The South Australian expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (SAAGAR) was established in 2008 to oversee and support the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in South Australia
A key function of SAAGAR is to review and promote the safe and appropriate use of antimicrobials. This is achieved by fostering the development and review of antimicrobial guidelines for statewide use, as well as considering and responding to antimicrobial utilisation surveillance reports provided by the National Antimicrobial Utilisation Surveillance Program.
As well as the antimicrobial guidelines, SAAGAR also produce:
SAAGAR is one of SA Health’s medicines committees, accountable to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing via the South Australian Medicines Advisory Committee (SAMAC).
The SAAGAR Terms of Reference (PDF 272KB) is reviewed by the committee annually to ensure ongoing relevance of the committee structure and function.
SAAGAR membership consists of individuals with infectious diseases, pharmacy and microbiology expertise, and includes representation from each of SA Health’s Local Health Network (LHN) AMS Committees and private hospital organisations. Other members include representatives from public health, safety and quality and information technology.
The AMS committee within each LHN provide local governance and oversight of stewardship activities within their respective health services. Please email HealthAntibio@sa.gov.au for details.
For further information on the SA expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance SAAGAR, contact HealthAntibio@sa.gov.au