Overview

Centres of Excellence (COEs) form the operational backbone of the Cardiac Surgical Unit Advanced Life Support (CALS) programme. These centres uphold the integrity, governance, and quality assurance mechanisms essential for consistent, high-fidelity delivery of CALS Provider Courses (CC). Designated by CALS Australia PTY LTD, each COE acts as an authorised and accountable hub, ensuring that course standards are met, faculty are appropriately credentialled, and outcomes are aligned with CALS protocols and strategic priorities.

Definition and Role

• A CALS COE is not defined by geography but by administrative function. For example, a hospital trust with multiple sites but centralised course coordination qualifies as a single COE.
• Only COEs may host CALS Provider Courses unless special dispensation is granted.
• The COE is responsible for overseeing venue readiness, equipment compliance, faculty preparation, course registration, and data protection standards.

Governance and Quality Assurance

• All COEs must adhere to CALS Australia PTY LTD standards and use only CALS-authorised materials including eLearning, manuals, posters, and the fourth-generation manikin.
• Each COE must undergo formal reassessment at least every four years, with earlier reviews triggered by performance concerns or at the discretion of CALS Australia PTY LTD.
• A COE that fails to deliver a CALS course for over two years loses its designation and must reapply through a full application process.

Establishment and Validation

• Prospective COEs submit a formal application to CALS Australia PTY LTD.
• Approval is contingent upon the successful delivery of an inaugural course observed in its entirety by an official CALS Australia PTY LTD representative.
• All faculty, Course Directors and Medical Directors must be appropriately certified, and equipment standards strictly met.
• Centres must maintain strict data protection compliance in line with local Data Protection legislation and their local policies.

Operational Standards

• Course dates must be submitted for approval no fewer than six weeks prior to the event.
• Manual distribution, eLearning enrolment, and candidate communication are all coordinated by the COE.
• Each course must maintain appropriate candidate-to-instructor ratios, with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 25 candidates for provider courses.
• Faculty composition must include a multidisciplinary team with representation mirroring the expected candidate demographic.

Accountability and Revocation

• CALS Australia PTY LTD reserves the right to withdraw COE status if quality standards are breached or if recurrent issues are identified in the centre's operation or delivery.
• Non-compliance with course structure, equipment usage, or faculty certification may result in course cancellations or permanent decertification of the centre.