Regional Infection Control Networks (RICNs) are designed to coordinate infection prevention and control activities and promote standardization in healthcare facilities across Ontario. Development of the networks has brought together infection prevention and control and infectious diseases expertise from relevant fields across the health care continuum including acute care, public health, community care and long-term care homes.

The first four networks were successfully launched in early 2005, with an additional six beginning operations in 2006. RICNs are currently being implemented in the following ten networks:

• Central
• Central East
• Central South
• Champlain
• Mississauga-Halton
• North Simcoe Muskoka
• Northeastern Ontario
• Northwestern Ontario
• Southeastern Ontario
• Waterloo-Wellington

The remaining four networks will be phased in over 2007, resulting in a total of fourteen RICNs with boundaries corresponding to those of the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) by the end of 2007.

Implementation of RICNs in Ontario is an integral step in the process of reviving Ontario’s public health system.RICNs were developed to address the gaps in infection control coverage which became evident in the wake of SARS, and to fulfill the need for cohesion of Ontario’s infection prevention and control activities which was identified in 2004’s Walker Report.

The 2005 report of the Chief Medical Officer of Health defines the crucial role of a RICN: to promote a unified approach to infection prevention and control and implementation of best practices within a given region and throughout Ontario. Instead of replacing existing resources and networks, RICNs maximize integration and enhance communication among all healthcare professionals in the province with a vested interest in infection prevention and control. They facilitate knowledge transfer and information sharing in order to reduce costly duplication of effort and ensure that scarce resources are used efficiently. RICNs also provide members with continuing education and access to a wealth of expertise.

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