The assignment is to create a detailed report on Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) in Australian hospitals. The report should cover various aspects of HCAIs, including their prevalence, costs, and impact on patient outcomes. Specific topics to be covered include the susceptibility of hospital patients to infections, transmission of infection, and common HCAI types such as urinary tract infections, wound and skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. The report should also discuss joint replacements and the risks associated with them, as well as the importance of prophylaxis in preventing infections. Additionally, the report should touch on the role of E. coli, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) in HCAIs. The assignment requires a comprehensive analysis of these topics to provide a thorough understanding of HCAIs in Australian hospitals.