FAQs
What is PICNet?
The Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia (PICNet) is a provincial program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) with a specific interest in the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HAI). The key areas include surveillance, guidelines and education. PICNet works together with partners on province-wide surveillance initiatives, development and promotion of evidence-based best practices, and the creation of educational and operational tools. Our community of practice (CoP) includes experts in infection prevention and control (IPC), occupational health and safety, public health, infectious diseases, patient safety and quality, microbiology laboratories, and others.
To whom is PICNet accountable?
PICNet works closely with an appointed Advisory Committee, which is designed to ensure that its members represent a wide spectrum of expertise and experience, while ensuring representation from all Regional Health Authorities. Expertise and experience includes not just specific professional expertise, but also knowledge and experience in the varied physical and institutional environments across the province.
All PICNet Programs and their leads are accountable to the PICNet Network Manager for carrying out their roles and responsibilities. The PICNet Network Manager reports to the Co-Directors who are appointed by the PHSA VP, Clinical Support Services. They are responsible for PICNet’s adherence to PHSA policies and procedures, including budgeted responsibility, as well as for leading the Network.
PICNet provides expert advice to the Ministry of Health through the Clinical Care and Patient Safety Branch and the Clinical Care Management Steering Committee. More About Us
Who belongs to PICNet’s Community of Practice?
PICNet’s Community of Practice consists of all healthcare providers involved in infection prevention, surveillance and control of healthcare associated infections across BC. This includes, but is not limited to, environmental health officers, epidemiologists, infection control professionals, infectious disease physicians, medical health officers, medical microbiologists, public health nurses and physicians, and occupational health nurses and physicians.
How do I become a member of PICNet’s Community of Practice?
We invite all healthcare providers in BC to become part of PICNet’s Community of Practice. Join our Community of Practice to be added to our distribution lists.
What does PICNet do?
PICNet connects healthcare professionals from across the province to develop and create guidelines and tools, with a focus on infection prevention and control surveillance, evidence-based practice, and education. More About Current Projects
How do I get involved with PICNet?
The successes of PICNet’s projects are a result of the voluntarily work of our Working Groups. You can get involved with PICNet by submitting a project pre-proposal checklist or by contacting us with your interest in joining a group. Please note: selection of the latter is based on experience and expertise. Stay updated with our activities by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.
Where is the PICNet office located?
The Management Office is located in City Square, Vancouver, British Columbia. Our contact information and address:
Mailing Address:
Provincial Infection Control Network of BC
555 West 12th Avenue, Suite #400 East Tower
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7
Canada
Telephone: 604-707-2667
Fax: 604-707-2649
Email: picnet@phsa.ca