Amanda Ayres never set out to work in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) but one pivotal moment changed that. While working in Medical Imaging as an infection control liaison nurse, she witnessed a patient’s infection worsen despite routine care. It was a moment that unsettled her and sparked a lifelong commitment to make a difference.
In 2008, a 12-month opportunity as Bendigo Health’s Hand Hygiene Coordinator became the start of something bigger. With encouragement from her manager and the mentorship of IPC leader Jane Hellsten, Amanda embraced the challenge and that “temporary” role became a lasting career.
Since then, Amanda has held diverse roles across IPC and Infectious Diseases, including as Regional Hand Hygiene Coordinator with Hand Hygiene Australia and Aged Care Lead for the Loddon Mallee region during the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s also strengthened her knowledge through a Graduate Diploma and a Master’s from Griffith University, both completed mid-pandemic.
Now as Director of IPC at Bendigo Health, Amanda leads a multidisciplinary team, supporting staff on the wards from 7am, tackling data and education projects, and mentoring the next generation of IPC leaders. She credits her team's diverse strengths from IT to clinical expertise as key to their success.
What drives her most is the mix of science, strategy, and humanity. Amanda is passionate about global health trends, antimicrobial resistance, and the importance of patient empowerment.
“Patients today expect to be partners in their care and they should be,” she says. “We make sure they understand why they’re in isolation or how to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. It’s about dignity and respect.”
For those starting in IPC, Amanda advises taking time to learn from every part of the role — and to embrace unpredictability. “One phone call can change your whole day,” she laughs. “But if you like making order from chaos, IPC is the place to be.”
Outside work, Amanda finds balance through Barre classes, weekends away, and live music a grounding rhythm to a career driven by purpose and care.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week is held during the third week of October each year to highlight the importance of preventing infections. The theme for IPC Week 2025 is A proactive approach to IPC: Identify the risk, Protect patients and the workforce, Control the spread of infection. Everyone has a role in the prevention and control of infections in health care.
Learn more about Infection Prevention and Control Week | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Find out how Bendigo Health can help you Bendigo Health Website - Infection Prevention and Control Unit
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