Strategy for the control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI)

The Minister for Health and Children asked the Scientific Advisory Committee of NDSC to produce a strategy document in response to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland. The result was the Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI), which was launched by the Minister in June 2001.

SARI is steered by the SARI National Committee, based at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, with multi-disciplinary Regional SARI Committees advising each regional local implementation team on implementation of HSE strategy in relation to healthcare associated infection(HCAI) in each HSE region. In addition a number of SARI Sub-Committees advise on specific areas of SARI implementation, such as promotion of prudent antibiotic use, surveillance and infection control. 

The SARI National Committee is chaired by Dr Olive Murphy, Consultant Microbiologist, Bons Secours Hospital, Cork and membership includes representation from statutory, professional and other bodies concerned with the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infection, including high level representation from the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health and Children (DoHC). The Committee reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE and to the Minister for Health and Children, and advises the HSE HCAI Governance Committee, chaired by Dr Patrick Doorley.