Huge congratulations to Michael Mark Dalauidao, recipient of the Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner of the Year Award 2026, presented at IP2026 in Leeds.
The award recognises Mark’s outstanding contribution to infection prevention and control (IPC), his commitment to patient safety, and his work to raise standards and inspire the next generation of IPC practitioners.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mark said he was “speechless” and incredibly grateful for the recognition.
“I think I started IPC in 2018 and the people, especially the people here in this association, just inspired me and gave me that fire to want to make some difference.”
Making a measurable difference
Mark has made a significant impact at William Harvey Hospital through clinical leadership, quality improvement, education and collaborative working across multidisciplinary teams, with work he initiated there subsequently rolled out across East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
During the financial year 2024–2025, Mark’s first full financial year with the organisation, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust achieved a 25% reduction in Clostridioides difficile infections, a 75% reduction in MRSA bloodstream infections and a 10% reduction in E. coli bloodstream infections.
Using surveillance data, audit, case review and quality improvement approaches, Mark has helped drive improvements in infection prevention practice and patient safety. He has also helped sustain more than 95% compliance with hand hygiene and PPE audits, alongside 95–100% completion of mandatory IPC education and annual hand hygiene training for nursing staff.
His work in outbreak management has included supporting responses to meningitis and norovirus, helping teams identify risks quickly, implement appropriate measures and minimise disruption to patient care.
Improving practice through education and innovation
Mark has developed a range of practical education initiatives, including IPC Clinical Skills Workshops, a Line Care Forum and an IPC Link Practitioner Mentorship Programme.
The monthly Clinical Skills Workshops have reached around 400 nurses, covering areas including aseptic non-touch technique, blood cultures, vascular access care, urinary catheter management and core IPC principles.
These initiatives have helped make IPC education more practical and clinically relevant, while encouraging staff to see infection prevention as everyone’s responsibility.
Supporting the next generation
Developing others is central to Mark’s approach. He has personally mentored around 25 Band 5 and Band 6 nurses interested in pursuing careers in IPC, with many going on to take up IPC roles.
His commitment extends beyond his own organisation through his involvement with the IPS Scientific Programme Committee and International Engagement Network. He also co-founded and serves as President of the Association of Filipino Infection Prevention and Control Specialists in the UK (AFIPCS-UK), creating opportunities for education, mentorship, leadership development and professional networking while supporting and connecting a diverse IPC workforce.
Mark hopes his own journey will encourage others to consider a career in IPC. “I hope I can be an inspiration for the next generation of infection control practitioners… and I will definitely motivate more IPC practitioners too.”
Reflecting on what the award means to him, Mark said: “For me, it is more than the award and the recognition, but I know that I have something that I know people appreciate, and the impact that I was able to spread across the community.”
Congratulations to Mark on this well-deserved achievement and thanks him for his continued commitment to patient safety, professional development, innovation and the wider IPC community.
