A Message From Our President
Click here to read our president's
message.
The Profession
OUR VISION
CHICA–Canada will lead in the promotion of excellence in the
practice of infection prevention and control.
OUR MISSION
CHICA–Canada is a national, multidisciplinary voluntary
association of professionals. CHICA–Canada is committed
to improving the health of Canadians by promoting excellence in
the practice of infection prevention and control by employing
evidence based practice and application of epidemiological principles.
This is accomplished through education, communication, standards,
research and consumer awareness.
Our Organization
CHICA–CANADA (COMMUNITY AND HOSPITAL
INFECTION CONTROL ASSOCIATION-CANADA) is a multidisciplinary,
professional organization for those engaged in the prevention
and control of infections. CHICA was incorporated under the
Canadian Corporation Act in 1976 and is a registered non-profit
organization. CHICA has over 1225 members. Click
here to view our Membership Map.
CHICA–CANADA provides communication
and education for those involved in infection control activities.
Its goal is to prevent infections and as a result improve patient
care and staff health in hospitals, other health care facilities,
and the community by:
- initiating and coordinating effective communication and cooperation
among all disciplines united by infection control activities
- supporting and/or developing effective and rational infection
control practices
- standardizing infection control practices
- promoting research in areas related to infection control
- promoting and facilitating infection control education for
both infection control practitioners and other personnel working
in hospitals, nursing homes and related institutions.
Our Members
INFECTION CONTROL PROFESSIONALS
come from many different backgrounds within the health care field.
These include disciplines such as nursing, medicine, microbiology,
medical technology and epidemiology. Certification in Infection
Control (CIC) is also available by passing an examination
set by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC).
CHICA–Canada
endorses this certification. The Canadian Council on Health
Facilities Accreditation requires all accredited hospitals
to have systems in place to ensure provision of infection
control activities.
WITHIN HOSPITAL AND OTHER HEALTH CARE FACILITIES,
Infection Control Professionals are responsible for keeping abreast
of all current infection control standards and practices. They
must ensure that these practices are implemented and the standards
maintained within their institutions. This is done by orientation
and continuing education of health care workers, consultation,
surveillance and coordination of results. Infection Control Professionals
maintain a strong liaison with public health authorities.
In 1985, THE MANDATE expanded to
include the community, thus reflecting the responsibility of infection
control beyond active treatment hospitals. Infection Control Professionals
contribute their expertise to the community in many ways. For
example, they:
- work with the Ministry of the Environment on safe procedures
for waste disposal
- join government task forces setting standards for long term
care facilities
- assist in setting standards for the use of disinfectants in
industrial settings
- speak on infection control at institutions such as public
schools and community colleges
- advise AIDS committees at the local, provincial and national
levels on matters of public education
- act as consultants to a wide range of organizations including
the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Standards
Association, the Canadian Hospital Association, the Operating
Room Association, Central Supply Services, and Ambulance Services.
|
