Special interest groups (SIGs)

Current SIGs

Upcoming SIG Events

Paediatric SIG June meeting

Date and time: Tuesday 24 June at 2:00pm (AEST)

Online via Zoom

We warmly invite you to join us for the upcoming Paediatric SIG meeting which will be held at 2pm (AEST) on Tuesday, 24 June via Zoom.

This meeting will explore the topic “Creating safe, child-centred environments: an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) perspective” and will be led by IPC experts Jane Tomlinson, Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne Victoria, and Stacey FitzGerald, Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Perth Children’s Hospital in Western Australia.

This presentation will examine key aspects of the healthcare environment necessary to create child-centred spaces while minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. It will address relevant clinical standards and guidelines, focusing on common challenges in paediatric IPC, such as the use of toys, play and sensory activities, animal interactions, visitor management, cleaning protocols, and considerations during building or renovation projects.

We invite attendees to ask questions and share their own experiences on the topic. We also welcome other paediatric-related issues for discussion.

Register for the June meeting here: Paediatric SIG

Contact SIG Convenor: Claire Nayda, Clinical Nurse Consultant of Infection Prevention and Control, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney NSW Australia claire.nayda@health.nsw.gov.au

Questions

Please email the office, office@acipc.org.au, if you have any questions about establishing or joining a SIG

Purpose of a SIG

The purpose of a Special Interest Group (SIG) is to provide a network for members with a particular interest to develop their professional skills, exchange views and information, and to guide the career aspirations of junior members.

The ACIPC Membership Engagement Committee (MEC), under the delegation of the board, will consider if the proposed SIG contributes to the purpose, strategic goals, and objectives of the College. To review the 2023-2029 strategic plan please visit https://www.acipc.org.au/about/strategy/

Establishing a SIG

Members of the College may apply to establish a SIG by sending the following information to the ACIPC office:

• the name of the proposed SIG
• a statement of the purpose and objectives of the SIG
• the proposed convenor of the SIG
• the names of at least five members who support the formation and ongoing coordination of the SIG

Members of the College may apply to establish a SIG by sending the following information to the ACIPC office office@acipc.org.au

What will you get from a SIG?

Opportunities to

• Develop new friendships
• Network and create links with likeminded people
• Grow your knowledge and skills
• Stay up to date with current information
• Join us at ACIPC Conference and meet with familiar faces
• Engage with ACIPC Committees

SIG Activities

SIG activities are open to all members of the college.

SIG activities may include:

• Hosting of events related to the SIG including education, webinars, meetings
• Development of communications including emails, information for college website, activity reports for the board

Other activities are subject to the approval of the MEC and can be proposed via the Executive Manager of the College.

Management of SIGs

• the members of the SIG will appoint a convenor
• the convener will be the point of contact and spokesperson for the group and will manage the activities of the group with the support of the members
• SIGs will operate under the MEC

Reporting of SIG Activities

To promote the activities of SIGs and ensure their success:

• SIGs should provide at least four updates per year to be included in the College’s newsletter, IPC News
• SIGs must provide an update for inclusion in the College’s annual report including:
  • a list of current members
  • a summary of activities for the year
  • objectives for the next year

Hosting SIG Events

A budget must be approved by the Executive Manager for any proposed SIG events with a registration fee or expenses. Any agreements, such as venue, catering bookings and industry sponsorship, must also be approved by the Executive Manager. Please contact the office for more information.

Office Support

The office will support SIGS by:

• publishing SIG updates and content in IPC News
• setting up Zoom meetings for the SIG.
• Zoom meetings: The office doesn’t attend or provide technical support.
• sending email updates to SIG attendees
• sending email updates to College members (where relevant)
• posting content on the College’s digital channels (where relevant)
• providing registration forms for SIG events
• collecting fees for SIG events
• authorising industry sponsorship agreements
• organising the payment of expenses for SIG events