New infection prevention network will bridge gaps

The newly established Mississauga Halton Infection Control Network will work in partnership with all health care sectors and providers in Peel and Halton to ensure a common approach to infection prevention and control.

Peel region will play a leading role in this new initiative.

"Infection prevention and control are important factors when it comes to protecting the public's health and wellbeing," said Dr. Eileen de Villa, associate medical officer of health for Peel region. "The network will bring together experts from hospitals, long-term care, community care access centres, other community health care providers, and other health care sectors to improve co-ordination and access to infection prevention and control resources across the health continuum."

Over the years, infection prevention and control programs, which include education, surveillance and research, have contributed significantly in preventing the spread of infections. Established in late 1950s, these programs addressed concerns about the increase in bacterial infections due to Staphylococcal bacteria. In the 1980s and 1990s, infection prevention and control programs were expanded to long-term care facilities and the community.

More recently, the importance of local infection control networks was recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in the report Operation Health Protection released in 2004.

The Mississauga Halton Infection Control Network is currently looking for health care professionals who are interested in volunteering or putting forth nominations for the network steering committee. The network covers southwest Toronto (Etobicoke), Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.

In partnership with infection control professionals and other area stakeholders, the network will play a leading role in promoting proactive infection prevention and control messages to health care professionals and people who live and work within the area.

For more information about the Mississauga Halton Infection Control Network, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Web site for the networks at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/ english/providers/project/oh p/ricn/contact.html.