Mr William Kim1
1Aspen Medical, Australia
Biography:
William Kim is a registered nurse and public health professional with over a decade of experience across Australia’s healthcare system. Holding an MPH, he specialises in infection control, pandemic response, and health project management, contributing to national outbreak responses, vaccine safety research, and public health education initiatives.
Abstract:
In response to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic within the aged care setting, Aspen Medical developed and deployed a national surge workforce model, including Clinical First Responder (CFR) teams, to deliver timely and targeted infection prevention and control (IPC) support to residential aged care homes experiencing outbreaks.
CFR teams conducted rapid IPC assessments, delivered focused education, supported outbreak response efforts, and implemented practical strategies such as enhanced ventilation and point-of-care testing. To further empower homes, Aspen developed simplified IPC tools tailored to operational needs, reinforcing consistent, effective practices on the frontline.
The deployment model addressed sector-wide challenges, including unclear IPC leadership roles, limited time for IPC responsibilities and high staff turnover. The Aspen model promoted role clarity, strengthened workforce education, and delivered scalable surge solutions. On-site engagement ensured guidance remained practical, relevant, and sustainable.
Aspen also worked closely with aged care providers to share effective IPC Lead role models observed across high-performing homes. One of the most enduring outcomes has been the uplift in IPC capability through direct, hands-on support, which has contributed to the aged care sector being more prepared and resilient in managing outbreaks.