Preventing Illness Through Innovation to Be Focus of Canada’s Infection Prevention and Control Meeting This Month
It is estimated that more than 200,000 patients per year develop infections as a result of their treatment in hospitals across Canada and more than 12,000 will die as a result. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cost the Canadian healthcare system more than $1 billion annually. Infection prevention and control experts from across the country will meet in Banff May 27-30 at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity for the annual conference. Through educational sessions, interactive workshops and sharing lessons learned through research, participants will examine best practices for how infections can be prevented.
The theme of ‘’Climbing Mountains – Pathways to Discovery” encourages infection prevention and control practitioners to break down old barriers which can restrict and limit thought. Old assumptions will be replaced with unique, innovative ones. Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) brings together Infection Prevention and Control Professionals, Public Health, Medical Microbiologists, Epidemiologists, and Infectious Disease specialists from all provinces and territories, as well as international guests, involved in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections.
Virox Technologies Inc. will host a full day workshop on Cleaning and Disinfection on Sunday, May 27th. Various plenary and concurrent presenters during the conference will offer their expertise in diverse healthcare settings, including acute care, long-term care, community, and education.
The closing presenter will be Dr. Patch Adams, an internationally known speaker on wellness, humor and joy.
The 2018 registration brochure outlines all sessions and lectures along with their objectives at www.ipac-canada.org
IPAC Canada is the national, professional organization for those interested in the prevention and control of infections in all healthcare settings.
Source: Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada)
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
