Course Access
ACIPC Aged Care IPC Webinar Series
Membership is not required for attendance – everyone welcome. Please note the new time of 2.00PM.
Note: Aged Care IPC Leads who have completed the ACIPC Foundations IPC Course are automatically gifted an ongoing ACIPC Educational Membership. The membership enables access to website educational material and the Aged Care Infexion and Infexion Connexion. Educational members are asked to ensure their contact details are correct with the College.
Wednesday 19 February 2025, 2.00PM AEDT
Speaker: Marianna Crank, Aged Care Pharmacy Team
Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) Measure
The Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Measure provides funding to engage pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes. On-site pharmacists regularly review medications to reduce medication related harm and optimise the use of medicines. On-site pharmacists work closely with aged care staff and the healthcare team. The Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Measure commenced 1 July 2024. This presentation will discuss funding, eligibility, claiming and payment arrangements, the role of the on-site pharmacist and the upcoming role of Primary Health Networks.
About the speaker:
Mariana Crank is currently a Director in Pharmacy Branch at the Department of Health and Aged Care. Her team has responsibility for a diverse range of programs including the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist Measure.
To view the webinar recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
PP Aged care on-sit pharmacist (ACOP) measure: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aged-Care-On-site-Pharmacist-Measure-Feb-25.pptx
Wednesday 19 March 2025, 2.00PM AEDT
Speaker: Irene Barron, IPC Manager, Silver Chain
IPC Practice in Home Care
The presentation provides an overview of a comprehensive infection prevention and control program tailored towards home care. Home care can be delivered where the client is living or at a clinic. The primary goal is to deliver safe, high-quality care, facilitate discharge from acute care settings, and to help support people to continue living at home. Care may include general or specialised medical care involving physicians, nursing or allied health professionals, as well as social or community-based services provided by carers that support activities of daily living.
About the speaker: Irene is a Registered Nurse who graduated in 1990. She has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Infection Control, Master of Nursing, and is an Expert credentialled infection control professional (CICP-E). Irene started working in infection control in 1999. Her infection control career includes working as practitioner, coordinator and then 4years as Assistant Director of the Infection Control team at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, a 1000 bed acute care hospital located in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Upon her return to Australia, she worked as the infection control and staff heath nurse for the SA Health Dental unit, and then for the last 6 years as Manager of the infection prevention and control team at Silverchain. Silverchain provides health and aged care services Australia-wide to 140,000 clients per year, with 5,900 staff including nurses, doctors, allied health, carers and researchers. It sees clients in both metropolitan and country locations. What Irene says she enjoys most about IPC is that she is continually learning and feels that her contribution to the profession is helping to keep staff, clients and their families safe. She feels there is more to learn and achieve within this specialised field and hopes her passion for IPC inspires others.
To view the webinar recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
PP Irene Barron IPC in Home Care: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Irene-Barron-home-care-March-25.pptx
Wednesday 16 April 2025, 2.00PM AEST
Speakers: Prof Joan Ostaszkiewicz & Elizabeth Watt, National Ageing Research Institute
The NARI IDC-IMPROVE project
In 2022-2023, 8.4% of people receiving government subsidised residential aged care in Australia required some form of catheter care. Although clinically beneficial for some people, indwelling urinary catheters increase the risk of infection, antimicrobial resistance, catheter blockage, delirium, bacteremia, admission to hospital, longer hospital stays, higher care costs, and mortality. There are inconsistent approaches to catheter care in Australia’s aged care homes, with many employees feeling unprepared and disempowered to provide routine catheter care and to prevent or manage complications. Addressing this problem, nurse researchers from the National Ageing Research Institute designed a Catheter Care Bundle to assist aged care providers and clinical staff implement an effective, data driven quality assurance and performance improvement program about catheter care that improves the care and lives of people with indwelling urinary catheters who use their services. This presentation describes the bundle and the process being undertaken to ensure they are feasible and fit-for-purpose.
About the speakers: Professor Joan Ostaszkiewicz is a Program Manager at the National Ageing Research Institute, an Honorary Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, Adjunct Professor of Health and Innovation Transformation Centre at Federation University and Visiting Professor at the Geller Institute for Ageing and Memory at the University of West London. As a Registered Nurse and an academic, Joan’s research expertise is the prevention and management of incontinence in frail older people. She leads a program of research on continence care and catheter care in residential aged care homes. Ms Elizabeth Watt is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI). Liz is a Registered Nurse with over 30-years of experience as an academic, teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses. She has a special clinical interest in the care of people with bladder and bowel problems. Liz is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing, and a member of the Continence Nurses Society Australia and Australian and New Zealand Urological Nurses Society.
To view the webinar recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
NARI IDC-IMPROVE project: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NARI-IDC-IMPROVE-Project-16th-April-2025.pdf
Catheter care guidelines: Indwelling catheterisation in adults – Urethral and suprapubic
Wednesday 14 May 2025, 2.00PM AEST
Speaker: Sam Jewell – CEO -Life view Aged Care
Companion Animals in Aged Care
We know the human-animal bond is special but traditionally when someone moved into aged care their beloved pet could not come with them, causing further heartbreak for both. This situation is however slowly changing (18% of providers now accept pets), and this presentation will explore Lifeview’s experience of having pets move into care with their owners – overcoming objections, changing the narrative and improving resident wellbeing.
About the speaker: Samantha has a passion for equality, older Australians, their rights and delivering the best quality care possible for all who chose to live with Lifeview. Samantha is also keen on changing the narrative and showcasing all that is great and innovative about aged care. Samantha’s modern leadership style see’s Lifeview at the forefront of specialist partnerships with organisations such as Dementia Australia, the Victorian Pride Centre and CANA. To view the webinar recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
Pets in Aged Care: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifeview-Pets-in-Aged-Care-2025.pdf
Wednesday 18 June 2025, 2.00PM AEST
Speaker: Perri Waddell, Gerontology Nurse, Aged Care Manager and ACIPC Facilitator
IPC Train the Trainer – education skills
The Aged Care IPC Lead (or person responsible for IPC) has a range of responsibilities as determined by the ACQCS. Providing ongoing assessment of staff capability and education is a core function of the role. There is a gap between knowledge gained from completing an IPC course and teaching ability. This presentation explores ways to train the trainer by giving IPC Leads (or person responsible for IPC) some training tools to sustainably embed and advance IPC in aged care.
About the speaker: Gerontology Nurse, Perri Waddell is the 2024 West Australian Nurse and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WANMEA) Nurse of the Year. Perri is a migrant, hospital trained nurse who has called Australia home for the past 21 years. She has committed herself to role modelling aged care as a nursing career pathway. Perri holds a Masters in Clinical Nursing~Gerontology (ECU), Bachelor of Dementia (UTAS) and Post Graduate Certificate in Infection Control (Griffith). Perri is a credentialled IPC- Primary and contracted facilitator for ACIPC’s FIPC course and has facilitated over 600 students through the FIPC course. Perri is currently a Registered Nurse in the most remote Residential Aged Care Facility in Australia and recognises the challenges aged care IPC Leads face when driving best practice from the front line.
To view the webinar recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
IPC Train the Trainer – education skills: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ACIPC-Train-the-Trainer-June-25.pdf
Aged Care Connexion – Webinar questions Guest speaker Perri Waddell answers questions that we weren’t able to get to during the webinar: https://www.acipc.org.au/members/forums-members/topic/aged-care-community-of-practice-webinar-questions/
Wednesday 16 July 2025, 2.00PM AEST
Speaker: Dr Jacqui Richmond, Program Manager, Workforce Development and Health Service Delivery- EC Australia at Burnet Institute
Management of blood borne viruses in aged care
The management of Blood Borne Viruses (BBV), specifically hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, has evolved significantly over the past decade. Resulting in longer life expectancy allowing people with BBVs to live longer and move into aged care facilities. While the IPC management of BBVs has not changed – implementing standard precautions is all that’s needed to prevent transmission – there is a lot we can do to support older people living with BBVs. This presentation will provide an overview of the advancements in the management of BBVs, with a specific focus on aged care settings.
About the speaker: Jacqui Richmond is a registered nurse with a PhD who works at the Burnet Institute, in the Eliminate hepatitis C Australia Partnership. Jacqui also facilitates the BBV testing course for ACIPC and the Foundations of IPC. The broad focus of Jacqui’s work is building the capacity of the health workforce to test, treat and manage the health care needs of people living with viral hepatitis.
To view the webinar recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
Management of blood borne viruses in aged care: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACIPC-BBV-presentation_July-2025.pdf
Wednesday 20 August 2025, 2.00PM AEST
Speakers: Chloe Tilson – IPC Lead and Kelly Barton – Executive Director of Clinical Services – Alpine Health
In the life of an IPC lead
As the IPC Lead role was a newly created position during a time of many unknowns it has been an exciting journey becoming an IPC Lead. Becoming an IPC Lead has led to many opportunities to extend my knowledge base in the field of Infection Prevention & Control. Having a structured Infection Prevention and Control Program is very beneficial and has allowed for the IPC Lead journey to run efficiently. It gives me the ability to educate staff. Changing staff culture and educate staff on areas from audit results where there has been an increase or decline in results. Able to attend organisational and external networking meetings.
About the speakers: Chloe Tilson – I work in a small rural country town in North East Victoria. Alpine Health has three multi-purpose sites, within the area. All sites offer acute care services, urgent care and residential care services. I am one of two IPC Leads and cover as the IPC Lead for two of the sites. I have been an Enrolled Nurse for 17 years and an IPC Lead 5 years. I have always had an interest in Infection Prevention and Control during my nursing career and becoming an IPC Lead has allowed me to continue to explore my interest within this field. Kelly Barton is an Infection Control Consultant with 14 years’ experience in the role at Alpine Health in Northeast Victoria. Kelly completed her Masters in Infection Control at Griffith University in 2022 an has a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Acute Care. She is passionate about One Health, Aged Care and AMS. In 2023 she went to Cambodia with the charity Supporting Silk Sisters to help a rural referral hospital with their first ever accreditation preparations.
To view the recording, please click the image below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8KLPClwGTD-0AeD2b4Z9Zw
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
In the life of an IPC Lead: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IPC-Lead-Presentation_-2.0.pptx
Webinar Questions and Answers
Following the webinar, a number of questions remained. You can view the questions and answers here: https://www.acipc.org.au/members/forums-members/topic/aged-care-community-of-practice-webinar-questions-in-the-life-of-ipc-lead/?view=all#post-103335
Wednesday 17 September 2025, 2.00PM AEST
Speaker: Steve Neal, Head of Clinical and Leadership Programs, Lorraine Poulos & Associates
Infection Control in a Home Care setting with a focus on aged care
The presentation will examine the impact of the strengthened standards on infection control in home care aged care services, focusing on the associated expectations and practical requirements. It will highlight the unique infection control challenges and risks specific to the home care setting, offering an opportunity to explore strategies for improvement. Participants will be invited to engage in discussion and share their experiences, fostering a collaborative exchange of insights and practical solutions
About the speaker: Steve qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1990 in the UK, primarily working in Mental Health and Disability services in England, Wales, and Scotland. Steve moved to Melbourne in 2005 and has worked for several disability and Aged Care service providers. Steve currently works for Lorraine Poulos and Associates as the Head of Clinical and Leadership programs and is a board member for a large disability and aged care service provider. Steve worked with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care as part of the Healthcare Associated Infection Program.
To to view the recording, please click the image below:
Webinar PowerPoint Resources
Infection Control in a Home Care setting with a focus on aged care: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Sept-17-Infection-control-in-a-home-care-setting-ACIPC-v1.0.pdf
Home Care
Aged Care templates and tools: https://www.acipc.org.au/aged-care/aged-care-ipc-templates-and-tools/
IPC Group Committee Notice of Meeting: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IPC-Group-Committee-Notice-of-Meeting.docx
IPC Group Committee Terms of Reference: https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IPC-Group-Committee-ToR.docx
Wednesday 15 October 2025, 2.00PM AEDT
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, this month’s webinar topic has changed. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Cytotoxic Medications and Related Waste Management in Aged Care
Speaker: Carrie Spinks, ACIPC IPC Consultant
Cytotoxic medications are increasingly prescribed in aged care as their use expands across a wide range of diseases. While essential for treatment, these medicines can pose risks to staff through exposure during medication administration, as well as contact with body fluids and contaminated items such as waste, laundry, or equipment. Effective management of these risks is critical to protecting staff.
This presentation provides an overview of cytotoxic agents, exposure pathways, and safe work practices to minimise risk in aged care settings. Topics include correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), segregation and disposal of contaminated waste, contaminated laundry handling, and effective cleaning and spill management procedures. We will also cover the safe collection of cytotoxic specimens, and the documentation processes that support accountability and compliance.
The session equips aged care staff with practical, evidence-based strategies to handle cytotoxic medications and related waste while ensuring staff safety and high-quality resident care.
About the speaker: Carrie is an experienced Infection Control Consultant, specialising in developing infection control programs within the aged care setting. Carrie has a Science Degree – Nursing, Master of Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Master of Advanced Practice – Infection Control; along with further post graduate qualifications in Chemotherapy, Gastroenterology/Endoscopy, Genetics, Immunisation, Cert IC Training and Assessment. After graduating and obtaining nursing experience in Australia, Carrie moved to the UK and became a Nurse Practitioner on return to Australia 9 years later she found her passion for aged care management and quality and in 2014 specialised in Infection Control in the industry. Carrie has presented locally, nationally and overseas, she has published, became one of the first Nurse Endoscopists, and enjoyed making film clips in health care. Carrie is particularly interested in the development and establishment of infection control programs, resources and education within the aged care setting. Antimicrobial Stewardship is also close to Carrie’s heart.
To register, please click the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_liiv3pkmTxCl8gDv2SyG3A
Wednesday 17 December 2025, 2.00PM AEDT
Speaker: Terry McAuley – Director – Steam Consulting MSc Medical Device Decontamination; Grad Dip Education and Training; Cert Mgt Decontamination Reusable Medical Devices (UK); Cert Sterilization and Infection Control; Cert Perioperative Nursing; Cert Operating Suite Management; RN; MACIPC, MACORN, MCNA
Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and equipment in the aged care setting
Reusable medical devices are used on a day-to-day basis in the delivery of healthcare across a range of practice settings. Medical devices can be categorised as critical, semi-critical or non-critical and it is essential for health professionals to be able to confidently assess which category a medical device belongs to in order to ensure that these devices are cleaned, and where necessary disinfected correctly between patient uses. This presentation will:
About the speaker: Terry is a passionate advocate for the achievement of best practice in reprocessing reusable medical devices and is committed to sharing her knowledge with her colleagues and peers. She represented ACIPC on the Standards Australia Committee HE-023 responsible for AS/NZS4187 and AS/NZS4815 (now AS5369) for over 20 years. Terry contributed Chapter 16 Disinfection and Sterilisation in the textbook Healthcare-Associated Infections In Australia – Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control. Terry has extensive expertise in reprocessing reusable medical devices; and infection prevention and control across a range of practice settings and has authored the ApodA Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Podiatrists and a number of other IPC and reprocessing resources during her career.
To register, please click the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Cl6dS_H8SZmWfHZF5lD0Hg