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SHN IPAC Hub

The Scarborough Health Network Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Hub offers comprehensive support to various community partners in their IPAC practices. Collaborating closely with the Toronto Public Health Long-Term Retirement Congregate Team (TPH-LRCT), the Hub provides guidance and welcomes any IPAC-related inquiries from facilities within the Scarborough area.

Facilities supported by the Hub include long-term care homes, retirement homes, shelters, assisted living centers, supportive housing, group homes, developmental services, and other organizations that provide assistance to the community. Below, you will find resources available for access and distribution to promote IPAC best practices.

What we do

SHN IPAC Hub is a team of SHN IPAC experts dedicated to supporting CLSs within the Scarborough catchment area in enhancing IPAC best practices, and work closely with those staff who have responsibility for IPAC to tailor IPAC practices to local needs and providing specialized guidance. Additionally, SHN IPAC hub assist with the implementation of outbreak measures in conjunction with local Public Health Units. Services provided include but are not limited to the following:

  • Hosting networking opportunities (e.g., community of practices, drop-in sessions) for information sharing, education and collaboration opportunities
  • Mentoring and coaching those most responsible for IPAC in CLSs
  • Assisting with outbreak management plans and supporting in implementing outbreak control measures in conjunction with the local Public Health Unit
  • Delivering education and training to those who support IPAC in CLSs
  • Working alongside CLSs in their development of IPAC programs, policy and procedures within sites/organizations
  • Providing recommendations to strengthen IPAC programs and practices
  • Supports CLSs to implement IPAC recommendations

Contact Information: ipachub@shn.ca

Manager: Jayvee Guerrero RN, BSN, BS MT, CIC
Email: jguerrero@shn.ca

Medical Director: Dr. Abdel Belhaj MD, FRCPC
Email: abelhaj@shn.ca

Supervisor: Tiberius Stanescu RN.CIC. LTC-CIP
Email: tstanescu@shn.ca

CoP 2024

 

CoP 2023

 

    1. Ontario’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Standard for Long-Term Care Homes
    2. MOH Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings, October 2024
    3. MOH Appendix 1: Case Definitions for Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Institutions and Public Hospitals – Sept 2024
    4. MOH Appendix 1: Case Definitions for COVID-19 – Oct 2024
    5. Active Outbreaks in Toronto Healthcare Institutions – City of Toronto
    6. Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool – PHO
    7. IPAC Checklist for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes – Sept 2024 – PHO
    8. IPAC Self-Assessment Audit Tool for LTC and RHs – Dec 2024 – PHO
    9. PIDAC Best Practices for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection Transmission in All Health Care Settings – rev. Dec 2024
    10. PIDAC Annex A: Screening, Testing and Surveillance for Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms (AROs) In All Health Care Settings https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/a/2013/aros-screening-testing-surveillance.pdf
    11. PIDAC Best Practices for Hand Hygiene in All Health Care Settings, 4th edition April 2014 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/b/2014/bp-hand-hygiene.pdf
    12. PIDAC: Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections | January 2018
    13. Urinary Tract Infection Program | Public Health Ontario
    14. Antimicrobial Stewardship | Public Health Ontario
    15. COVID-19 Health Sector Guidance – MOH
    16. COVID-19 Long-Term Care and Retirement Home Resources – PHO
    17. COVID-19 Resources for Congregate Living Settings – PHO
    18. Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) Special Advisories
    19. IPAC Canada Webinars (archive plus registration for upcoming webinars)
    20. The Canadian Journal of Infection Control
    21. Canadian Standards Association (CSA) new CSA Z8004:22 standards document for LTCH operations and IPAC

 

Who can access services of the local IPAC Hub? 

Any community based, congregate living settings can access the services of their local IPAC Hub.  Congregate living settings include: long-term care homes, retirement homes, shelters, residential and supportive housing funded by the Ministry of Health and residential settings for adults and children funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

There is no fee for obtaining services provided by the IPAC hub.

 

How is the IPAC Hub contacted to request assistance?

For general questions and suggestions please send us an email at ipachub@shn.ca

 

Does the local IPAC hub work with the Public Health Unit?

The local IPAC Hub will work in coordination and collaboration with its partners, which includes Public Health Units.  This collaborative partnership will ensure that congregate living settings will benefit by receiving a variety of IPAC services related to local needs.

 

How does the IPAC Hub differ from the local Public Health Unit? 

The IPAC Hubs have been developed solely for the purpose of providing IPAC services/consultations to congregate living settings. IPAC Hubs are not responsible for enforcement action. They are mandated to provide IPAC expertise, guidance, and ongoing IPAC support and consultation to congregate living settings.

Local Public Health is responsible for outbreak management and responding to reportable diseases.

 

Is it beneficial to connect with the local IPAC Hub if our facility has been in contact with the local Public Health Unit? 

The IPAC Hub serves the purpose of strengthening IPAC practices within the facility by reaching out directly to offer training, consultations, and recommendations.  The IPAC Hub will work to build communities of practice across each region and provide educational supports. The IPAC Hub can complement and build on the IPAC support offered by the local Public Health Unit.