Infection Prevention & Control

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is
responsible for meeting the mandate to decrease infections among patients, health care
providers, and visitors across all NSHN sites. Infection Prevention and Control is the evidence-based
practices and procedures that, when applied consistently in health care settings, can prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms to health care providers, patients, and visitors.

The program is coordinated by health care providers with experience in infection prevention and control
and is supported through regional collaboration and public health partnerships appropriate to a rural,
multi-site organization.

In alignment with NSHN’s Vision, Mission, and Values to promote a culture of patient safety and healthy
communities the program will protect patients from healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) thereby:
• improving survival rates
• reducing morbidity associated with infections
• decreasing length of hospital stay
• supporting quicker return to good health

Patient Safety Indicators

Hand Hygiene

Hand Hygiene Rates (2025-26)

Before Patient/Environment Contact

94.26%

After Patient/Environment Contact

96.55%

HEALTH QUALITY ONTARIO - HAND HYGIENE RATES

“Hand hygiene is the responsibility of all individuals involved in health care. Hand hygiene relates to the removal of visible soil and removal or killing of transient microorganisms from the hands while maintaining the good skin integrity resulting from a hand care program. Hand hygiene may be accomplished using an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) or soap and running water.” (PIDAC, April 2014).

To support the Hand Hygiene Program at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN), staff who are providing direct patient care or are required to wear gloves while performing the duties of their position will abide by the following:

nails are to be kept clean
nail polish is to be in good condition (i.e., not chipped)
artificial nails or nail art/enhancements are not to be worn
rings must not have projections or mounted stones; a smooth wedding ring may be worn
bracelets are not to be worn by those with direct contact with a client/resident/patient; a wrist watch may be worn
short sleeves are preferred over wrist-length sleeves

RESOURCES:

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)

CDI Rate (March 2026)

Cases

0 Rate

0%

HEALTH QUALITY ONTARIO - CDI RATE

At the North Shore Health Network (NSHN), patient safety and infection prevention are a priority. Individuals experiencing new onset loose or watery stools are promptly assessed for possible Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and placed on immediate additional precautions in line with our organizational policies to help prevent the spread of infection.

Understanding C. difficile and why precautions matter

Clostridioides difficile infection is a bacterium that can cause significant gastrointestinal illness, ranging from mild to severe diarrhea. It is commonly spread through contaminated environments or on the hands of healthcare workers. One of its key challenges is that it forms spores that can survive for long periods on surfaces in healthcare settings, requiring specialized cleaning practices to fully eliminate.

Some people may carry C. difficile without symptoms, but when infection develops, it typically presents as new, unexplained diarrhea. For infection control purposes, loose or watery stool is defined as stool that takes the shape of any container it is placed in.

How NSHN prevents transmission

To protect patients, residents, staff, and visitors, NSHN follows strict infection prevention measures:

Immediate isolation of patients/residents with suspected or confirmed CDI
Enhanced cleaning protocols using sporicidal disinfectants to remove hardy C. difficile spores from the environment
Strict hand hygiene practices for all healthcare workers

Hand hygiene is especially important. When C. difficile is suspected or confirmed, handwashing with soap and water is the preferred method, as alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) are not effective against spores. ABHR may be used only if a sink is not immediately available, with handwashing performed as soon as possible. Patient or resident sinks must never be used for hand hygiene.

Who is at higher risk?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing CDI or more severe illness, including:

Recent or prolonged antibiotic use
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use (e.g., omeprazole, rabeprazole)
Immunosuppressive therapy, including post-transplant medications
Chemotherapy
Bowel disease or recent bowel surgery
Prolonged hospital stays (3–5 days or more)
Use of enteral feeding tubes
History of previous CDI

Through early identification, strict isolation practices, thorough environmental cleaning, and meticulous hand hygiene, NSHN works to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health of everyone in our care environment.

RESOURCES:

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)
Bloodstream Infections

VRE Rate (Jan-Mar 2026)

Cases

0 Rate

0%

HEALTH QUALITY ONTARIO - VRE RATE

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) are common intestinal bacteria that have developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin. They typically spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or the hands of healthcare workers and primarily affect hospitalized individuals with weakened immune systems.

Colonization vs. Infection

Colonization: VRE can live naturally in your bowel or genital tract without causing any harm or symptoms. No treatment is necessary if you are just a carrier.

Infection: If the bacteria enter artificial openings (e.g., wounds or catheters), they can cause serious infections in the urinary tract or bloodstream. These require specialized alternative antibiotics.

Risk Factors

You are at a higher risk of developing a VRE infection if you:

have a weakened immune system
are currently in a hospital or long-term care facility
have undergone recent surgery or have medical devices (like catheters or IV lines)
have a history of taking multiple or long-term antibiotics

RESOURCES:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bloodstream Infections

MRSA Rate (Jan-Mar 2026)

Cases

0 Rate

0%

HEALTH QUALITY ONTARIO - MRSA RATE

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Staph bacteria that has become resistant to many common antibiotics. While it typically lives harmlessly on the skin or in the nose, it can cause severe, hard-to-treat infections if it enters the body through broken skin or a wound.

How It Spreads

Direct Contact: Primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or someone carrying the bacteria.

Indirect Contact: Can live on surfaces, towels, athletic gear, and bandages for days or even months.

Signs & Symptoms

An infection often begins as a small, red, swollen bump that can be mistaken for a pimple, spider bite, or boil. Key indicators include:

redness and swelling that rapidly worsen
an area that feels warm to the touch
pus or other drainage from the site
accompanying fever in more serious cases

Prevention

Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover All Wounds: Keep scrapes, cuts, and blisters clean and covered with bandages until healed.

Do Not Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, razors, or athletic equipment.

Never Pop Sores: Trying to drain a skin boil yourself can spread the bacteria or worsen the infection.

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