Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Lead Nurse to join the innovative and passionate Infection Prevention Team based at Whiston Hospital, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The post holder will work across 3 main sites, Whiston, St Helens and Newton Hospitals.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and proactive team leader who is passionate about the delivery of high quality, safe care.
A broad range of experience in general nursing and experience in infection prevention is essential.
In this time of increasing relevance of infection prevention, this post offers the opportunity to lead and be part of a team and a Trust that are dedicated to improving patient safety, quality of care and reducing healthcare associated infection.
The post holder will have freedom to act in all aspects of hospital Infection Prevention & Control, providing clinical operational leadership which inspires, motivates, and empowers others; promote the highest standards of infection prevention practice amongst all staff and will undertake clinical work to maintain their professional competence, authority and credibility.
The Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control will be expected to deputise for the Director of Infection Prevention & Control/ Director of Infection Prevention & Control, in relation to IPC related duties.
Interview date for this position is yet to be confirmed.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide clinical and managerial leadership to the Infection Prevention and Control Team; practice at an advanced level demonstrating a high level of autonomy and clinical decision-making and will work as a highly specialised member of the Infection Prevention and Control Team, assisting in containing and reducing the incidence of infection in the organisation through risk assessment, surveillance, audit, intervention and education. The role is a collaborative one, working with all staff groups as well as patients, across professional and organisational boundaries. The role requires that the post-holder will be easily identifiable, visible and accessible to all staff. The post holder will have budgetary responsibility for the Infection Prevention and Control Team; be responsible for the direct line management of non-medical staff within the Infection Prevention and Control Team and with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Governance develop service strategy.
About us
The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.
From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.
Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:
- CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
- SAFETY that is of the highest standards
- COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
- SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
- PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients
Our achievements include:
- Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available upon request.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- To develop the long-term Infection Prevention & Control Strategies and Annual Infection Prevention & Control Programme on behalf of the Trust in conjunction with Director of Infection Prevention & Infection Control Consultant and will ensure the Trust meets both national and local targets in line with the Trust objectives.
- The post holder will monitor and evaluate the impact of the Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and its working practices including the impact on the wider health community.
- Contribute to the development of major service delivery and transformation plans across the Trust, supporting implementation plans, including those involving cross pathway working for the profession working internally and externally in support of enhanced patient care, safety and quality of services.
- Provide access to expert, evidence-based clinical advice on all matters in relation to infection prevention and control to all Trust staff and patients.
- Have a high profile and visibility within the organisation and an excellent understanding of the daily operational issues that challenge infection prevention and control.
- Challenge poor practice and behaviour which compromises patient care and participate in setting the infection prevention agenda for change across the organisation.
- Maintain credibility in clinical aspects of infection prevention and control.
- Advise wards and departments on practical implementation of infection prevention and control policy.
- Contribute to delivery of high-quality patient care within the Trust, mirroring and supporting the Trusts values and objectives.
- Develop advanced practice and practice innovation within own sphere.
- To effectively manage the members of the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control
- To provide inspirational professional leadership within the Infection Prevention and Control Team, ensuring that individuals are well equipped for the challenges of patient care and the service.
- Liaise with sepsis specialist nurses and wards and departments to assist in
- compliance with sepsis standards and patient safety, collaboration regarding CQUIN standards and NHSI single operating framework re Ecoli bacteraemia reduction targets.
- To lead the strategic planning, development and operational delivery of the infection prevention and control service.
- Formulate a comprehensive education programme for staff of all disciplines, taking into account local and national priorities in infection prevention and control as well as participating in teaching/training of other staff.
- Contribute to the clinical governance agenda with respect to infection prevention and control.
- Co-ordinate a proactive infection prevention and control surveillance programme in line with national guidelines and local requirements.
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide specialist advice to the all staff and patients within the Trust on all issues relating to infection prevention and control.
- Be responsible for the delivery of a high quality fully integrated Infection Prevention and Control service, supported by the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and other members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team.
- To develop and implement a robust programme for the day- to-day management of patients with known or suspected communicable infections Trust-wide including managing own case load if required by circumstances.
- Analyse and interpret national policy/guidance on the Trust infection prevention and control policy and advising the organisation on their application and implementation.
- Participate in all relevant multi-disciplinary working groups and committees representing infection prevention and control.
- To act as an expert resource in the field of infection prevention and control at an organisational level with regards to specific areas such as decontamination, management of clinical waste and occupational health.
- Provide specialist infection prevention and control advice on issues related to procurement initiatives as well as on building designs, alterations, and equipment.
- Communicate infection prevention control related information Trust-wide including lessons learnt from root cause analyses and monthly situation report.
- Work with the other members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team to recognise trends and respond to surveillance data where appropriate.
- To develop and implement the Trusts infection prevention and control strategy and annual programme jointly with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control.
- To be subject to annual appraisal by Director Nursing, Midwifery and Governance.
- To comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional conduct. Maintain professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
- To lead the production of Trust-wide evidence-based policies and guidance on infection prevention and control and ensure that these remain up to date.
- To be responsible for ensuring the appropriate use of and adherence to Trust guidance and policies related to infection prevention and control by all staff groups.
- To facilitate, develop and monitor quality improvement initiatives in line with local and national requirements.
- To formulate an annual program of audit in infection prevention and control as well as initiating and participating in audit as required by circumstances.
- To be responsible for ensuring safety of self and other colleagues, patients and carers by adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures.
- To formulate assessments of infection control hazards, identify when they occur, the risks related to them, and actions required eliminating or minimising the risks.
- To work in partnership with other relevant agencies, where appropriate, to provide expert advice, information, and support in order to provide high quality patient care.
- To build collaborative relationships with colleagues across the health community and beyond.
- To support the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, as an active member of the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Group, in formulating of agenda and reports for this Group.
- Be an active member of key strategic committees/groups/councils to ensure infection prevention and control issues are represented and addressed adequately.
- To represent the Trust at local, regional, and national forums to ensure that the Trust is represented and maintains a leading role in infection control issues.
- To develop and implement an appropriate Infection Prevention and Control Annual Programme, which includes education and training, policy development and review, surveillance, and audit.
- To participate in the review of and evaluation of the service strategy annually (in conjunction with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control).
- To establish effective working relationships with Directors of Nursing, Heads of Quality, Ward Managers and Infection Prevention and Control Link Professionals.
- Act as professional leader and role model in all aspects of work and at all times.
- To develop strategies to promote compliance with the fundamentals to prevent and control infection, promoting awareness Trust-wide.
- Support the implementation of local and national nursing practice development initiatives.
- Ensure that opportunities to share learning and experience between the multi-disciplinary team throughout the local health economy are identified and promoted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- To develop the long-term Infection Prevention & Control Strategies and Annual Infection Prevention & Control Programme on behalf of the Trust in conjunction with Director of Infection Prevention & Infection Control Consultant and will ensure the Trust meets both national and local targets in line with the Trust objectives.
- The post holder will monitor and evaluate the impact of the Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and its working practices including the impact on the wider health community.
- Contribute to the development of major service delivery and transformation plans across the Trust, supporting implementation plans, including those involving cross pathway working for the profession working internally and externally in support of enhanced patient care, safety and quality of services.
- Provide access to expert, evidence-based clinical advice on all matters in relation to infection prevention and control to all Trust staff and patients.
- Have a high profile and visibility within the organisation and an excellent understanding of the daily operational issues that challenge infection prevention and control.
- Challenge poor practice and behaviour which compromises patient care and participate in setting the infection prevention agenda for change across the organisation.
- Maintain credibility in clinical aspects of infection prevention and control.
- Advise wards and departments on practical implementation of infection prevention and control policy.
- Contribute to delivery of high-quality patient care within the Trust, mirroring and supporting the Trusts values and objectives.
- Develop advanced practice and practice innovation within own sphere.
- To effectively manage the members of the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control
- To provide inspirational professional leadership within the Infection Prevention and Control Team, ensuring that individuals are well equipped for the challenges of patient care and the service.
- Liaise with sepsis specialist nurses and wards and departments to assist in
- compliance with sepsis standards and patient safety, collaboration regarding CQUIN standards and NHSI single operating framework re Ecoli bacteraemia reduction targets.
- To lead the strategic planning, development and operational delivery of the infection prevention and control service.
- Formulate a comprehensive education programme for staff of all disciplines, taking into account local and national priorities in infection prevention and control as well as participating in teaching/training of other staff.
- Contribute to the clinical governance agenda with respect to infection prevention and control.
- Co-ordinate a proactive infection prevention and control surveillance programme in line with national guidelines and local requirements.
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide specialist advice to the all staff and patients within the Trust on all issues relating to infection prevention and control.
- Be responsible for the delivery of a high quality fully integrated Infection Prevention and Control service, supported by the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and other members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team.
- To develop and implement a robust programme for the day- to-day management of patients with known or suspected communicable infections Trust-wide including managing own case load if required by circumstances.
- Analyse and interpret national policy/guidance on the Trust infection prevention and control policy and advising the organisation on their application and implementation.
- Participate in all relevant multi-disciplinary working groups and committees representing infection prevention and control.
- To act as an expert resource in the field of infection prevention and control at an organisational level with regards to specific areas such as decontamination, management of clinical waste and occupational health.
- Provide specialist infection prevention and control advice on issues related to procurement initiatives as well as on building designs, alterations, and equipment.
- Communicate infection prevention control related information Trust-wide including lessons learnt from root cause analyses and monthly situation report.
- Work with the other members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team to recognise trends and respond to surveillance data where appropriate.
- To develop and implement the Trusts infection prevention and control strategy and annual programme jointly with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control.
- To be subject to annual appraisal by Director Nursing, Midwifery and Governance.
- To comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional conduct. Maintain professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
- To lead the production of Trust-wide evidence-based policies and guidance on infection prevention and control and ensure that these remain up to date.
- To be responsible for ensuring the appropriate use of and adherence to Trust guidance and policies related to infection prevention and control by all staff groups.
- To facilitate, develop and monitor quality improvement initiatives in line with local and national requirements.
- To formulate an annual program of audit in infection prevention and control as well as initiating and participating in audit as required by circumstances.
- To be responsible for ensuring safety of self and other colleagues, patients and carers by adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures.
- To formulate assessments of infection control hazards, identify when they occur, the risks related to them, and actions required eliminating or minimising the risks.
- To work in partnership with other relevant agencies, where appropriate, to provide expert advice, information, and support in order to provide high quality patient care.
- To build collaborative relationships with colleagues across the health community and beyond.
- To support the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, as an active member of the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Group, in formulating of agenda and reports for this Group.
- Be an active member of key strategic committees/groups/councils to ensure infection prevention and control issues are represented and addressed adequately.
- To represent the Trust at local, regional, and national forums to ensure that the Trust is represented and maintains a leading role in infection control issues.
- To develop and implement an appropriate Infection Prevention and Control Annual Programme, which includes education and training, policy development and review, surveillance, and audit.
- To participate in the review of and evaluation of the service strategy annually (in conjunction with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control).
- To establish effective working relationships with Directors of Nursing, Heads of Quality, Ward Managers and Infection Prevention and Control Link Professionals.
- Act as professional leader and role model in all aspects of work and at all times.
- To develop strategies to promote compliance with the fundamentals to prevent and control infection, promoting awareness Trust-wide.
- Support the implementation of local and national nursing practice development initiatives.
- Ensure that opportunities to share learning and experience between the multi-disciplinary team throughout the local health economy are identified and promoted.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st level registered nurse
- Evidence of post-registration education at degree level
- Teaching qualification and ability to facilitate learning of others
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in infection prevention and control
- Recognised leadership qualification
- Postgraduate diploma in management
- Commitment to achieve masters level education
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience in clinical leadership and management
Skills
Essential
- Coaching and facilitation
- Staff development and empowerment
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
- Influencing skills
- Standard setting
- Participation in research and audit
- Computer literacy
- Problem solving
- Risk management
- Formulating reports appropriate to different audiences
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st level registered nurse
- Evidence of post-registration education at degree level
- Teaching qualification and ability to facilitate learning of others
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in infection prevention and control
- Recognised leadership qualification
- Postgraduate diploma in management
- Commitment to achieve masters level education
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience in clinical leadership and management
Skills
Essential
- Coaching and facilitation
- Staff development and empowerment
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
- Influencing skills
- Standard setting
- Participation in research and audit
- Computer literacy
- Problem solving
- Risk management
- Formulating reports appropriate to different audiences
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
