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Surgical site infections (SSIs) can cause emotional and financial stress, serious illness, longer hospital stays, long-term disabilities and even the loss of life. The good news is that a significant number of SSIs are preventable.

The Commission’s Surgical Site Infection Improvement Programme has developed and implemented a consistent, evidence-based approach for collecting and reporting high quality data about SSIs for orthopedic (hip and knee) and cardiac surgery.

The programme promotes and encourages culture change and provides guidance on practice improvements that reduce SSIs. Information about these areas is available below.

Last updated: 8th November, 2022