In recognition of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Week taking place October 20 to 25, we are proud to spotlight the incredible work of Scarborough Health Network (SHN)’s IPAC team—leaders in infection prevention whose impact reaches far beyond our hospital walls.
The IPAC team plays a vital role in protecting patients, staff, and visitors by embedding infection prevention into everyday clinical and operational practices. From conducting surveillance and managing outbreaks to educating staff and developing policies, the team works tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. Their proactive approach, hands-on support, and close collaboration with frontline teams help minimize infection risks and ensure that best practices are consistently followed.
Beyond the hospital walls, SHN’s IPAC Hub extends its expertise to long-term care homes, retirement homes, shelters, assisted living centres, supportive housing, group homes, developmental services, and other organizations. By partnering with these diverse community settings, the IPAC Hub helps strengthen infection control measures across Scarborough, contributing to safer environments and healthier outcomes for residents, families, and the broader community. This collaborative initiative builds on the strong foundation of work SHN put in to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the Q&A that follows, the IPAC team shares their commitment to collaboration, education, and excellence—and how they continue to shape safer environments across our community.
IPAC is more than personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene—it’s a proactive, strategic approach to protecting everyone, especially vulnerable patients, from acquiring infections. Our goal is simple: stop infections before they start. Our work focuses on preventing outbreaks before they happen through risk assessment, policy development, and continuous quality improvement. IPAC spans antimicrobial stewardship, employee health, environmental cleaning, construction and renovation in healthcare, education, and more. It’s a collaborative responsibility that involves everyone—from frontline staff to our broader community
We recognize that patients and families play a powerful role in preventing infections. Their involvement helps create safer healthcare environments for everyone.
During our isolation signage project, we actively sought feedback from patients, families, visitors, and staff. Their insights helped us redesign our signage to make instructions for PPE use clearer and more practical. Thanks to their input, our messaging is now more accessible and easier to follow. o further enhance accessibility, we introduced translated versions accessible via QR codes, allowing patients and families to receive important infection control information in the languages most commonly spoken in our community.
We also provide timely education to patients and families whenever someone requires special infection control precautions. Within days, our team shares important information about the infection, the necessary isolation measures, proper PPE use, and strategies to prevent the spread. This empowers patients and families to take an active role in infection prevention. To further support this learning, the IPAC team provides educational brochures tailored to the diverse languages spoken in our community.
Infection control is everyone’s responsibility. It’s a shared commitment that protects patients, families, visitors, and healthcare workers. Every action matters: washing hands, following safety protocols, and speaking up for safety are simple steps that stop the spread of infection. When we all take part, we create a safer environment for everyone.
One experience that reshaped our approach to infection control was realizing that audits and inspections aren’t just about checking the physical space—they’re about understanding the “why” behind the work. By shifting our focus to the processes behind the practices, we uncovered gaps we hadn’t seen before. This perspective helped us move from a checklist mindset to a more thoughtful, process-driven approach that puts patient safety at the centre of everything we do.
A small change in protocol made a big difference during the rise in measles cases across Ontario. At SHN, we saw a spike in testing and needed a faster way to respond. By enabling real-time alerts through our clinical information system, Epic, IPAC was instantly notified when a measles test was ordered. This allowed us to act quickly, advising on isolation and specimen handling right away. The result? Reduced transmission risk and a safer environment for both patients and staff.
Mentoring and coaching through the IPAC Hub play a vital role in helping staff at congregate living settings (CLS) feel more confident in their infection prevention responsibilities. By providing consistent guidance, encouragement, and practical insights, the IPAC team helps individuals deepen their understanding of infection prevention and build the skills needed to manage challenging situations. This support empowers staff to take a proactive and positive approach to their roles, leading to more effective infection control and a safer environment for everyone.
As we reflect on the stories and insights shared by the IPAC team, one message stands out: infection prevention is a collective effort rooted in compassion, vigilance, and innovation.
The team’s dedication to strengthening frontline practices, supporting community organizations, and empowering others through education continues to drive meaningful change. Their work reminds us that by working together, we build a safer, healthier future for everyone.