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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health
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Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)

HPEPH is available to connect all health care providers with the information they need to prevent and control infections.

IPAC Guidelines and Resources

Although physicians and dentists are self-regulated and held accountable by their respective colleges, the Ministry of Health’s Ontario Public Health Standard, Infection Prevention and Control Complaints Protocol requires Public Health to make unannounced inspections if there is a public complaint or an epidemiologically identified lapse. However, we want to work with you before that happens – we want to be your partner in keeping our community safe. Should you have any concerns about whether your practice is meeting IPAC guidelines, please review:

Dental Professionals

Physicians

Institutional Settings

In accordance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards, Public Health inspectors and nurses work closely with long-term care homes, retirement homes, hospitals, and other institutional settings to prevent or reduce the burden of infectious diseases of public health importance. For more information, review Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Long-Term Care, Home and Community Care including Health Care Offices and Ambulatory Clinics, or visit our Outbreak Management page.

Need More information?

All health care providers are invited to contact HPEPH directly at 613-966-5500 x 349 at any time for consultation or further guidance. We want to work with you to ensure that the IPAC guidelines are put in practice to protect clients, patients, and health care workers from preventable infections. You may also wish to pursue online educational opportunities offered through Public Health Ontario:

IPAC Lapse Disclosures

The Ministry of Health has directed all Public Health units to publicly disclose more detailed information on non-routine infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapse investigations where they are identified. An IPAC lapse is a departure from infection prevention and control standards. The result could be infectious disease transmission to patients or staff through exposure to blood or body fluids.  An example would be medical equipment that is improperly cleaned and can spread infection from one patient to another. HPEPH encourages health care providers to review the IPAC best practices and resources listed on this page to reduce the risk of an IPAC lapse. Local IPAC lapses are posted on our Notices page. For additional information:

News, Research and Reports RELATED TO: Healthcare Providers

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COVID-19 vaccines in HPE

Eligible individuals can receive their vaccination at many participating local pharmacies by contacting the pharmacy directly. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for location and registration information.

Vaccine ordering for health care providers

Vaccine orders for routine immunizations and STI medications continue to be available through HPEPH by using our vaccine order forms; however, please note that our vaccine delivery/pickup procedure has changed. For the most up to date pick up schedule please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-orders-info-healthcare-providers/.