Letter to ACIPC members from President Dr Sally Havers

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control, I am pleased to welcome members of the Australian Vascular Access Society (AVAS) into ACIPC and their participation in our Vascular Access Special Interest Group (VA SIG).

AVAS has made a significant contribution to vascular access practice, education, research, and patient safety across Australia. Through the commitment of its members, executive, volunteers, educators, researchers and industry partners, AVAS has helped advance best practice and improve outcomes for patients requiring vascular access devices.

Following extensive consultation, the AVAS Executive Team has commenced the process of dissolving the Society and transitioning its membership and activities into ACIPC. This decision reflects the practical realities facing AVAS, including the absence of nominations for future Executive roles, and the need to secure a sustainable future for the vascular access community.

This transition is not an end to the work of AVAS. It is an opportunity to continue and strengthen that work through ACIPC’s governance, platforms, and networks.

The ACIPC VA SIG supports priorities that have long underpinned AVAS, including patient safety, standards of excellence, education, research, evidence-based practice, and the prevention of infection associated with vascular access devices. The SIG provides a focused professional home for vascular access practitioners and will support collaboration across hospitals, primary care, aged care and community healthcare settings. It will also create opportunities for vascular access content through ACIPC communications, the annual conference, webinars, workshops, online education, and advocacy activities.

I sincerely acknowledge the AVAS Executive Team, members, volunteers, past leaders, educators, researchers, and industry partners who have contributed to the Society’s work over many years. AVAS has helped shape vascular access practice in Australia and has had a positive impact on patient care across many healthcare settings. While the organisational structure is changing, the commitment to excellence in vascular access remains.

ACIPC looks forward to welcoming AVAS members and working together through the Vascular Access Special Interest Group to support vascular access practice, education, research, and patient outcomes across Australasia.

Kind regards,

Dr Sally Havers
President
Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control