The Provincial Infection Control Network of BC (PICNet), which works with approximately 250 provincial partners to provide guidance on health-care-associated infection prevention and control, is celebrating its second decade in existence after creation by the provincial Ministry of Health in January 2005.

Highlights of the Network’s activities that occur in collaboration with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs within the health authorities and Ministry of Health include, establishing a provincial hand hygiene program for monitoring in BC health care sites, creating standardized provincial surveillance protocols and reports on health care associated infections for the Ministry of Health, Health Authority partners and the public, and creating decision-making frameworks and guidance for possible outbreaks of viruses such as influenza, Ebola and COVID-19.

In two decades, PICNet’s expertise has often been called upon to take on projects and work with exceptional partners across the province, such as providing best practices for ultrasound cleaning and disinfection, in collaboration with Cardiac Services BC, BCCDC and regional clinical areas.

The Network is also heavily involved in educational leadership. A graphic showing PICNet by the Numbers has been created to concisely summarize the impacts of PICNet’s diverse educational initiatives over two decades.

Thoughts from current and former leaders, staff, and partners

The PICNet team approached several past and current members from their extended networks to reflect on the program’s achievements in the last 20 years. Here’s what they said:

Dr. Judy Isaac Renton

“We knew that the idea would not see life without funding support – PICNet would have never got off ground if it was just an idea. Hats off to the then-Minister of Health, Dr. Penny Ballem. She caught the vision when we called on her. As well, hats off to Margaret Litt [PICNet’s first employee] and then Sarah Pugh who were awesome colleagues.”

– Dr. Judy Isaac Renton (Medical Lead, 2005-2015)

Dr. Elizabeth Bryce

“In two decades, the PICNet team has developed from a small team – working with a limited budget – to a mature team with steady hands at the wheel. Standardizing infection control practice in the province by coordinating expertise, acting as an educational and training resource, and providing additional support when needed, has benefited not just infection control professionals, but all health-care professionals and patients.”

– Dr. Elizabeth Bryce, co-director and co-founder, PICNet (2005-2019)

Bruce Gamage

“When we were forming PICNet, our inclusion of the word ‘network’ in its title was no accident. The strength of PICNet has always been its ability to draw folks from around the province and across disciplines to the table as a network. The creation of our projects and guidelines have always been a collaborative process.”

– Bruce Gamage, former PICNet Director (2012-2018)

Dr. Titus Wong

“In two decades in health care, the level of collaboration in infection control that I see now has never been higher. PICNet has had a huge role in this, and thanks to the trust established between entities, we’re well prepared to respond to ongoing and new threats.”

– Dr. Titus Wong, Medical Director (current), PICNet

Linda Hoang

“PICNet’s greatest strength is the community of practice it serves.  Whether it’s Mycobacteria chimaera heater cooler contamination, emergence of a multi-drug resistant threat[s], or the COVID-19 pandemic, PICNet has been positioned to harness the strength and skills of the infection prevention and control community across BC to respond.”

“PICNet has become the beacon for IPAC in BC. it has been an immense privilege that I had the opportunity to contribute to the maturation of PICNet.”

– Linda Hoang (Medical Co-Lead, 2015-2023)

Joanne Archer

“I’m most proud of our rigorous critical appraisal and use of evidence along with our willingness to share freely with others. PICNet guidelines, education resources and point of care infection control tools are used by various organizations across Canada, in the USA and several countries around the world.”

– Joanne Archer, Education and Practices Coordinator (Education & Practice Coordinator, 2009-2020)

Deanna Hembroff

“The establishment of [PICNet] has been a game-changer – bringing together leading experts, evidence-based practices and a culture of continuous improvement….Whether you’re in a larger urban hospital or a remote health care setting, the program fosters a unified approach to IPC through shared learning, peer support, and province-wide engagement to build a resilient, informed health care system.”

– Deanna Hembroff (Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, Northern Health)

Tara Donovan

“We’re focused on building trust and respect with our fellow leaders and working collaboratively together to improve patient outcomes in all health care settings; people’s health and well-being while receiving health care is paramount for me. PICNet strives to emphasize that infection prevention and control practices are important everywhere, and by everyone.”

– Tara Donovan, Network Director (current)

For more information

The Network’s expansion of expertise, and the strong partnerships it has created, prepares the PICNet team well for the next two decades of operation.

For more information about PICNet, check out their new information sheets.

Leave a congratulatory message

If you’d like to congratulate the PICNet team, please like this post or send an email to PICNet (picnet@phsa.ca).