The same but different: a comparison of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections in metropolitan and non-metropolitan hospitals (2010-2020).

Background: Variation of infection rates between hospitals must be identified; differences may highlight opportunities for quality improvement in healthcare delivery to specific hospitals groups.

Aims: To analyse burden, time trends and risks of healthcare-associated (HA) Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SABSI) in patients admitted to Victorian metropolitan and non-metropolitan public acute care hospitals.

Methods: SABSI surveillance data submitted between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2020 by all 118 Victorian public acute care hospitals were analysed.