Nov 15
AMR Awareness Week: Simple, Effective Ways to Strengthen AMR in Aged Care Facilities
AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) Awareness Week is essential for aged care facilities to reflect on and enhance their AMR practices. With the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), maintaining strong AMR protocols helps ensure that residents receive high-quality, safe care. The best part? Implementing these practices can be simple, effective, and straightforward. Thanks to innovative solutions like IPS Hub, aged care facilities can integrate easily AMR and infection prevention into their daily operations.
1. The Importance of AMR in Aged Care
Older adults in aged care facilities are particularly vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems and various underlying health conditions. AMR protocols are crucial and ensure antibiotics remain effective for future treatment needs. Proper AMR practices safeguard residents' health by minimising the risk of resistant bacteria and fostering a safer environment for everyone. Additionally, having robust AMR practices supports staff by providing clear guidelines leading to consistent, high-quality care.
2. Simple, Easy, and Effective AMR Practices
Integrating AMR practices into daily routines doesn’t need to be complex. For example, proper hand hygiene is one of the most straightforward and effective measures. Ensuring that staff are trained in the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene and have easy access to handwashing stations and ABHR makes a significant difference in controlling the spread of infections.
Clear communication protocols also play a pivotal role in AMR. Regular briefings or updates ensure that staff are informed about new guidelines, policies, or any changes in practice. The IPS Hub supports staff by providing instant access to updated AMR information and guiding them through best practices, enhancing day-to-day communication and teamwork.
Routine monitoring of antibiotic use is another essential practice. By tracking prescriptions and observing how residents respond to treatment, facilities can make informed decisions and adapt practices accordingly. Using digital tools like IPS Hub simplifies this process by allowing staff to monitor AMR data without extensive manual work, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Clear communication protocols also play a pivotal role in AMR. Regular briefings or updates ensure that staff are informed about new guidelines, policies, or any changes in practice. The IPS Hub supports staff by providing instant access to updated AMR information and guiding them through best practices, enhancing day-to-day communication and teamwork.
3. The Role of Training in Strengthening AMR
Training is at the heart of a successful AMR program. When staff are continuously educated on AMR and IPC measures, they can make better decisions, adhere to best practices, and foster a proactive culture of infection prevention. This ensures that everyone—from nurses and carers to support staff—understands their role in responsible antibiotic use and infection control.
IPS Hub simplifies ongoing training by providing comprehensive, on-demand courses tailored to aged care settings. Staff can access these resources anytime, making continuous learning part of their routine.
4. Integrating AMR into Everyday Care
Incorporating AMR into everyday activities is essential for its success. Making hand hygiene a routine practice not only protects residents but also reinforces the foundation of infection control. Additionally, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and regular cleaning of shared equipment minimises cross-contamination and supports overall AMR goals.
Regular audits of antibiotic use help facilities stay aligned with AMR objectives. By reviewing how antibiotics are prescribed and used, facilities can adjust practices as needed. IPS Hub's built-in tracking tools simplify the auditing process, helping the team identify patterns and make data-driven improvements without adding extra workload.
With IPS Hub’s tailored training modules, staff can learn the importance of these practices and how to implement them effectively.
Regular audits of antibiotic use help facilities stay aligned with AMR objectives. By reviewing how antibiotics are prescribed and used, facilities can adjust practices as needed. IPS Hub's built-in tracking tools simplify the auditing process, helping the team identify patterns and make data-driven improvements without adding extra workload.
5. The Game-Changing Benefits of a Strong AMR Program
An effective AMR program transforms the quality of care provided in aged care facilities. Residents experience better health outcomes with fewer infection-related complications and faster recovery times. For staff, having clear AMR guidelines reduces stress and supports confident decision-making. This leads to a safer, more cohesive working environment where infection control is consistently prioritised.
Moreover, a strong AMR program enhances the reputation of the facility. Demonstrating a commitment to effective AMR practices builds trust with residents and their families, positioning the facility as a leader in safety and quality care.
Facilities that maintain up-to-date AMR practices also stay audit-ready, simplifying compliance and reducing last-minute preparation. With IPS Hub, staying informed and proactive is easier than ever.
Moreover, a strong AMR program enhances the reputation of the facility. Demonstrating a commitment to effective AMR practices builds trust with residents and their families, positioning the facility as a leader in safety and quality care.
6. How the IPS Hub Make AMR Management Simple
Maintaining AMR and IPC practices can be challenging, but the IPS Hub simplifies these processes significantly. IPS Hub offers a centralised platform for training, monitoring, and data management.
IPS Hub’s comprehensive training modules allow staff to stay informed on AMR and IPC practices. The platform's tracking features make it easy to review antibiotic use and compliance.
With these tools, aged care facilities can enhance their AMR efforts effortlessly. Time saved from manual monitoring and searching for information can be redirected to resident care, boosting overall facility efficiency.
Conclusion
AMR Awareness Week is a reminder of the vital role that antimicrobial Resistance plays in aged care facilities. By implementing simple, effective AMR practices and investing in continuous training, facilities can protect their residents, support their staff, and foster a culture of safety. With solutions like the IPS Hub integrating and maintaining AMR measures is more manageable than ever, making infection prevention a seamless part of everyday care.
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Lyndon Forrest
Managing Director | CEO
I am a passionate and visionary leader who has been working in the field of infection prevention and control in aged care for almost 30 years. I am one of the co-founders and the current Managing Director and CEO of Bug Control New Zealand and Australia, the premium provider of infection prevention and control services in aged care. I lead a team that is driven by a common purpose: to help aged care leaders and staff protect their residents from infections and create a healthier future for them.
I am building a business that focuses on our clients and solving their problems. We are focused on building a world-class service in aged care. We focus on being better, not bigger, which means anything we do is for our clients.
I am a passionate and visionary leader who has been working in the field of infection prevention and control in aged care for almost 30 years. I am one of the co-founders and the current Managing Director and CEO of Bug Control New Zealand and Australia, the premium provider of infection prevention and control services in aged care. I lead a team that is driven by a common purpose: to help aged care leaders and staff protect their residents from infections and create a healthier future for them.
I am building a business that focuses on our clients and solving their problems. We are focused on building a world-class service in aged care. We focus on being better, not bigger, which means anything we do is for our clients.
Erica Leadley
Manager, Marketing and Sales
Erica Leadley is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Erica Leadley is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Toni Sherriff
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Julie Hadfield
Accounts & Payroll
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Andrea Murray
Content Editor
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
Personally, I lived in the UK for 10 years. My two children were born in Scotland, and now both are living in Europe, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. I live close to Fairlie on the South Island of NZ, a beautiful part of the country, and I love being out of the city.
Princess
Customer Support
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Dianne Newey
Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I'm now applying all my experience and skills as a Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with Bug Control Infection Prevention Advisory Services.
This is through IP&C education, IP&C environmental audits and reports, IP&C policy and procedure review and development and consultancy on infection prevention and control issues. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and in my garden, where I grow all my own veggies.
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I'm now applying all my experience and skills as a Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with Bug Control Infection Prevention Advisory Services.
In my role, I promote Infection Prevention and Control, to RACF's and disability support services.
This is through IP&C education, IP&C environmental audits and reports, IP&C policy and procedure review and development and consultancy on infection prevention and control issues. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and in my garden, where I grow all my own veggies.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Manager of Customer Service
Caoimhe is the Manager of Customer Service at Bug Control | Infection Prevention Services, where she ensures that learners have a seamless and supportive experience. With her previous experience as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and Australia, Caoimhe brings a deep understanding of healthcare to her role. Before joining Bug Control IPS Services, she worked in a variety of nursing settings, including Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, providing her with the ability to empathise with learners and understand the challenges they face.
Caoimhe is the Manager of Customer Service at Bug Control | Infection Prevention Services, where she ensures that learners have a seamless and supportive experience. With her previous experience as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and Australia, Caoimhe brings a deep understanding of healthcare to her role. Before joining Bug Control IPS Services, she worked in a variety of nursing settings, including Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, providing her with the ability to empathise with learners and understand the challenges they face.
Her move from nursing to customer service was driven by her passion for helping others, not just in clinical settings but also in ensuring that people have access to the resources and support they need. Now, Caoimhe applies her problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication expertise to her role, helping to create a positive and effective learning environment for all students.
Outside of work, Caoimhe enjoys travelling, staying active, and catching up with friends on the weekends. Whether in healthcare or customer service, she’s dedicated to making a meaningful difference and supporting people in their personal and professional growth.