Infection Prevention and Control Specialist Nurse/PractitionerNHS

Job summary

• To work as a specialist nurse/practitioner within the Trust's Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT). The post holder will contribute to a seamless Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) service, working as part of a multidisciplinary team and providing an advisory, investigative and educational role within the Trust, as well as having responsibility for surveillance, audit, control and prevention of disease
• In conjunction with the other members of the team have responsibility for the day-to-day management and continuing development of the IPC service, including the development of policies, guidelines and projects in order to develop and maintain an effective IPC service
• The post holder will be required to work Monday to Friday, work flexibly between the 2 hospital sites and community bases and take part in the IPC 24 hour on call weekend rota
• Provide specialist knowledge, education and advice, to promote health, prevent and control infections for patients, relatives, healthcare workers, Private Finance Initiative (PFI) partners and visitors to the healthcare environment.

Main duties of the job

This role supports all staff across the organisation by providing expert infection prevention and control (IPC) advice, promoting best practice, and acting as a visible role model.

Working alongside the Infection Prevention and Control Team, it involves managing and developing IPC services, monitoring and assessing infection risks, coordinating audits and surveillance programmes, and supporting outbreak investigations.

The post holder contributes to patient safety through incident reviews, investigation of hazardous practices, and the development of IPC policies and standards.

The role also supports service improvement and delivers a wide range of education and training programmes, including mandatory training, workshops, ANTT education, and support for the Link Infection Prevention and Control network.

Job description

Professional Duties

• Maintain professional registration
• Maintain clear, accurate and up to date records relevant to your practice and in line with professional standards and Trust policy.
• Ensure effective team working and communication with all colleagues
• Share information to identify and reduce risk
• Support students and colleagues learning to help them develop their professional competence and confidence
• Support and participate in relevant IPC international, national, regional and local epidemiological research and surveillance of health care associated infections.
• Liaise, as appropriate, with UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), the Strategic Health Authority (SHA), Environmental Health Services, Local ICBs and PFI partners.
• As applicable act as expert adviser to Estates, PFI partners, Purchasing Advising Group and other groups/parties as appropriate
• Support/advise the Occupational Health Department on issues relating to IPC.

Managerial Duties

• To supervise and mentor students whilst they are on placement with the team

Managing Self

• Participate in regular supervision
• Attend all mandatory training.
• Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal.
• Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols
• Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy
• Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary
• Always maintain professional conduct and appearance.

About us

CHFT is an integrated acute and community Trust serving diverse communities across Calderdale and Kirklees, with strong partnerships across West Yorkshire. We are proud of our One Culture of Care -- caring for each other with the same compassion, kindness and respect that we show our patients -- and of the values that underpin how we work: we put people first, we go see, we work together to get results, and we do the must dos.

CHFT is recognised as a forward looking, digitally enabled Trust, with a strong track record of using data, innovation and system collaboration to improve quality, safety and outcomes. We are ambitious about the role that acute trusts play in prevention, population health and reducing inequalities, and this post sits at the heart of that agenda.