Head: MUDr. Lucie Bareková, Ph.D

National reference centre for healthcare associated infections was established by the Ministry of Health in 2012, and integrated to the organizational structure of the National Institute of Public Health. Professional activities of NRC-HAI are organized in co-operation with two healthcare institutions (Na Homolce Hospital and Central Military Hospital – Military University Hospital Prague). This organizational arrangement facilitates meaningful link of national public health authority with clinical facilities, where exists advanced hospital program on prevention and control of infections, which meets requirements of international accreditation. Experts of the NRC-HAI represent the Czech Republic at ECDC (ARHAI programme and HAI-Net surveillance network – see details).

Mission and services:

• Systematic support and organization of healthcare associated infection surveillance systems at the local (hospital) and national levels, in close cooperation with European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (see details).

• Preparation and implementation of good practice guidance on prevention and control of infections in healthcare settings, incl. link to related legislation (see details)

• Systematic support and guidance of healthcare facilities in creating local (hospital) programmes on prevention and control of infections, according requirements of national and EU legislation (see details).

• Professional consulting on the management of epidemiologically threatening situations in healthcare settings (see details).

• Systematic support and guidance of healthcare facilities in creating local (hospital) antimicrobial stewardship programmes focused on prudent use of antimictobial agents and control of antimicrobial resistance (see details).

• Education and training of infection control professionals – specialists on prevention and control of infections in healthcare facilities, namely infection control doctors and infection control nurses (see details).

Link to the National reference centre for healthcare associated infections website