IP Lead Toolbox for Aged Care
Practical, ready-to-use tools that help Infection Prevention Leads and Facility Managers turn IPC requirements into simple, everyday routines – even in under‑resourced aged care settings.[web:6][web:60]
Designed for IPC Leads and Facility Managers in residential and home‑based aged care across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.[web:60][web:108]
Why this toolbox exists
IPC Leads in aged care are asked to manage outbreaks, meet standards, educate busy staff and report to leadership – often with limited time, admin support and practical tools.[web:60][web:125]
The IP Lead Toolbox gives you structured checklists, outbreak guides and a dynamic Excel line‑list so you can see what to do, in what order, and how to show your work to managers, auditors and Public Health.[web:6][web:114]
What’s inside the IP Lead Toolbox
1. IP Lead Rhythm Pack – Daily, Weekly, Monthly
Simple tick‑box checklists that show you what to focus on each day, week and month as an IP Lead – from quick floor checks to monthly governance and AMS reviews.[web:6][web:95]
- Daily rhythm: fast visual checks, staff check‑ins and documentation.
- Weekly rhythm: mini‑audits, toolbox talks and IPC action list updates.
- Monthly rhythm: trends review, governance reporting and AMS check‑in.
2. IPC Floor‑Walk Audit Tool (Fast Version)
A one‑page audit sheet for 10–15 minute walk‑rounds covering hand hygiene, PPE, isolation, cleaning, environment, devices, waste and laundry.[web:76][web:82]
- Tick‑box layout with space for notes and follow‑up actions.
- Helps you spot and fix issues before they become incidents.
3. Outbreak “At‑a‑Glance” Response Card
A grab‑and‑go A5‑style guide for the first 30–60 minutes and first 24 hours of an outbreak in your facility.[web:114][web:116]
- Clear steps: immediate isolation, signage, PPE and cleaning.
- Prompts for line‑listing, specimen collection and family communication.[web:89]
- Space to add local PHU, Te Whatu Ora and lab contacts.[web:114][web:121]
4. Dynamic Outbreak Surveillance & Line‑List Excel Tool
A branded Excel workbook that tracks cases in real time and produces an at‑a‑glance outbreak summary for leadership and regulators.[web:82][web:114]
- Auto‑numbered line list with drop‑downs for resident/staff, specimens, results and outcomes.
- Summary dashboard with live counts (residents, staff, positives, recovered, hospitalised, deceased).
- Instructions tab and key contacts section for PHU and clinical support.[web:114][web:121]
How this helps your IP Leads
Less guesswork, more clarity
IP Leads see exactly what “good enough” IPC activity looks like day‑to‑day, aligned with modern expectations for monitoring, audits and governance in aged care.[web:6][web:95]
Faster, more consistent responses
During outbreaks, the response card and Excel line‑list give a structured way to act quickly and document clearly, supporting communication with PHU and Te Whatu Ora.[web:114][web:116]
Supports audits and accreditation
The toolbox helps facilities show evidence of a functioning IPC system – surveillance, audits, education and governance reporting – which are central themes in aged‑care IPC guidance.[web:6][web:129]
Who this toolkit is for
- IPC/IP Leads in residential aged care, ARRC and community‑based services.
- Facility and clinical managers who want more structure around IPC.[web:60][web:125]
- Providers using or considering the IP Lead Programme who want practical tools to embed the learning.[web:84][web:115]
Get the IP Lead Toolbox for your facility
Choose the option that best fits how you support your IP Leads. You can also bundle the toolbox with our IP Lead Essentials workshop or IP Lead Programme for a complete training + tools package.[web:84][web:115]
IP Lead Toolbox – Facility Licence
Unlimited internal use for one facility. Includes updates for 12 months.
NZD [Insert Price] + GST
- All tools in downloadable, editable formats (PDF + Excel).
- Branded with your IP Lead’s facility details.
- Implementation tips for rolling out with your team.
Want to use the toolbox across multiple homes or as part of a group programme? Contact us for enterprise and group pricing.
Ready to support your IP Leads?
Complete the form below to purchase immediate access to the IP Lead Toolbox, or log in to your LearnWorlds account if you’re an existing IP Services customer.
This toolkit is a support resource and does not replace your local policies, Te Whatu Ora/PHU guidance or regulatory requirements. Always follow current official advice.[web:108][web:121]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the IP Lead Toolbox designed for?
The toolbox is designed for Infection Prevention (IP/IPC) Leads, Facility Managers and Clinical Managers working in residential and community‑based aged care services. It supports the practical, day‑to‑day work required to maintain an IPC system – surveillance, audits, education and governance reporting.[web:6][web:60]
Does this replace our policies or regulatory requirements?
No. The toolkit is a practical support resource, not a policy manual. Providers still need their own IPC policies and must follow current guidance from Te Whatu Ora, Public Health Units and regulators. The tools help you apply those requirements more consistently and document your activity in a clear, structured way.[web:6][web:95][web:108]
How does the toolbox help with audits and accreditation?
The checklists, floor‑walk tool and surveillance line‑list support key elements of an IPC system expected in aged care – infection monitoring, audits and feedback, education, and governance oversight.[web:6][web:129] They give you tangible artefacts you can show during accreditation visits and when responding to quality reviews.
Is the Excel surveillance tool difficult to use?
The Excel tool is built for busy IP Leads, not data analysts. It uses simple drop‑down menus and automatic formulas to count resident and staff cases, test results and outcomes, and includes an instructions tab for step‑by‑step guidance.[web:82][web:114] If your team can use basic spreadsheets, they can use this tool.
Can we customise the tools for our facility?
Yes. The tools are provided in editable formats (for example, Word/PDF and Excel). Facilities can add their logo, adapt wording to match local policy language, and insert site‑specific contact details such as PHU, Te Whatu Ora and laboratory numbers.[web:77][web:121]
How does this relate to the IP Lead Programme and IPS Hub?
The toolbox complements our IP Lead training and IPS Hub digital resources. The programme builds knowledge and leadership skills, while the toolbox provides concrete, ready‑to‑use documents that help IP Leads embed what they have learned into everyday practice.[web:65][web:84][web:57]
Is this suitable for home and community care, or just residential aged care?
The tools were designed primarily for residential aged care but can be adapted for home‑based and community services. The core IPC principles – standard and transmission‑based precautions, monitoring, and outbreak management – apply across settings, with some local tailoring.[web:6][web:78]
How many staff can use the toolbox under one licence?
A standard facility licence allows unlimited internal use within a single site. If you are part of a group or want to roll this out across multiple homes, contact us for multi‑site and enterprise pricing options.
Do you offer support if we get stuck implementing the tools?
Yes. IP Services can provide additional coaching, implementation support or integration with the IP Lead Programme and IPS Hub so that your IP Leads are not left to figure it out alone.[web:65][web:131] Get in touch and we can suggest the best option for your facility.
Lyndon Forrest
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Erica Callaghan
Erica Callaghan 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
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
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
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.
Princess
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
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Bridgette Mackie
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.