New Centre for Infection Prevention, Control to Enhance Care

A new Centre for Infection Prevention and Control will enhance co-ordination and consistent infection prevention and control practices across health service provider organizations.

"Infection prevention and control programs are widely recognized as being both clinically and cost effective in preventing and controlling the spread of infections in health care settings," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.

The centre will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Framework that was developed through consultation with interested groups, including public health and infectious disease experts. It will use the framework to develop and implement standards for use across the province.

Initial funding in the amount of $217,000 has been approved for the 2008-09 fiscal year.

The centre will develop best practice documents, enhance competencies and resources in the field, and provide effective networks for communication across all levels of the system.

The work of infection control practitioners in Nova Scotia's district health authorities and long-term care facilities will be enhanced and supported by the Provincial Centre for Infection Prevention and Control.

The Department of Health is in the process of filling one director and two consultant positions for the centre. The positions have been posted on Career Beacon at www.careerbeacon.com/corpprof/govns/govns.html .