Infection Prevention - Think Global Act Local

National Infection Control Week – October 19-23, 2015

WINNIPEG, Oct. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Infection Prevention and Control programs are widely recognized as being both clinically effective and cost-effective in preventing and controlling the spread of infections in health care settings. Infection Prevention and Control programs protect clients/ patients/ residents and staff alike by preventing infections before they occur. Such prevention results in better clinical outcomes, fewer healthcare-associated infections, reduced length of hospital stay, and less antimicrobial resistance, resulting in important cost saving for the health care system.

National Infection Control Week will provide Infection Prevention and Control Professionals within healthcare facilities and community settings the opportunity to promote the "Infection Prevention – Think Global Act Local!" theme

Think Global Act Local reminds us that we live in a global community. Increased global travel and changing global weather patterns result in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases being a potential risk in new locales. Recently Ebola and MERs-CoV has demonstrated that we must use a global lens as a focus in our preparation and management locally for effective infection prevention.

Infection Prevention and Control Professionals will be providing multi-modal education and collaborating with other organizations in order to deliver the message that infection prevention and control can be very simple and is most effective when everyone makes the effort.

Everybody can help prevent the spread of infections by being involved, providing input and initiating change in their own way. Keep in mind that National Infection Control Week is just the beginning. This invaluable lesson is one that must continue to be taught so that the impact of infections can be minimized.

About Infection Prevention and Control Canada
IPAC Canada, formerly CHICA–Canada, is a national, multi-disciplinary, voluntary association of Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs) with 21 chapters across the country dedicated to the health of Canadians by promoting excellence in the practice of infection prevention and control. Visit IPAC Canada's website (www.ipac-canada.org) for infection prevention and control information.

Contact the Infection Prevention and Control Professional in your hospital, long term care facility or community for further information on activities planned for National Infection Control Week. Visit IPAC Canada's web site (www.ipac-canada.org) for infection prevention and control information. For additional information:

SOURCE Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada)

Image with caption: "Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) (CNW Group/Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151008_C8761_PHOTO_EN_516809.jpg

For further information: Gerry Hansen (Ms.), Executive Director, [email protected], 1-866-999-7111