All building, refurbishment, and maintenance activities within and around a healthcare facility should incorporate a formal approach to risk management. It is important to include building and refurbishment works undertaken adjacent to health services that are likely to impact patients, other users of health services, or staff.  Construction project staff MUST formally engage the services of infection prevention and control for all building and refurbishment and related activities within clinical buildings or a hospital and its grounds.

The building team responsible for construction or redevelopment should submit a formal Construction and Redevelopment Infection Control Management plan (CR-ICMP), which includes a detailed summary of IPC risk mitigation strategies to be utilised throughout the project.

It is recommended infection prevention and control services or designated person/s:

• Complete the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Building and refurbishment works checklist (PDF 281 kB) for all building and refurbishment work to monitor the application of IPC recommendations.
• Ensure relevant authorised personnel sign IPC Building and refurbishment works checklist and file appropriately with the builders Construction and Redevelopment Infection Control Management plan (CR-ICMP).
• Monitor IPC recommendations for the duration of project and update as required.

Queensland capital infrastructure requirements (CIR)

Queensland Capital Infrastructure Requirements have been moved to Queensland Health Capital Infrastructure (CI) requirements (internal Queensland Health link)

A number of other documents may be useful when assessing and planning IPC mitigation strategies.

• Queensland Health Design Principles (internal Queensland Health link)
• Queensland Health Design Assurance Framework (internal Queensland Health link)
• Strategic Asset Management Plan Framework
• Building Policy Framework - Growth and Renewal Planning, construction, maintenance, and performance
• Building Policy Guideline
• Building and Construction Code of Practice
• Best practice principles: Quality, safe workplaces

Queensland development code

Queensland Development Code: Private Health Facilities Part MP 5.5 outlines the building requirements for private health facilities. The purpose of this standard is to facilitate the safety and care of patients and the safety of staff and the public in private health facilities.

Interstate and national guidelines

• Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AHFG)
• Standards Australia various
• NSW Health Engineering Services Guidelines
• Infection Control Principles for the Management of Construction, Renovation, Repairs and Maintenance within Health Care Facilities: A Manual for Reducing the Risk of Health Care Associated Infection by Dust and Water Borne Micro-organisms (PDF, 2.55MB)

International guidelines

• WHO. Natural Ventilation for Infection Control in Health-Care Settings (2009) APIC State-of-the-Art Report: The role of infection control during construction in health care facilities
• Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) (2004) and Prevention Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities (2003)
• Department of Health NHS (2013). Health Building Note 00-09: Infection control in the built environment (England.nhs.UK)
• Institute of Air Quality Management. (2021) Indoor air quality guidance: assessment, monitoring, modeling and mitigation. Version 10.
• National Protection Surveillance Centre Scientific Advisory Committee (2018) National Guidelines for the Prevention of Nosocomial Aspergillus
• The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) (2019) Infection Prevention Manual for Construction & Renovation
• Total Alliance Health Partners International (TAHPI) (2022) International Health Facility Guidelines Part D: Version 6
• World Health Organization mould (2009).

Water risk management

Refer to the requirements for water risk management in healthcare facilities.