IPAC Lead

Partners Community Health (PCH) is a new not-for-profit organization, focused on bringing healthcare services together around the needs of people living in Mississauga and West Toronto. PCH currently operates two new state-of the-art LTC homes and community hub in West Mississauga.  The new homes have a combined 632-beds and be part of PCH’s larger strategy that introduce innovative and inclusive programs and services and new models of care delivery. PCH is committed to building partnerships and connections that put people first, as well as a learning and leading healthcare community that provides best in class service across the aging continuum.

Position Summary: 

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lead manages and oversees the infection prevention and control program to ensuring that there is an organized and implemented in the care communities.  IPAC Lead will ensure practices promote the safety of residents, visitors and team members while meeting regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Surveillance

• Overseeing the delivery of infection prevention and control education to all staff, caregivers, volunteers, visitors, and residents
• Coordinates and implement IPAC practices as indicated in the IPAC manual
• Ensures surveillance and screening program in place for residents and team members
• Reviews surveillance data daily using the electronic health record and other surveillance tools to monitor for infection trends. Action on any results as required to reduce the risk/spread of infections.
• Consults with the physicians/nurse practitioners on laboratory results and trending of data to promote antibiotic stewardship
• Collaborates with the nursing team on the clinical management of residents based on the infection

Outbreak Management

• Ensure that team members are following IPAC processes, compliance to PPE, donning and doffing and hand hygiene practices
• Collaborate with Public Heath to manage outbreaks, ensure line lists are updated and accuracy of data is communicated to internal and external partners
• During outbreaks, ensures daily outbreak meetings occur, documented minutes and follow up actions
• Summarize outbreak analysis and trending for communication at Infection Prevention & Control Committee/Professional Advisory Committee

Mentoring

• Provides education and coaching to team members on IPAC practices
• Creates content to assist with educating residents, team members and visitors
• Conduct the orientation/mentoring of new IPAC champions within the care community
• Assist with the coordination and orientation of new hires/students/volunteers/contracted services on IPAC practices
• Completes ongoing just in time training to team members /students/ volunteers/contracted services on safe IPAC practices

Quality Improvement

• Implement quality improvement initiatives that may results from internal and external partner visits
• Conducts at minimum quarterly Infection Control Meetings. Ensures agendas is prepared, minutes are posted, and action plans are developed related to infection control practices
• Participates and ensures the coordination of annual flu clinics and immunization programs
• Conducts scheduled quality improvement audits to include but not limited to hand hygiene, PPE, equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures
• Audit compliance to cleaning and disinfectant procedures in nursing, dietary, programs, housekeeping, laundry, contracted services such as hairdresser, physiotherapy
• Complete the evaluation of the Infection Prevention and Control Program is annually

Safety

• Ensures there is a hand hygiene program in accordance wit any standard or protocol issued by the Director under subsection (2) which includes, at a minimum, access to hand hygiene agents at point-of-care
• Complete monthly health and safety inspections for IPAC and safety practices (i.e., needle stick injuries, PPE concerns, cleaning, and disinfecting equipment concerns)
• Identify and report health and safety hazards for residents and team members
• Coordinates & Conducts Respiratory Fit testing training and ensures compliance to training requirements.  Ensures records are kept current and up to date
• Works in accordance with the organization’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• University degree in related discipline (e.g., nursing, laboratory, epidemiology, and other allied health) or equivalent combination of education and experience an asset
• Associate – Infection Prevention & Control (a-IPC) and/or Certification in Infection Control (CIC) an asset
• A Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse as asset
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in infection control is required
• Previous experience in long-term care or health care sector is preferred
• Has a good understanding of adult learning principles and teaching methods to facilitate learning
• Knowledge of the Long-Term Care Act & Regulations is preferred
• Customer service related experience an asset
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Ability to organize, plan, and work independently
• Ability to collaborate and work in teams
• Proficient computer skills with word, excel and electronic document software
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to upgrade and maintain personal and educational qualifications as required by the changing demands of the job

PCH is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism. We believe diverse and inclusive teams support strong decision making, fosters a culture of belonging and allows us to better serve our people, residents, and community. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we are committed to providing accommodations and will work with employees to meet their needs through the recruitment process. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance during the application process, please let us know. We embrace an inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

To learn more about PCH, visit our website here: https://partnerscommunityhealth.ca/

To learn more about Wellbrook Place, the new long-term care homes and seniors hub, click here: https://www.partnerscommunityhealth.ca/wellbrook-place/