About the project
The Check Again Network brought together 29 health services across Victoria with the aim to:
- ensure more consistent care for patients
- spread and scale penicillin allergy assessment and testing across hospitals.
- improve access to essential antibiotics to improve outcomes and reduce harm.
How to get involved
The Check Again Network transitioned to Austin Health in July 2026 and will continue as the National Antibiotic Allergy Network (NAAN) Collaborative.
To find out more or show your interest in joining, please email NAAN@austin.org.au or visit the National Antibiotic Allergy Network (NAAN) Collaborative.
Background
Over 2 million Australians say they are allergic to an antibiotic, with one in 10 patients in hospitals reporting to have a penicillin allergy.
However, research shows that more than 95% of these penicillin allergy labels are wrong.
Having an allergy to antibiotics can lead to:
- using less effective antibiotics
- more hospital readmissions
- more infections after surgery
- longer stays in the hospital.
Accurately assessing and recording penicillin allergies is important. This has been recognised by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Clinical Care Standards as a key component of AMS programs.
Solution design
The Check Again Network reassessed penicillin allergies through:
- a standardised, evidence-based approach that could be adopted by both large and small health services
- in-hospital testing to see whether a patient can safely take penicillin
- testing during a patient’s hospital stay, reducing the need for outpatient follow-up and saving time for patients and clinicians
- a statewide toolkit, learning modules and a practical guide to help clinicians apply best practice (see key resources). The project built strong engagement with rural and regional hospitals, enabling high quality, equitable care across the state.
- a partnership and data from the International Network of Antibiotic Allergy Nations (iNAAN).
For more information about the Check Again Network, please see the Check Again Network Summary Report.
Key resources
Check Again Network Summary Report
The summary report outlines the establishment, purpose and progress of the Check Again Network.
Learn morePenicillin Allergy Assessment and Direct Oral Challenge
This document provides a standardised approach for clinicians on assessing penicillin allergies and undertaking direct oral penicillin challenges for hospitalised Victorians with a low-risk penicillin allergy.
Adult penicillin allergy programmes in Australian hospitals: a practical guide from the National Antibiotic Allergy Network
The National Antibiotic Allergy Network has developed a guide to support clinicians when implementing penicillin allergy programs — particularly direct oral challenge protocols — within Australian hospitals.
Executive summary – Check Again Collaborative Evaluation Report
This report evaluates the Check Again Collaborative, highlighting key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving antimicrobial allergy management in Australian hospitals.
Toolkit – Check Again
This resource is for services that are planning improvement work to improve the assessment of penicillin allergies and implement delabelling strategies for low-risk penicillin allergies.
Change package – Check Again
The Check Again change package supports participants in a Breakthrough Series Collaborative to start/improve penicillin allergy assessment and testing within their health services.
Priority area
This project supports our broader effort to ensure safe medication practices.