Humber River Health Infection, Prevention and Control Hub

Humber River Health IPAC Hub

Disclaimer: This information is developed by Humber River Health IPAC Hub and is for information only. The application and use of the information is the responsibility of the user.

The IPAC Hub initiative, established by the Ontario government as part of Ontario’s plan Keeping Ontarians Safe on September 30, 2020, aimed to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory infections. This initiative involves the development of local networks comprising expertise in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) drawn from various sectors within the health system.  These networks are tasked with strengthening IPAC practices in community-based and congregate living settings. Through the implementation of this province-wide network, congregate living settings gain access to essential IPAC expertise, collaborative assistance, and timely advice. This includes guidance and direct support concerning IPAC practices for both preventive measures and response strategies.

Settings that our IPAC Hub team supports includes:
  • Long-term care homes
  • Retirement homes
  • Residential settings funded by the Ministry of Health (MOH)
  • Residential settings for adults and children funded by Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
  • Shelters
  • Supportive housing

Humber River Health’s IPAC Hubs works in coordination with Hub partners, including Humber River Health, Toronto Public Health, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and Public Health Ontario to deliver the following services based on local needs and priorities, including but not limited to the following:

  • Provide IPAC expertise and support to CLSs.
  • Deliver IPAC education and training.
  • Host communities of practice and networking opportunities for CLSs.
  • Support the development of IPAC programs, policies and procedures within sites and organizations.
  • Support assessments, audits and provide recommendations to strengthen IPAC programs and practice.
  • Mentor those with responsibilities for IPAC within CLSs.
  • Support the development and implementation of outbreak management plans, in conjunction with public health partners and CLSs.
  • Support CLSs to implement IPAC recommendations.
  • Add relevant CoP presentations

Current Projects

  • PHO UTI Program in Non-Catheterized Residents (LTCH only)
  • PHO ARO-ASP Program implementation (LTCH only)
  • Upcoming Retirement Home Networking Event

Past Projects

  • Education Preparation Series for the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP)
  • LTCH Networking Events hosted in October 2023 and May 2024.
  • Resources that the Hub has created – i.e., the fall preparedness checklist.

Ministry of Health:

Ministry of Long-Term Care

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)

Public Health Ontario

PIDAC

Government of Canada

Toronto Public Health

Canadian Standards Association