The Regional IPAC Consultant provides infection prevention and control support to Community Support Services organizations. This includes answering IPAC questions, providing education, reviewing practices and resources, supporting outbreak preparedness and response, and helping organizations apply current provincial and federal IPAC recommendations within community-based settings.

The role also supports collaboration and knowledge sharing across the CSS sector through education, consultation, the IPAC Community of Practice, and regional initiatives.

IPAC consultation is available to Community Support Services organizations and programs within the Central region. This may include Adult Day Programs, Meals on Wheels, transportation services, congregate living programs, personal support and home-based services, supportive housing, caregiver supports, and other community-based programs.

The type of support provided may vary depending on the program, setting, population served, and identified IPAC risk.

Organizations can reach out with questions related to a wide range of infection prevention and control issues, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory illnesses, screening, Routine Practices and Additional Precautions, cleaning and disinfection, exposure concerns, communicable diseases, outbreak preparedness, and other infection-related concerns.

If a question falls outside the Consultant's scope, assistance can be provided in identifying the appropriate resource or organization to contact.

Yes. The IPAC Consultant can provide guidance to help organizations assess their infection prevention and control practices and strengthen measures such as PPE use, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and disinfection, Additional Precautions, staff education, client management, and outbreak preparedness.

The Consultant's role is supportive and does not replace the role or authority of the local Public Health Unit. Organizations should continue to follow applicable reporting requirements and Public Health direction during an outbreak. CSS organizations are encouraged to notify public health even though public health may not respond to their Adult Day Program outbreaks.

Helpful resources:

Ontario Ministry of Health – Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings

Ontario Public Health Standards

Yes. Organizations can request consultation on IPAC-related policies, procedures, guidelines, checklists, and other resources.

The Consultant can review materials against current evidence-based guidance and identify areas that may require clarification or updating. Each organization remains responsible for approving, implementing, and maintaining its own policies and procedures based on its operational requirements and applicable legislation.

Community Support Services organizations can contact the Regional IPAC Consultant when they have an IPAC question, require assistance interpreting current guidance, would like a policy or procedure reviewed, require educational support, or need assistance with an emerging infection prevention and control concern.

When submitting a consultation request, providing a brief description of the situation, the type of program or service involved, and the specific IPAC question will help ensure that appropriate guidance and resources can be provided. 

For urgent communicable disease or outbreak-related concerns, organizations should also contact their local Public Health Unit as required.