Infection Prevention Control Lead

Job responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title:

Infection Prevention and Control Lead

Team/Department:

Quality, Safety and Governance

Location:

Kingston House, Ashford.

Hours of work:

As agreed, and in accordance with contract of employment

Job title the post holder will report to:

Director of Clinical Governance

Job titles reporting to the post holder:

None applicable

Date the role profile was revised:

January 2024

JOB PURPOSE

The post holder will have a primary responsibility to take on infection prevention and control leadership role across Integrated Care 24.

The key outcomes will be an improvement in patient safety and experience evidenced by a reduction in HCAIs and ensuring a high degree of preparedness through good infection, prevention and control measures and leading effective IPC responses to outbreaks, thereby minimising their scale and impact across all services.

Provide strategic, professional leadership and specialist advice and support on all aspects of infection prevention and control (IPC).

Provide a framework for commissioning high quality evidence based infection prevention and control and be a source of expertise across sectors on all matters regarding planning, strategy and identifying any gaps in service provision with regards to IPC and provide assurance of delivery and compliance across the health and social care economy.

The IC24 IPC will be the lead responsible officer for working in partnership with the CCGs and local authorities on the development of the system wide Infection Prevention and Control Strategy in addition to providing professional expertise and support to the systems.

The IC24 IPC will be proactive in alerting the systems to key issues and risks; working as part of the systems to improve practice and provide challenge where required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The post holder is responsible for assisting in the development and delivery of an effective infection control service which meets the requirements detailed in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI).

Work with clinical staff to ensure evidence-based policies and practice is followed for the management of: Infection prevention & control, Isolated/infected patients etc.

Work with team leaders and link staff for infection prevention providing guidance and advice on best practice.

Educate clinical & non-clinical staff to ensure practice is effectively documented and standards are adhered to in relation to IPC.

Assist in the investigations and compilations of root cause analysis for infections identified through surveillance.

Assist with the comprehensive infection control audit programmes to ensure the continuous review of infection control practices and of clinical environments. The post holder will ensure that results are reported back to clinical and non-clinical operational staff, promptly in an appropriate format to allow action and service improvements to be undertaken.

Where a Major Outbreak is declared by the Public Health Department the post holder will, where appropriate, develop within the role to become an active participant in the Outbreak Control Team.

Manage a wide range of complex and sometimes conflicting priorities whilst at all times ensuring that the needs of the patient are placed at the centre of care delivery.

Produce regular reports on the progress of the project for the Infection Control Team.

Assist in the development of creative and innovative methods in order to integrate infection control into all through participation in awareness weeks/ days.

The post holder will report directly to the Director of Clinical Governance.

Contribute to the development and implementation of the Annual Infection Control Planned Programme.

Contribute to the development of the Annual Infection Control Report.

Will ensure that a risk management approach is integral to the prevention and control of infection processes employed. Following risk assessment, the post holder will prioritise competing infection prevention and control measures based on available resources.

Assist in the review and development of Infection prevention and control policies.

Assist in the development and delivery of the IPC education programme.

Be responsible for maintaining a programme of alert organism and condition surveillance.

Will assist in managing outbreaks of infection within Integrated Care 24. This involves investigation; collection and collation of data; instructing on control measures; liaising with relevant parties including management, microbiologists, public health, and clinical areas; and report on outcomes.

Be an active participant in relevant committees and working groups.

General

Essential

• Valid driving license
• Able to work with children and vulnerable adults, Enhanced DBS Clearance
• Ability to work flexibly and reliably to meet the needs of the service
• Succeeding together
• Building collaborative relationships
• Maximising diverse talent
• Influencing people
• Delivering on our promises
• Taking the initiative
• Managing execution

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience working in infection prevention and control in a healthcare organisation
• Specialist and up to date clinical infection prevention and control knowledge
• Up to date, in depth specialised knowledge of all aspects of the surveillance of healthcare-associated infection, including national directive requirements
• Up to date specialist knowledge and experience of leading and managing a programme of the surveillance in a healthcare setting
• Report writing containing a range of complex data and statistical information
• Development of infection prevention and control policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Developing a programme of infection prevention and control audit
• Participating in research and development programme
• Practical skills
• Demonstrated capability to plan over time frames and utilise resource requirements accordingly
• Ability to participate in the coordination of work of others to ensure completion of requirements
• Experience of participation in internal processes and procedures
• Consistent under pressure in an unpredictable working environment (occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances)
• Computer literate and use of complex spreadsheets, databases and word-processing to create specialist reports
• Works autonomously as an infection prevention and control specialist

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered healthcare professional NMC or HCPC
• Proven knowledge and experience of working at a senior level within IPC
• Educated to at least degree level post registration qualification in IPC or a willingness to work towards
• Proficiency in IT software including the use of Microsoft Office software packages, internet and email
• Ability to travel across the regions
• High quality presentation and report writing skills

Desirable

• Masters in a health-related discipline
• Relevant infection prevention and control qualification
• Leadership/Management
• training/qualification
• Other specialist healthcare qualification/s

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).