Last reviewed October 2026
The role
Residential aged care services have an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead: a staff member, usually a registered nurse, with additional training who oversees infection prevention practice in the service.
What they typically do
- Monitor infections and watch for clusters that could signal an outbreak.
- Lead the outbreak response — cohorting, extra PPE, cleaning changes and communication.
- Support staff training in hand hygiene, PPE and standard precautions.
- Review practices and help the service meet its quality standards.
When to go to your IPC Lead
Report new symptoms in residents (fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea), possible clusters, PPE shortages and anything you're unsure about. Early reporting is what keeps outbreaks small.
Your part
The IPC Lead can't be everywhere. Every worker's habits — clean hands, correct PPE, clean equipment and early reporting — are what make the system work.
Infection control for aged care
Free course in about 30 minutes, then a A$39 certificate emailed instantly.
More guides
- Is infection control training required for aged care workers?
- Gastro outbreak in aged care: what staff should do
- When to wear gloves, aprons and masks in aged care