Daylight Foundation’s Mission is to Eradicate Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)
The Vision for the Daylight Foundation (DLF) is to reduce the incidence of HAIs and deaths by using data and AI that improves infection control and patient care. Estimates indicate that 170,574 HAIs occur in adults admitted to public hospitals in Australia annually, resulting in 7,583 deaths.
While work has been undertaken internationally to research the causes of HAIs, there is insufficient research being conducted in Australia. Additionally, there are very few avenues for the medical industry to support any data focused HAI research in Australia.
Surgical Site Infections (SSI’s) for example are both life-threatening for the patient and an enormous drain on resources. Often costing 4-10 times the original primary procedure costs – when revision surgery is required. At the heart of the Daylight Foundation mission is to help significantly reduce SSIs and eliminate the deaths caused by HAIs.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision: Zero Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). We strive tirelessly to create a future where every patient, healthcare provider and community member can access healthcare environments free from the threat of HAIs. With unwavering dedication and innovative strategies, we work towards a world where preventable infections are eradicated, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and well-being.
Our Mission: Saving lives by helping reduce the incidence of HAIs. We dedicate ourselves to pioneering initiatives, advanced data analytics and collaborative efforts that drive meaningful change. By focusing on prevention, intervention and education, we aim to create a healthcare system where lives are safeguarded and the impact of HAIs are significantly diminished.
Meet our Board of Directors
Angus Dixon has over 30 years’ experience with Medical Technology companies and has worked throughout most countries in the Asia Pacific region. With a key focus over the past 10 years on reducing complications in all healthcare settings, in particular following surgery. Reducing healthcare associated infections has been of significant interest due to their potentially devastating consequences, and concerns around increasing resistance to antibiotics. Angus has two family members who have experienced HAI’s – both fortunately with positive outcomes. He is passionate about shining a light on the data, to reduce the incidence and impact of HAIs. The Daylight Foundation will focus initially on Australia, with potential to leverage the work and research internationally.
Marie-Clare Elder, in her previous life, was a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Intensive Care, she witnessed the effects HAIs had on already medically compromised patients and their loved ones. Today, as a medical defence lawyer, she attempts to unravel the source of an HAI. Then navigate where responsibility may sit when defending practitioners and entities from complaints and claims. Frequently, it is alleged that there was a failure to adhere to infection control policy and procedure leading to damages attributable to an HAI. Marie-Clare is now passionate about helping eliminate HAIs, particularly for vulnerable Australians.
Dr. Michael Dixon is an orthopaedic surgeon based in Sydney, specialising in lower limb, and sports injuries. He is a fellow of the AOA and has held training roles for the NSW registrar program. Michael is passionate about reducing the number of infections through education, improved processes and the need for relentless commitment from all stakeholders. As a brother of Angus Dixon, he has shared the burden of infection with family members, and like all surgeons he has witnessed the impact of infections following surgery. He is determined to help lower the risk and impact from HAIs.
Dr. Jim Hasn is a recently retired orthopaedic surgeon on Central Coast NSW. He found his most challenging cases to be dealing with the complexities associated with infections. Dr Hasn also understands how the consequences of infection can be so devastating, in addition to the associated healthcare and societal costs. Having a great appreciation for the multifactorial nature of the issues associated with HAIs, and realising the path to zero infections are much greater than one individual can manage. He believes a commitment is required from every single person in the healthcare system along every individual healthcare journey. Jim is passionate about developing holistic healthcare protocols and placing patients at the centre of every decision.
Dr Glen Guerra is trained as a general and colorectal surgeon in Melbourne. He has endured a near death experience during a prolonged hospital stay when he contracted MRSA. Glen thankfully survived and almost 15 years on, the experience has led to a strong interest in treating cancer patients. It was also a major impetus to help reduce the risk for other patients from enduring a similar HAI experience. Glen has presented significantly on the topic of infection risk reduction and remains passionate about preventing hospital acquired infections at every step of the clinical treatment pathway.
Dr Matt Read is a general and upper gastrointestinal surgeon based in Melbourne. He has also undertaken a fellowship in surgical oncology and robotic surgery in the Netherlands. His current clinical work is at St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne. Dr Read has experience in translational data research having completed his PhD through the University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Matt now supervises PhD students with a current focus on the role of AI in surgery and is extremely passionate about improving patient outcomes and reducing complications including HAIs.
Glenys Harrington is an experienced Infection Control Consultant with post graduate qualifications in Critical Care, Midwifery, and Infectious Diseases. Glenys led the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit at Alfred Health, Melbourne from 2000 – 2009. She has since established an infection control consultancy service. Specific interests include quality improvement, best practice initiatives and surveillance. Evidence-based cleaning and disinfection to reduce transmission of multi-resistant organisms (MROs). Her experience in the Asia Pacific region also includes a World Health Organization (WHO) Consultancy to a SARS Outbreak Team. Glenys is an Executive Committee Member of the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC).
Andrew Loveridge is a banking executive with superior leadership skills across Institutional, Corporate, and Business Banking. With a history of building high-performing teams yielding positive customer outcomes and outstanding financial results. Andrew has built teams within healthcare sector including industry experts and has significant experience running highly targeted efficient action orientated meetings. Andrew’s healthcare financial experience adds significant breadth and will assist DLF by reaching the medical/financial services key players. With a desire to give back to the industry, Andrew is passionate about driving change to improve health.
