Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training is a continuation of the program delivered to providers in December 2020.  In 2021, the free training has been expanded to include additional locations in metro, rural and regional areas of Victoria in response to demand and feedback.

All providers may register a maximum of two staff to attend, however, further nominations will be considered if the training sessions are not fully subscribed. Providers who registered for the December training and missed out will be given first option to nominate two staff per organisation to attend. Morning and afternoon workshops at each location to maximise participation.

Funded by DHHS and presented by the NDS Safer and Stronger Project, the training will be delivered by Bruce Greaves, a health educator, former nurse and emergency department manager with extensive experience in managing infection control and prevention in high-risk environments.

Who should attend?

NDS recommends anyone attending should have some capacity within their role to support others in their organisation with shared learning, resources and checking infection control practice for the risks identified in the training. Attendees will be supported with tools and resources, including the opportunity to participate in a monthly online IPC Community of Practice.

Why only 2 staff per organisation?

There is a limit of 2 staff per organisation. This Champion’s model is intended to build staff capacity within organisations so the trained champions can provide assistance and support to their own colleagues. It has an evidence and best practice foundation. This does require the staff identified to commit to the full three hour course and have some capacity within their role to support others with shared learning, resources and checking infection control practice for the risks that will be identified in the training.

What will the training cover?

The three-hour sessions will:

• provide hands-on, interactive training to give disability support workers confidence to don and doff PPE correctly
• outline what PPE is required and the circumstances PPE is needed
• undertake practical exercises on infection prevention and control
• discuss diverse setting needs and changes to IPC practice that have occurred as a result of working in a COVID-19 risk environment.

An ongoing need

The experience of 2020 and recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in VIC, NSW and QLD, highlights that a continual focus on effective prevention and preparedness across all sectors, including disability, is an ongoing need for all providers.

This hands-on, interactive training module has been developed to provide greater confidence, consistency of practice and extra support to providers across many sectors. The training will enhance any prior online training staff have completed on Infection Control and PPE.

This course has been developed by DHHS, with contributions from Bruce Greaves, DHHS public health expertise and the disability sector through NDS.

Event Details

Two sessions are held each day (9:30am - 12:30pm, and 1:30pm - 4:30pm) in each location.  Participants will only need to attend one session.

These sessions can only go ahead if numbers are viable so we encourage all interested organisations and sole providers to register early to lock in this valuable training opportunity.