Connect with Industry Events & Education Opportunities
Have an event planned? Send us the details and we'll post it here.
For more information, please email Mchelini@telus.net
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
NORTHERN HEALTH - FOOD SERVICES COORDINATOR POSITION
Northern Health is recruiting for the position of Coordinator for Food Service for its largest Acute care facility, the University Hospital of Northern BC.
IDDSI LEARNING & WEBINARS
EVENT: Mentoring Moments IDDSI Implementation & Transition
WEBBER TELECLASSES
IDDSI Summer E-BITE
Get the entire Newsletter HERE
IDDSI is excited to announce that great research has recently come out around the IDDSI Framework. The studies cited below are two of a body of amazing research articles, and they welcome researchers to announce their publications via the e-Bite. Enjoy and catch up on IDDSI in research with these two published articles:
- “What could go wrong? Non-standardized versus standardized food texture classification” by Oshrat Sella-Weiss. Read it here.
- “Analyses of functional diets formulated for dysphagia patients under international dysphagia diet standardization initiative (IDDSI) level 3 to level 7” by Bhavnita Dhillon, Navdeep Singh Sodhi, Dilpreet Singh, Amritpal Kaur. Read the abstract here.
Webinars & IDDSI Learning
Broadcast: The Science Behind IDDSI Testing Methods
New Rapid Testing Screening Required for Visitors to Long-term Care Homes
Last week, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Henry, and Minister Dix announced a number of new orders and public health measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission in BC— especially the Omicron variant, which is spreading rapidly in jurisdictions in Canada and around the world.
To protect residents and staff, the Province is expanding rapid point-of-care testing for visitors age 12 and older at long-term care homes
What does this mean for you?
- The Ministry of Health is working with the Provincial Health Officer, health authorities, and operators to prepare for the implementation of rapid testing screening. Some operational details are still to be confirmed.
- All publicly and privately owned and operated long-term care homes are required to implement the rapid testing for visitors age 12 and older.
- Rapid test kits will be delivered to each home through a centrally managed provincial distribution centre. Homes will receive kits over the next several days, as distribution proceeds around the province.
- Testing will begin when homes have received their rapid test kits and are prepared to begin testing. It is anticipated that all care homes in the province will have received kits and begun testing by January 7.
- The tests will be administered by screeners at the entrance, who are trained healthcare workers or designated and trained staff at each care home.
- In addition to responding to standard screening questions, and completing a rapid test with a negative result, all visitors age 12 and over will be required to present their proof of vaccination or an approved medical exemption to enter a care home. Visitors must continue to be compliant with masking requirements, as well as follow other infection prevention control practices while on-site.
Critical information on implementing rapid testing can be found in this December 24 letter to operators.
How to order rapid tests?
-
Health authority-owned/operated and contracted long-term care homes should receive kits automatically.
-
Fully private long-term care homes (without any health authority contracted beds) can contact the Rapid Point-of-Care Screening Program at RapidPOCTeam@phsa.ca to access test kits, or with any other questions.
We know that the pandemic has been a trying time for many healthcare workers. That's why we partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to offer you FREE resources and support through the Care for Caregivers website and Care to Speak, a confidential peer support service that you can access through online chat or telephone.
A stressful work environment and increased restrictions on social gatherings and travel can negatively impact our mental well-being. If you need support with your mental health this holiday season, do not hesitate to contact the Care to Speak peer support line.
Update: Visitors to Long-term Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences ~ Message from SafeCare BC
In our e-news this morning, we stated that visitors to long-term care homes and assisted living residences need to be fully vaccinated by November 30. This is the date that is reflected on the orders on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
The BC Centre for Disease Control website was updated this afternoon to indicate that the new date for visitors to be fully vaccinated is now October 26.
We know this is a very challenging time, if you need any support or resources to help with this change, feel free to contact us.
The current orders from the BC Centre for Disease Control on visitors to care homes and residences can be found below and should be updated later this week to reflect the changes.
Influenza Vaccinations and COVID-19
This year’s seasonal influenza (flu) immunization campaign is now underway in British Columbia. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that everyone over six months old (with a few rare exceptions) should get an influenza vaccine. Healthcare workers in BC are classified as "people who are able to spread influenza to those who are at high risk of serious illness", so for this group, the vaccine is offered for free.
Getting vaccinated against influenza is particularly important this year, as we are having more social connections than in 2020 and so there is a higher likelihood of influenza circulating in communities.
A number of the symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are similar, so protecting people from influenza will also help to reduce the number of healthcare workers who need to self-isolate with suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
Vaccines for COVID-19 and flu can be administered together. A study published earlier this month found that there are no safety concerns about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu at the same time. The BCCDC guidance is that “If you are getting a COVID-19 vaccine you do not need to delay getting an influenza vaccine.”
SafeCare BC has created resources to provide you with more information.
IDDSI Global Initiative to Improve Lives of People living with Dysphagia
e-Bites ~ Current newsletters found online at your convenience.
E-BITES
Webinars & IDDSI Learning: How to Use IDDSI in Research
IDDSI NEW WEBSITE
Keep Up To Date with IDDSI
YOUR EVENT HERE
Contact us about Membership and how you can add your event to our CONNECT page.
Family Caregivers of British Columbia
Virtual Caregiver Support Groups and Caregiver resources found in the latest newsletter:
Positive Approach to Care offering support through ideas and events
Each week they feature new offerings, ideas and options to support people living with dementia and their care partners , professional or personal.
Browse Free Events
Learn about becoming a PAC Champion
SafeCare BC's CEO, JEN LYLE Talks with CKNW
From donning and doffing PPE to effective hand washing, there are plenty of things that can be done to prevent the spread of infection. Hear Jen Lyle speaking on the new COVID-19 Social Visitation Essentials orientation online course.
Hear the radio interview
Positive Approach to Care Online Dementia Journal - Free Resource of insightful articles and videos to help you care for people living with dementia.
Centre for Conflict Resolution Programs
The JIBC courses and programs are designed to help you communicate more effectively and provide you with new skills and knowledge to enhance your relationships within your workplace and community. Most courses can be taken as part of a certificate or on an individual basis.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE CALENDAR
JIBC: CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP: Why choose courses from the Centre for Leadership? You can continue your development and growth with upcoming courses. Take individual courses at your own pace, or sign up for one of their certificate programs:
Associate Certificate in Leadership and Conflict Resolution, Associate Certificate in Training and Facilitation and Certificate in Applied Leadership.
Ready to find out more?
PICNet New Infection Prevention and Control Training
PICNet has refreshed the Orientation for Infection Prevention and Control modules and made them available on the PHSA Learning Hub.
The ten updated modules cover key elements to IPAC, including surveillance, RPAP, communicable diseases, hand hygiene and more.
Each module has a fillable PDF and quiz. New or prospective ICPs, or anyone interested in advancing their knowledge (including the public) can complete any number of the modules and quizzes, and print a certificate for each quiz passed.
Ideally, these modules should be completed with the support of an IPAC mentor, because the learning strategy depends upon the ability to discuss many of the elements. The ability to visit a medical device reprocessing and laboratory microbiology areas will greatly enhance their learning experience.
PICNET Learning Hub
Log in to register
FRASER HEALTH - EDUCATION & TRAINING
Discover education and training opportunities on the latest NUTRITION BYTES news.
Infection Control: Webber Teleclasses
Infection control champions, Infection Prevention Core Practices, Framework for Behavioural Infectious Risks in Acute Care.
WorkSafe BC on 2019 Preliminary Rates
Get an overview of the injury rate trends for your sector and see how you can use WorkSafeBC's Employer Health and Safety Planning Toolkit to view your own organization's safety trends and how to reduce injury rates.
INFOGRAPHIC DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE
Download these interesting infographic PDFs for 2017 injury trends for both long-term care and home care/community health support.
SafeCare BC Workshops
Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum
Connections: Working with People with Dementia (In partnership with Alzheimer Society of BC)
Occupational Health & Safety Committee Part I
If you have any questions or you require assistance with registration, please contact training@safecarebc.ca or call the Programs and Events Coordinator for SafeCare BC, Marjahn O'Connor, at 604.630.5572 ext. 242.
Did You Miss SafeCare BC Mental Health Webinars? Not to worry. Recordings are available on their website.
Check this link: Watch 3-part Mental Health Webinar Series
Professional Development from SafeCare BC
Did you know that SafeCare BC provides professional development for continuing care workers in BC? Here are a few of their upcoming workshops over the summer:
Creating Connections: Working with People with Dementia
LPN Leadership Training
Safe Client Handling
Occupational Health & Safety Committee
Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum
Health and Safety Program Audit
New Infection Control Precautions E-Learning
Check our DIGEST page for details on the new infection control precautions for rare and emerging pathogens e-learning, from PICnet.
RESOURCE FOR COMING IDDSI
International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative
The implementation for the IDDSI is coming - are you ready? The IDDSI committee has responded to requests from the international community by leading the roll-out and implementation of the IDDSI Framework. This global initiative will improve the lives of over 590 million people living with dysphagia.
EDUCATION: Foodsafe Level 1 Refresher
Did you know that FOODSAFE Level 1 certificates expire?
The FOODSAFE Level 1 Refresher is an inexpensive and convenient way to renew your certification since all Level 1 certificates issued in BC are valid for 5 years. Therefore, certificates issued prior to July 29, 2013 will expire this coming July 29, 2018!
You can take the Level 1 Refresher online. FOOD SAFE Level 1 Refresher takes 1-3 hours and must be completed within 10 days (including weekends) from the start date of the course, including your final examination.
The fee is $45. Register through Open School BC.
Culinary Arts Program at University of the Fraser Valley
Starting in August!
The UFV's Culinary Arts Program trains aspiring cooks to work in all styles of kitchens from small family-style restaurants to large multinational hotels and health care institutions. The program is 39 weeks from August until May. When graduated, you'll be a second year apprentice having completed your PC 1 and be front loaded with the written and practical exams for PC 2.
Granville Island Market Tours
A Foodie Highlight Featuring the Best of Granville Island!
Weave expertly through the busy Public Market, skipping the line at the best food shops and artisans to taste over 20 signature Canadian food cultures.
Tours are 2 hours, 10:30am - 12:30pm, running daily in the summer, and Thursdays-Sundays between September 19 and May 20. All food and drink tastings are included!
Canada Food & Beverage Tradeshows
Stay up to date with food and beverage trade shows in Canada!
From Retailers to Manufacturers and Suppliers, there is always a conference or trade show happening somewhere!
PAST EVENTS
Annual PSNM EDUCATION DAY: OCTOBER 27th 2017
Our annual education day will be held on Friday, October 27th at the Power to Change in Langley. This is an excellent event and an opportunity to earn your extra CE points. The day will start at 0730 for breakfast and continue until 3:30pm.
Featured Speakers: Terri Dowton from the Employers' Advisers Office and Daniel Fontane from the BC Care Providers Association
Certificates will be handed out to go towards your OH & S Learning, the Fraser Health Licensing Dietician discussing menu planning and the Residential Care Regulations of BC.
Annual CSNM Conference 2017!
The Annual CSNM Conference was held in Ottawa, June 14-16 and members of the Pacific Society of Nutrition Management is there to celebrate with Peers and mark Canada's 150th!
PICNet WEBINARS, EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS
The Provincial Infection Control Network's webinars and teleclasses schedules, as well as many archived sessions are available! Information follows on both the upcoming sessions and archived webinars. Check PICNet here for education opportunities.
CONFERENCE LINE: 1-877-385-4099 PASS CODE: 7188720#
Download past slide presentations here:
- Bruce Gamage: Getting the (Red) Dirt Out: A Review of BC's Environmental Cleaning Guidelines
- Guanghong Han: The impact of vancomycin-resistant enterococi (VRE) policy and practice change in British Columbia
- Helen Evans (on behalf of the BC Hand Hygiene Communications Group): Many Hands Make Light Work: A Year of Hand Hygiene Campaigns
PSNM Annual General Meeting - April 28, 2017
Join your colleagues and industry leaders at the upcoming PSNM AGM on April 28th in Langley. Earn CE points to attend! Featured Guest Speakers, Lunch Vendors' Showcase, news and updates.
The AGM Day Outline:
07:30 – 0825: Breakfast Hosted by Willie Woo from Nestles
Menu: Eggs Benny Bar for Breakfast with choice of Back Bacon, Smoked Salmon, Veggies and Fresh Fruit Salad, New Sunsational Express line of juices, Coffee/Tea and Specialty Hot Drinks
08:30 – 10:00 PSNM AGM
10:00 – 11:00 Fraser Health Licensing Dietician Suvarna Rao
11:00 – 12:15 BC Care Providers Association CEO Daniel Fontaine
12:15 – 1:15 Lunch Vendor Showcase Hosted by Willie Woo from Nestles
MENU: Lobster Ravioli, Braised Beef Ravioli, Portobello & Spinach Ravioli & a variety of sauces
Firehouse Chili with Minors Ancho & Chipotle Flavor Concentrates, Lasagna, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Baked French Fry & Flavored Gravy Bar, San Pelligrino/Perrier, Nestle and Hagen Daz Ice Cream & Chocolate
1:15 – 1:30: Coffee Break
1:30 – 3:30: The Employers Advisors Office Terry Dowton
CE Points Earned from our AGM
- Competency #6 Human Resources
- Competency #4 Clinical Nutrition
- Competency #7 Finance
- Competency #1 Professionalism
- Competency #3 Nutrition & Healthy Living