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Angela Willemsen
Group 1, 19, 37
angela.willemsen@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Angela Willemsen is a small animal veterinarian who has also worked as a Registered Nurse in varying positions over 20 years. She has an interest in public health and has almost completed a PhD researching infection control practices in small animal veterinary workplaces. Her vision is to improve the delivery of everyday infection control practices in a practical way to reduce the risk of healthcare acquired (nosocomial) infections and zoonotic diseases. Her interest in infection control developed as a result of her first profession as a Registered Nurse where she identified that while veterinary care was unique, there were also many similarities with human health care. She hopes to positively influence veterinary practitioners to understand how good infection control can improve patient care.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way of spending a day off is spending time with family and friends, whether that be sharing a meal or going for a hike.
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Belinda Andrews
Group 46, 47, 65
belinda.andrews.acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I am currently working as a Nurse Manager for Infection Prevention and Control at a Sydney Hospital. I started my career as an Enrolled Nurse in 1995 working in clinical settings for almost 10 years. I then undertook my Bachelor of Nursing at UTS Sydney, and worked in a range of settings including aged care, intensive care, and respiratory, prior to transferring to Infection Prevention and Control. I love the challenge that this role brings as you never stop learning, and no one day is ever the same. I have also undertaken Postgraduate Acute Care Nursing certificate, Master of Public Health and currently in my last few subjects of Master of Management. I am a member of ACIPC and credentialled as an Infection Control Practitioner.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way to spend a day off is to simply spend time with family, friends and my dog Benji. COVID-19 has been so disruptive, and it is nice to be able to be with the people you care about most.
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Caroline Nash
Group 45, 70
caroline.nash@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
What is your favourite way to spend a day off? Words
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Carrie Spinks
Group 7, 33
carrie.spinks@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Carrie is an experienced Infection Control Consultant, specialising in developing infection control programs within the aged care setting. Carrie has a Science Degree – Nursing, Master of Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Master of Advanced Practice – Infection Control; along with further post graduate qualifications in Chemotherapy, Gastroenterology/Endoscopy, Genetics, Immunisation, Cert IC Training and Assessment. After graduating and obtaining nursing experience in Australia, Carrie moved to the UK and became a Nurse Practitioner on return to Australia 9 years later she found her passion for aged care management and quality and in 2014 specialised in Infection Control in the industry. Carrie has presented locally, nationally and overseas, she has published, became one of the first Nurse Endoscopists, and enjoyed making film clips in health care. Carrie is particularly interested in the development and establishment of infection control programs, resources and education within the aged care setting. Antimicrobial Stewardship is also close to Carrie’s heart.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Id have to say: swimming or walking at the beach, snow skiing or walking in the mountains – all with my family.
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Charlene Dixon
Group 9, 29, 52
charlene.dixon@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I started my career journey as a research laboratory scientist in agricultural research. My research was on the cotton pest Heliothios and it’s chemical resistance. I then progressed to soil science. My love of anatomy and physiology led me to a career change into perioperative nursing. This led to completing a Bachelor Degree in Nursing Science and a Master’s Degree in Immunisation amongst raising a family and working. I then completed a Doctor of Public Health specialising in infectious diseases and their vaccines. I did my thesis on the Hendra Virus and its vaccine. I love zoonotic diseases and administering vaccinations. I love the science behind it. I am currently positioned as an Infection Prevention and Control Consultant with a large rural/remote health service. I have always worked in rural, regional or remote areas in Queensland. I would love to work in Canada under my specialisation. Did I mention that I love bears, I’m a clean freak and an avid cook? This is why I love infection prevention and control. It marries all of my passions together. Well, maybe not the part about bears.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Going for long walks along a beach with my dachshund, cooking up a storm and reading a good book.
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Christine Cook
Group 11, 34, 69
christine.cook@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
What is your favourite way to spend a day off? Words
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Crystal Polson
Group 54
crystal.polson@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
What is your favourite way to spend a day off? Words
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Helen Truscott
Group 16, 31
helen.truscott@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Helen Truscott is a practicing Registered Nurse and Midwife with experience with managing infection control programs. Helen is an Advanced Credentialed Infection Control Practitioner with the Australian College of Infection Control. Helen works at Gold Coast Private Hospital, as Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator. Helen has complementary skills and knowledge in Occupational Health Nursing, providing health promotion, vaccination, management of exposure to biological and chemical hazards, health administration, and policy skills. Helen completed her Master of Public Health and Graduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene at James Cook University and has a diploma in Work Health and Safety. Helen is also a Casual Academic, Nurse Tutor and Marker with James Cook University, working in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing modules. In addition to the above criteria, Helen serves on the ACIPC Membership Engagement committee, and represents ACIPC on the Standards Australia Working Party- Eye and Face Protection for Biological Hazards.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
When she does manage to have a day off, Helen likes to spend time playing with her toddler grandson. Helen is an avid reader too and enjoys cooking, particularly baking, (she says that it’s a good job she doesn’t get to do that too often though!).
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Jacqueline Richmond
Group 15, 28
jacqueline.richmond@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
For over 20 years, Jacqui has dedicated her career to leading the nursing, education, research and policy development response to improve the health outcomes for people living with blood borne viruses, specifically hepatitis B and C. Jacqui is a registered nurse, and has completed a Masters of Public Health and PhD. In 2006 she held a post-doctoral position at Duke University in North Carolina, USA and between 2015-16 she held an NHMRC Translation of Research into Practice fellowship. The broad focus of Jacqui’s work is on building the capacity of the health workforce to test, treat and manage the health care needs of people living with viral hepatitis and reducing institutional stigma. Jacqui has advised the federal and Victorian government responses to viral hepatitis and currently works at the Burnet Institute in the Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia partnership.
In 2020, Jacqui joined the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) cell in the Victorian government’s COVID-19 taskforce. Her work focused on the development of tailored IPC education strategies to address the pandemic. She completed the Foundations of IPC course offered by ACIPC as a refresher in November 2020.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
On the rare occasion that I have a day off I thoroughly enjoy cooking for my husband and three kids and our friends. In particular, I love cooking feasts from Yotam Ottolenghi’s Simple cookbook. The cooking and the eating and can last all day!
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Janet Wallace
Group 49
janet.wallace@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I have been a nurse for 36 years and have worked in NSW and Queensland in tertiary referral, urban, rural and remote area hospitals and health services. Infection prevention and control has been one of my passions for over 25 years. I have a graduate Certificate in Infection Control and a Master of Public Health. I currently work in patient safety and quality manager, so I am able to use my infection prevention and control, surveillance and reporting skills. I have strong interest in tuberculosis and have worked as a TB CNC. I like learning and see diabetes as a major health issue in Australia and across the world so I am now undertaking a Post-Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Care, with a view to becoming a credentialled diabetes educator. I’ve been interested to see the development of infection prevention and control from being a necessary but undervalued obligation, to a highly valued requirement to prevent complications, improve quality of life and healthcare, save costs and meet our community obligations and expectations. It’s great to see that learning programs are being provided to enhance skills and knowledge to enable and improve infection prevention and control, particularly in residential aged care facilities.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
I love flora and fauna. The bush and the beach. I’m lucky enough to live in a remote area in far north Queensland – with plenty of plants and animals. I enjoy seeing and photographing them.;
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Janine Carrucan
Group 10, 21
janine.carrucan@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Jenny Bourne
Group 60
jenny.bourne@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I began my career in Nursing and Infection Prevention over 40 years ago. I have experience in Orthopaedics, Peri-operative Services, Midwifery, Sterilizing Services, Public and Private Hospitals and now in Aged Care. I have been involved in the design and refurbishment of the Sterilizing Departments and operating theatres in hospitals. From 1994 I had implemented AS 4187 in theatres and Sterilizing department that required changing from using flash sterilisers for all instruments to packaged sterile instruments – significant change management required. I have designed and delivered training in Prepared Parenting, Sterilizing Services, Undergraduate Nursing, Workplace Mandatory training and First Aid. I have been the state (SRACA Qld) and national President of FSRACA and was the representative on the Standards Australia committee for AS/NZS 4187 for 2003 version. I have travelled to all Australian States and to New Zealand and the USA and Europe in these roles. I am a mother to two adult children who both married and grandmother to one grandson who is still a toddler and lots of fun. I love to travel and have been on or over every continent in the world. I have set up and operated two management rights businesses and a First Aid training business.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way to spend a day off is, to go for a leisurely walk, then to have a late breakfast with my family at a cafe that serves interesting food. Later in the afternoon, I like to Latin dance outside by the river. I enjoy the music and the fun of Brazilian styles – Bolero, Gafieira, Forro and Argentine Tango.
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Jessica Iliffe
Group 23, 41
jessica.Iliffe@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Karen Mckenna
Group 43, 61
karen.mckenna@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Kate Lawrence
Group 42
kate.lawrence@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
My name is Kate Lawrence, I am a registered nurse currently living in beautiful, but cold, rural Victoria. I have been nursing since 2005 in a variety of positions from large tertiary hospitals to small outback communities. I still thoroughly enjoy nursing and love that it is so variable presenting a multitude of opportunities. I would never have thought completing my Masters of Public Health would assist me with having involvement in a world-wide pandemic, but it has!
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way to spend a day off would be; a morning run along the beach promenade followed by a coffee made by my husband. I would then go on a day trip with my family exploring a new area (preferably with well behaved children of course!) and have lunch with a country view. I would finish the day with a beer by the beach! Perfect!
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Katherine Findlay
Group 12, 27
katherine.findlay@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Kylie Taylor
Group 39
kylie.taylor@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Leanne Frazer
Group 8, 26
leanne.frazer@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Louise Hobbs
Group 53
louise.hobbs@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I am a registered nurse who has worked as a senior infection prevention and control consultant in large healthcare services/networks both here and in New Zealand. I am based in Melbourne and since March have been working in the Infection Prevention and Control Advice and Response Team within the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Response Branch.
I completed a Masters in Health Science in 2000 and my research project focused on improving compliance with hand hygiene through introducing an alcohol-based hand rub. In 2014, I completed my PhD which focused on defining the workplace developmental stages of infection prevention and control professional from novice to expert.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off? Words
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Luci Rodda
Group 2, 20, 36
luci.rodda@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Marcus Kusiak
Group 55
marcus.kusiak@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
My nursing career started in Canada where I did my undergrad from the University of Ottawa. During my time in Canada, I worked clinically in ICU while also working in the community with an AIDS service organization. I then took some time backpacking Europe. I moved to Melbourne where I’ve worked in various capacities at the Alfred Hospital ICU. I went to Liverpool to do a graduate Diploma of Tropical Nursing from Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Then while working in ICU, I did a graduate certificate in Critical Care, and a Master of Science in Infectious Diseases through London School of Tropical Medicine. I am currently the Alfred ICU Infection Prevention Clinical Nurse Consultant, working within ICU in coordination with the hospital IP team.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
During the COVID “waves”, I was often found at work or working from home on days off. However, now on days off, I love to spend it by switching off from work, relaxing bingeing a new Netflix series, doing some gardening, and working out.
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Meredith Southon
Group 38, 58, 59
meredith.southon@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I am Meredith Southon, ACIPC Course Facilitator and Clinical Nurse Consultant for Infection Prevention & Control in NSW Health. I am a qualified Nurse Immuniser, completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and have worked as a Clinical Facilitator in the acute hospital setting for many years after having worked in oncology and cardiac surgical units. I completed my Master of Infection Prevention & Control at Griffith University and have enjoyed the many challenges of Infection Prevention & Control in the clinical setting for the past 6 years. I never thought I would see a global pandemic in my lifetime and have experienced mixed feelings observing the pandemic unravel this past year. It has been exciting yet devastating to watch. I become excited at the prospect of supporting and encouraging others on their educational journey to develop skills and knowledge pertinent to Infection Prevention & Control.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way to spend a day off would be to don my Salomon hiking shoes, throw my lunch in a backpack and walk/run the trails of Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine National Parks, floating in the crisp cool rock pools at the end of a day hike, exchanging my screen for green. How exhilarating!
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Michael Wishart
Group 50
m.wishart@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Min Tanuvasa Lene
Group 64
min.lene@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
My name is Min Tanuvasa Lene. Home is Brisbane but currently based in Canberra. I am a RN with a background in infection prevention and control, nursing education, midwifery and critical care. I have worked as a senior Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) Practitioner in Queensland, an international consultant for the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). My career spans clinical practice, leadership, policy/guidelines, education, program and project lead and management. In February and March 2020, I was deployed as a WHO IPC Technical Advisor for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response in the Pacific countries of Fiji, Niue, Tokelau and Samoa.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Walking and a good movie followed by a sumptuous meal!
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Natalie Borellini
Group 51, 57
natalie.borellini@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Natalie is a Registered Nurse and Consultant with fifteen years’ clinical experience working across North Queensland, the East Kimberley, and South West regions of Western Australia. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science (James Cook University), Post Graduate Certificate of Safety & Health (Edith Cowan University) and a Master of Public Health & Tropical Medicine (James Cook University). Natalie’s career highlights diverse experiences with some of her influential roles being a Clinical Audit Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)- Clinical Nurse and Occupational Health & Hygiene Specialist. Additionally, Natalie had the wonderful opportunity to work at the Lautoka Hospital and Community Health Centre in partnership with James Cook University/ Fiji Ministry of Health during her degree. These experiences inspired Natalie’s dedication and appreciation for Rural & Remote Health, Public Health, IPC, and Occupational Health & Hygiene. Natalie is a Gold Standard Hand Hygiene Auditor and advocates for patient safety, clinical governance, OSH, and quality. Natalie welcomes the endorsement of clinical excellence and innovation in healthcare including critical thinking and research to adopt different ways of tackling clinical challenges in an ever-changing world. Furthermore, Natalie feels extremely fortunate and proud to be a Nurse currently working alongside the Australasian College for Infection Prevention & Control to facilitate IPC training to fellow professional colleagues.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Natalie loves spending time with her husband and children. Being a mother of two energetic boys ensures that she is often out exploring beautiful places in the Bunbury Geographe region of WA. Natalie often enjoys the downtime by going to her local beach or spending time at the Leschenault Estuary. Natalie is also a fan of her community library– a great place to pick up a book to inspire imaginable and endless possibilities.
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Perri Waddell
Group 6, 24, 67
perri.waddell@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I am an RN with over 30 years’ experience including the last 17 years in aged care. I was raised in Zimbabwe and completed my undergraduate nursing training in South Africa. On immigrating to Australia in 2003, I rediscovered my passion for care of the older person and have worked in aged care ever since. As a lifelong learner I have completed a Bachelor of Dementia Care from UTAS and a Master of Clinical Nursing, Gerontology from ECU. I am currently enrolled at Griffith University in the Graduate Certificate of IPC. The vagaries of 2020 made me rethink my focus and I am now self employed and freelancing for the likes of ACIPC. This has given me the opportunity to really invest in my passion for Aged Care Nurse development as I believe older Australians deserve the very best nursing has to offer. I dream of the day Aged Care Nurses are recognised as Gerontology Specialist Nurses and the ACIPC Aged Care Clinical Lead course is a great platform for the thousands of nurses who are currently enrolled to lead the charge in demonstrating that we are great nurses who deserve more credit than we currently receive.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way to spend my day off is to have no plan at all- let the day play out- sometimes this is pottering in my garden, painting with friends, motorbike riding with my husband, calling overseas family, time on the boat on the ocean having sundowners and watching dolphins- just enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
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Peta Reid
Group 63
peta.reid@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
What is your favourite way to spend a day off? Words
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Ruth Foulkes
Group 4, 48, 68
ruth.foulkes@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Samantha Lavender
Group 13, 32
samantha.lavender@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I became a registered nurse because I care. 18 years later I still work as a nurse because I love what I do and believe the contribution we make to the community and our profession makes a difference. Eight years of my nursing career was in IPC as a clinical nurse and clinical nurse consultant, where I was hooked on prevention and safety, then the influence of training and supporting the workforce to do the best job they can every day. This led to my current role as a nurse educator within a tertiary hospital setting.
My educational background includes a Masters in Infection Prevention and Control. My combined love of IPC, training and working with community steered me to team member roles within GOARN (deployed to Chuuk, Micronesia, in 2019) and AusMAT (deployed as a nurse leader, Victoria, August 2020). I have been a joint author for publications on IPC and nurse education and development.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
In equal amounts my favourite things to do on a day off is; spend time with loved ones, be outdoors, play with my fur buddies and reading just for love.
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Sandra Roodt
Group 5, 22, 56
sandra.roodt@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Sandra Roodt is an experienced and committed Infection Prevention & Control Practitioner with over 12 years experience of managing infection prevention and control programs and consulting on infection prevention and control issues. Sandra currently holds the position of Infection Prevention, Control & Staff Health Department Manager at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce in Canberra. Prior to immigrating to Australia in 2009, Sandra was a Nursing Officer in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for 14 years. Sandra is a Credentialled Infection Control Practitioner (CIPC-E) and is a member of the Australian College of Infection Prevention & Control National Credentialing and Professional Standards Committee.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
I’m a bit of a ‘plantaholic’ (Top definition. Plantaholic – Anyone who has a addiction to plants and can’t get enough of them in all their horticultural marvels).
I therefore spend all my free time staring at my plants growing and I become very excited every time I notice a new leaf.
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Sarah Stewart
Group 40
sarah.stewart@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Sarah Thomas
Group 3, 17, 35
sarah.thomas@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Sarah Thomas works in the Infection Control department of Gold Coast Health since 2015.
Started nursing career in 2002 and has done various roles as RN, Clinical instructor and Infection Control in various settings. Sarah completed Diploma in Management from National College of Ireland and worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Sta Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin and have completed a Graduate Diploma in Infection Control from Royal College of Surgeon’s, Ireland. Sarah has been a member of ACIPC and a regular conference attendee. In 2018 Sarah completed my Master of Infection Control at Griffith University and is a credentialled Infection Control Professional at expert level. She is also an endorsed nurse immuniser and has been conducting Staff Clinics and Flu Clinics.
Areas of interests include reflective practice and mentoring in IC, device related infections and antimicrobial stewardship.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Watching the sunrise, reading books, tea and time with family and friends (fan of social media too).
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Susan De Vries
Group 18, 30
sue.devries@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Sue was born in the USA and first travelled to Australia in 1978 as a Registered Nurse, initially working at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Over a long and varied career in nursing and health, Sue has held positions in nursing practice, education, research and leadership – across acute, aged and community care areas. Sue’s strongest interest is in education; especially online and clinical learning.
Sue has associations with a wide range of health care professionals and organisations, both public and private. She has links with the major universities providing health professional education. She has worked across medicine, nursing and allied health. She has worked side by side with a range of medical specialists as well as general medical practitioners. Her association with the Australian College of Nursing is long standing, having served as Chair of the Queensland Chapter for many years. She has also been a member of the Public Health Association of Australia.
She holds qualifications in communications, history and education as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Health.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My favourite way to spend a day off is to go bushwalking. We have just moved out of the city to a mountain area of Southern Queensland. I love seeing the waterfalls and smelling the fresh air and seeing the beauty of nature. It is such a good way to clear the head and get new ideas.
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Suzanne Basford
Group 66
suzanne.basford@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
Suzanne started her Nursing career in a small rural hospital in country Victoria and can’t believe at times she is living in the country again. Suzanne has worked in General medical and surgical Nursing, Aged Care, Neuroscience, Short Stay, Emergency Medical Units as well as in the community setting in rural NSW. Early in her career she had the opportunity to travel overseas and Nurse in England in a Day Procedure ward.
Her background in Infection Prevention and Control started with a role as a Hand Hygiene Project Officer and led to becoming an Infection Prevention and Control Consultant. Suzanne has a Masters of Advanced Practice – Infection Prevention and Control and Diploma of Management and has worked in Infection Prevention and Control in Melbourne as well as in rural Victoria.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Suzanne enjoys taking time to walk the rail trail in her local area with her husband and 2 dogs, Theo (Samoyed) and Edith (German Shepherd).
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Veronica Walker
Group 62
veronica.walker@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography: Words
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Vicki Ibbotson
Group 14, 25, 44
vicki.ibbotson@acipc.org.au
Brief Biography:
I am the online facilitator for ACIPC and I am based in Sydney. I have a passion for education and mentoring students. I have also worked as an academic, lecturer and clinical facilitator at for Graduate and Undergraduate nurses. I have a Master of Health Science HIV Studies and Graduate Certificate in Infection Control. I have a comprehensive health background including Registered Nurse Critical Care and multiple specialty areas, Clinical Nurse Consultant in Infection Control (tertiary hospital 13 years) and Counter Disaster, Pandemic planning, Manager for Clinical Access Strategy for nine major hospitals and senior executive manager in Local Health District. Previously I also was a principal consultant in had my own Infection Control Consultancy business where as well as being aware of more global issues, I also developed great insight into the issues around Infection Control in Private Hospitals, Aged Care and Day Procedure Centres. Looking forward to getting to know everyone through the course.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
My hobbies include skiing and I love just spending the day chilling out with my two dogs and my cat.
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Course Access
