About the Regional Infection Control Networks of Ontario
Who We Are:
About the Regional Infection Control Networks of Ontario
The impact of SARS in Ontario was profound.Major gaps in Infection Control knowledge, coordination and resources were uncovered and highlighted as healthcare providers in Ontario struggled to contain the virus.The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) responded aggressively to close those gaps."Operation Health Protection” outlined the MOHLTC plan, and within that plan, Regional Infection Control Networks (RICNs) were born.

In 2005, the first four networks were launched.The remaining ten networks were funded over the next three years.Each RICN covers a geographic area that corresponds to each Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) across the province.Please check out the "Find your network” button for a list of all RICNs in Ontario.

The Role of RICNS
RICNs are designed to coordinate infection prevention and control (IPAC) activities and promote standardization in healthcare facilities across Ontario.The 2005 report of the Chief Medical Officer of Health defined the crucial role of a RICN:to promote a unified approach to IPAC and implementation of best practices within a given region and throughout Ontario.Instead of replacing existing resources and networks, RICNs maximize integration and enhance communication among all healthcare professionals in the province with a vested interest in IPAC.They facilitate knowledge transfer and information sharing in order to reduce costly duplication of effort and ensure that scarce resources are used efficiently.RICNs also provide members with continuing education and access to a wealth of expertise.

Guiding Principles for RICNs

• Evidence based decision making and practice
• Accessibility to information
• Promotion of best practices in IPAC
• Active integration

Our logo
The logo, which appears at first glance to portray a pinwheel, is actually comprised of fourteen hands, each representing a RICN.The hands are arranged facing one another as they would be when washing.Together, they form a circle to suggest cohesiveness and cooperation of each member, and they have a forward flow of movement.The colour has been selected to represent water.The logo was designed in the Champlain Infection Control Network and is used by all RICNs.


Who makes up a RICN?
Each network is comprised of:

• A Network Coordinator, who is the operational director of the organization and is charged with development and implementation of the RICN
• A Network Consultant, who assists the Network Coordinator in developing common approaches to IPAC and ensures best practices are being used within the region through standardization of policies, protocols and surveillance practices and through education
• A Medical Coordinator, who provides medical expertise and leadership for regional physicians, and who acts as a champion for the RICN within the regional healthcare community
• Network Assistants, who provide support to the Network personnel and stakeholders alike
• Network members, including individuals and facilities who voluntarily agree to share and receive information and expertise within the Network.

Provincial Information Package
For more information about how the Regional Infection Control Networks support you in the prevention and control of infections and infectious disesases, view the documents below!

    •    Your Network for Infection Prevention and Control (English) (French)
    •    What Regional Infection Control Networks Can Do For You (English) (French)


Operation Health Protection and the Role of PIDACWhen the Walker Report(1), released in 2004, highlighted the need for the coordination and integration of Ontario’s infection control activities, existing infection control staff and networks in Ontario were working in relative isolation. As healthcare facilities re-assessed their policies and resources in the wake of SARS, significant gaps in infection control coverage became apparent.

To remedy this, Operation Health Protection (2) recommended the implementation of Regional Infection Control Networks: local networks of infection control professionals from all fields of healthcare which enhance infection control practices not by replacing existing collaborations and resources, but by coordinating activities and promoting standardization in healthcare facilities across the province. RICNs enable knowledge transfer and information sharing, enhance communication, provide education, increase access to expertise, maximize integration and ensure efficient use of scarce resources by reducing duplication of efforts.

One major accomplishment of the networks in year one was the successful nurturing of a close relationship with Ontario’s Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (PIDAC). The partnership between the RICNs and PIDAC, the province’s foremost bank of expertise on infectious diseases, is a natural and mutually beneficial one. Like that of the networks, PIDAC’s membership is comprised of professionals from all relevant fields of the healthcare sector. This diverse group of advisors develops best practices and guidelines for infection prevention and control, and makes recommendations on key infection prevention and control issues such as immunization, surveillance, and communicable diseases.

Through this partnership, RICNs are able to bring the work of PIDAC to the local or "grassroots” level, implementing the policies and procedures developed by this esteemed group of infection control specialists. The combined efforts of these two groups are conducive to making a true improvement in patient and employee safety, one which can only be achieved though the fusion of evidence-based policy (PIDAC’s development of quality standards of care) with effective strategies for enactment (the networks’ distribution and implementation of best practices).
 
1. Expert Panel on SARS and Infectious Disease Control (Ont.), Walker D. For the public’s health: an action plan to prevent threats to our health and promote a healthy Ontario. [Toronto, Ont.]: SARS Expert Panel Secretariat. Ontario. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; 2004. [online]. Accessed January 15, 2006 from: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ministry_reports/walker04/walker04_mn.html

2. Ontario. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Operation health protection: an action plan to prevent threats to our health and promote a healthy Ontario. Toronto, Ont.: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; 2004. [online]. Accessed January 12, 2006 from: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ministry_reports/consumer_04/oper_healthprotection.html