#PeopleofPCH is a series that highlights the diverse stories of staff, residents, volunteers, and families across Partners Community Health (PCH).
Meet the team behind an extraordinary achievement on the 5th floor at Wellbrook Place West, led by Ashley Virtue, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lead, and Teresa Quintos, Associate Director of Care. Their story reflects collaboration, dedication, and impact, and is shared as part of our May #BelongingatPCH theme: Excellence, recognizing our commitment to high-quality care and a culture of continuous learning.
On the 5th floor at Wellbrook Place West, an incredible achievement is worth celebrating.
Since January, the team has made meaningful progress in reducing infections. Following a peak in March, they reduced infection rates by 68 percent. This result reflects the consistency and commitment of the entire team.
Behind these numbers is something even more important. A group of people who show up for one another, who are open to learning, and who are focused every day on providing safe, high-quality care.
The impact on residents has been significant. The team achieved a 100 percent reduction in urinary tract infections, with zero new cases in April. Wounds and skin issues decreased by 50 percent, and overall infections dropped by 57 percent since the beginning of the year. Personal Support Workers reached a 96.3 percent hand hygiene score, reinforcing the importance of daily practices that protect resident health.
For Ashley Virtue, Infection Prevention and Control Lead, this progress comes down to the people behind it.
“I’ve had a chance to go over your infection rates from January to now, and they are incredible. Your dedication to our new protocols is officially saving lives. This happened because you showed up. From packed education sessions and the new urinary bag cleaning routine to having the highest IPAC Champ sign-ups in the building, you are leading the way. Together, we are committed to leading from the front and ensuring you have every resource you need to succeed. Keep it up, IPAC Superstars. I am so proud of everyone, you should all be proud. Keep the momentum going.”
From participating in education sessions to adopting improved care routines and strengthening infection prevention practices, staff embraced change together. Their willingness to learn and apply new approaches has been key to improving outcomes.
Strong leadership also played an important role. Ashley Virtue and Teresa Quintos, Associate Director of Care, worked closely with the team to ensure staff had the tools, knowledge, and support they needed to succeed. Their approach focuses on listening, removing barriers, and supporting frontline teams.
This achievement reflects the shared efforts of registered nurses, registered practical nurses, and Personal Support Workers, whose collaboration is essential to delivering safe care. From infection prevention practices to everyday interactions with residents, each role contributed to this success.
As we recognize Nursing Week and Personal Support Worker Day, this story is a reminder of the impact that comes from working together with a shared purpose.
The team is already looking ahead and building on this momentum. With a strong foundation in place, they remain focused on learning, improving, and continuing to provide the best possible care experience.
At Partners Community Health, excellence is not a single moment. It is something we build together every day.
