DHW’s IPAC team supporting seniors in long-term care and community care
Across PEI, a small but mighty team of nurses are making a big difference in the lives of staff and residents at the Island’s 11 privately run long-term care homes and 36 community care facilities.
Although the Department of Health and Wellness’ Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team is new, their impact is already reaching across the province and beyond.
While long-term care and community care staff provide essential daily support, this team strengthens their efforts by focusing on infection prevention. Through education, resources, and on-site guidance they help facilities stay confident and prepared.
Their work is far-reaching and includes everything from outbreak response and hygiene education to research and advising on the design of new facilities to meet infection control standards.
“It’s a lot of work and it can be challenging. But I think about my own parents and family members who are aging. That’s why I get out of bed each morning to do this. I want to make sure every Islander in long-term care is safe and protected.”
— team lead Mary Beth Campbell Roach
Education is a major part of the team’s approach, and for team member Alana Doherty, the joy comes from seeing learning in action.
“When staff are excited about what they’ve learned, when they tell us how it helped them or their residents, that’s my reward,” she says.
This passion is evident in the way the team teaches staff and residents. By drawing on national data and trusted guidelines, they develop educational sessions and materials tailored to current risks, while ensuring everything aligns with the needs of long-term care homes and community care facilities across PEI.
While some lessons happen annually, others are built quickly in response to something new. While some lessons happen annually, others are built quickly in response to something new. The broader goal of the IPAC team is not only to prevent outbreaks, but to prevent the spread of infection among residents and staff within long-term care and community care facilities.
Recently, the team presented at the IPAC Canada National Conference in Manitoba, on how point-of-care testing has enabled long-term care homes to reduce delays and improve response times by testing for flu and COVID-19 on-site.
Their presentation packed the room, sparking curiosity from attendees across Canada who were interested to learn how they could bring point-of-care testing to their own communities. It became clear that the team’s impact reaches far beyond PEI, strengthening their case for continued support on the Island.
Back home, the IPAC team is strengthening partnerships and trust. While their role initially felt unfamiliar to some care staff, perceptions have evolved. Today, they’re embraced as valued team members - supportive, knowledgeable, and deeply invested in the health and safety of everyone in the homes.
“Being a quality improvement team means we’re side by side with staff, helping them do their best work and meet shared goals,” says Roach. “We’re here to support them, not to judge.”
As the IPAC team continues to grow, they’re demonstrating what thoughtful, hands-on support can look like and just how much it matters.