Ms. Megan Brown1, Mr. Scott Lang1
1Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District NSW, Illawarra, Australia
Biography:
Megan Brown is a Clinical Nurse Consultant for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD). She holds a Masters of Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Infection Control and Epidemiology, bringing extensive experience since 2012 in infection prevention and control.
Megan is dedicated to using innovative approaches to deliver high-quality infection control services that are accessible to all. She has a strong interest in leadership and capacity building within IPaC. Through mentorship, she supports the growth of emerging IPaC leaders, ensuring sustainability for the future.
Abstract:
Introduction
In a large Local Health District (LHD) in NSW, the Infection Prevention and Control Service (IPACS) relied on skilled Infection Control Practitioners (ICPs) with extensive clinical expertise in infection prevention and control (IPAC). In 2023, the service faced a significant skills gap due to retirements, maternity leave, long service leave, and the departure of the IPAC Director. Additionally, one of the remaining experienced ICPs assumed a leadership role, further straining resources.
Method
The main challenge was to sustain the IPAC service and build future capacity. The acting director developed a strategic plan focusing on district IPAC priorities. Key initiatives included: Reviewing and reallocating existing resources, including reviving the dormant IPAC link program to leverage existing knowledge and networks. Launching an extensive recruitment effort to attract suitably skilled staff, targeting those with clinical skills and ward-based IPAC experience. Establishing a structured orientation and preceptorship program for new staff, and repositioning human resources to enable senior staff to support.
Results
Despite the challenges, the IPAC service achieved significant outcomes. Maintaining robust clinical service, successfully attaining accreditation, relaunching the IPAC link program and mentoring and supporting novice IPAC professionals. These strategies lead to a strong succession planning model that facilitated learning, ensured a safe risk managed approach and increased capacity of the IPAC service including development opportunities for IPAC professionals.
Conclusion
This experience revealed with adequate strategic planning and careful implementation, IPAC service provision can be maintained amid significant challenges. The strategies enabled sustainability of services, growth, and enhanced infection control practices.