Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Current SIGs

Upcoming SIG Events

VET SIG First Meeting

You are warmly invited to attend the first Veterinary Special Interest Group (VET SIG) meeting which will be held online on Wednesday, 4 February at 7:00pm (AEDT). This is a free event offered online via Zoom.

Topic: Reprocessing of Shared items

Event Description:
Reprocessing of reusable items occurs most days in most veterinary practices around the world. Effective reprocessing is required to ensure that no pathogens, including multi-resistant organisms are transmitted to other animals or staff. Consideration for where reprocessing should take place, products that can be used, and knowing when to discard equipment will be discussed. The implications of AS 5369:2023 – Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities will be included.

• Please submit any questions when you register for the Zoom meeting. Questions can be submitted before the event. 
• You will receive a digital survey the day after the meeting. Members of the Veterinary SIG would appreciate if you could spend a few minutes completing the survey to help plan our activities. 
• A FAQ handout will be developed and uploaded to the ACIPC Veterinary IPC Resource Library after the event.

Speaker:
Carol Bradley is a Veterinary IPC Consultant and Auditor specializing in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) in the veterinary industry. With over 40 years of experience at Melbourne University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, she has worked as a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Supervisor of the Small and Large Animal Operating Theatres, Manager of the Central Sterilization Department (CSSD), Head of the Veterinary Clinical Skills Program, Clinical Tutor, and Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery.

Her passion for IPC began as Clinical Head of the hospital’s Sterilising Department and Supervisor of the operating theatres. Carol holds certification in sterilising and reprocessing medical devices, a Cert IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, and is an Associate Fellow in Veterinary Education (RVC, London). In 2021, she achieved primary credentialing with the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). An accomplished educator, Carol designs training programs that raise clinical competency standards and now focuses on advancing animal care through effective IPC practices across veterinary healthcare.

To register for the Veterinary SIG meeting, please click the link here: https://cdesign.eventsair.com/acipc-secretariat/sig-vet

Contact Veterinary SIG Co-Convenors: 
Angela Willemsen, ACIPC Veterinary IPC Course Lead and FIPC Facilitator angela.willemsen@acipc.org.au 

Carol Bradley, Founder & Principal, Bradley Veterinary Infection Prevention and Control Services cbradleyconsulting@outlook.com

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 and 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
• Note: only ACIPC members are invited to attend SIGS

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. Please note: The office does not attend SIG meetings 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)
• Creating and circulating registration forms for SIG events
• Collecting fees for SIG events
• Authorising industry sponsorship agreements
• Organising the payment of expenses for SIG events