The Centre for Healthcare Related Infection Surveillance and Prevention (CHRISP) was established as a temporary unit in July 2000 to provide Queensland Health with analysis and advice on the occurrence, causation and prevention of healthcare associated infection. In August 2004 a business case for establishing CHRISP as a business unit was endorsed by Queensland Health. The centre continues to support Queensland Health through the functions of surveillance of healthcare associated infections, behavioural research, economic analysis and infection prevention and control. Directions for the future including potential influences, role expectations and novel approaches will be presented.