Surgical site infection surveillance in Ireland: a snapshot of current practice

Surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance is an essential element of an effective infection prevention and control programme. Ireland's national SSI surveillance programme is in its infancy, commencing in 2023 with surveillance data collected post hip fracture surgery. However, many hospitals have already implemented local SSI surveillance activities. The aim of this survey was to establish the extent and structure of these programmes.

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to consultant clinical microbiologists via the Irish Society of Clinical Microbiology mailing list (January-March 2025), including quantitative and optional qualitative components.

Responses were received from 37 hospitals, including both adult and paediatric centres and public (N = 32) and private institutions (N = 5). Public hospitals were well represented (32/47; 68% response rate). Twenty-one hospitals reported established SSI surveillance programmes. Commonly monitored procedures included elective hip and knee replacement surgery (N = 10), cholecystectomy (N = 8), cardiac surgery (N = 7), spinal surgery (N = 6), and hip fracture surgery (N = 6). Twelve sites employed dedicated SSI clinical nurse specialists. Where programmes existed, 48% had an SSI committee. The most common approach was prospective case surveillance (N = 14). Ten sites performed active postdischarge surveillance, using a combination of phone calls (N = 9), postdischarge patient questionnaires (N = 3), and text messages (N = 2). Challenges reported include provision of dedicated staff, Information Technology systems, governance structures, and postdischarge surveillance.

SSI surveillance in Ireland is variable and resource-intensive, reflecting local adaptation without national standardisation. These findings highlight the need for co-ordinated national frameworks, investment in staffing and digital infrastructure, and integration of existing systems to support sustainable expansion of Ireland's national programme.