Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Infection Prevention andControl (IPC) and Patient Safety Specialist to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract, covering maternity leave.
Secondments are welcome.This is an ideal opportunity forsomeone looking to gain additional experience in IPC and the field of patientsafety, and to contribute to key infection prevention initiatives that directlyimpact patient safety.We will support the post holder to ensure they areconfident and competent in this specialist role, providing an opportunity tomake a tangible difference in IPC and patient safety across the organisation.As a key member of the Patient Safetyand Quality team, you will act as a resource for adviceand support in relation to IPC and patient safety and be responsible forsupporting the delivery of safe, responsive and effective IPC services to teamsacross First Community.The successful candidate will be responsible for leading initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and minimising healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in IPC and patient safety strategies, driving compliance with relevant guidelines and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.The post holder will be responsible for implementation and monitoring of infection control policies, procedures, and guidelines across the organisation and collaborate with clinical teams to ensure effective IPC strategies are in place.
Main duties of the job Under the patient safety incident response framework, you will be expected to promote a culture of patient safety across the organisation.
This will be achieved through the delivery of training, education, and awareness campaigns and involvement of safety improvement priorities and investigation and management of adverse events.The post holder will also be expected to provide advice and guidance on infection control practices to staff at all levels and lead on IPC audits, including environmental audits and undertake observational visits.You will also be expected to develop and deliver training on infection prevention and control topics and participate in quality improvement initiatives and support IPC-related projects.About You:We are looking for an individual who possesses:A strong understanding of infection control principles, protocols, and best practices.
Excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to work effectively with teams.
A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
Experience in infection control (preferred but not essential).
The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
About us Do you want to be part of an organisation that was rated best provider of NHS care to work for nationwide?
(2023 staff survey results)First Community is a staff ownedsocial enterprise rated Good by CQC, which delivers NHS community services acrosseast Surrey and parts of West Sussex.
Weare looking for individuals who share our values First-rate care, First-rate people,First-rate value.
First Community is a great placeto work, everyone has a voice and is supported to develop their career to itsfull potential.
We offer all our staff: NHS terms and conditions, high qualitytraining and development opportunities, flexible working to enable a good worklife balance, an inclusive and friendly work environment, an NHS pension,flexible retirement options and various employee benefits.
Please talk to us before applyingor at interview about the flexibility you need.
We may not be able to meet yourneeds exactly, but we do promise to fully consider your request and meet your needswhere possible.
Please note, flexible working options may vary depending on therole.At First Community we welcomeapplications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+candidates and candidates with disabilities.
We ensure that all applicants aretreated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process,including the consideration of reasonable adjustments.Sustainability is integral toFirst Community achieving the NHS Net Zero target.
Job description Job responsibilities The post holder is responsiblefor supporting the delivery of safe, responsive and effective infection preventionand control services to teams across First Community.
They will act as aresource for specialist advice and support in relation to infection preventionand control and patient safety, including medical devices.
They are akey member of the patient safety and quality team, enabling the implementationof policy and best practice across clinical services.Whencompleting your application please refer to both the Application Guide and fullJob Description - these can be found under supporting documents.
Person Specification Experience Essential Evidence of on-going relevant professional development Experience of working within a multidisciplinary workforce Involvement in service improvement and the implementation of change Knowledge of Clinical Governance and the relevance to practice.
Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures Experience of infection prevention and control in a clinical setting Desirable Knowledge of ethical issues Research and development Teaching in formal & informal situations Experience managing communicable infections Knowledge Essential A good basic knowledge of the principles of infection prevention and control or willingness to learn on the job Experience of mentorship and ability to identify learning and development needs Computer/IT skills Understanding of Health Care Associated Infections in primary and secondary care Knowledge of transmission of infection Desirable Understands and applies principles of learning in practice Knowledge of current Department of Health guidelines on IPC standards.
Knowledge of National Patient Safety Strategy and Patient Safety Incident Response Framework Skills Essential Ability to teach, support and effectively encourage best practice through constructive feedback to non-clinical and clinical staff, to members of the public, and to patients receiving care in the community Excellent communication skills Able to prioritise/cope with pressure Able to obtain and evaluate information to aid decision making Good time management skills Excellent team working skills Analytical skills Decision making skills Able to cope with pressure Able to use technology to find and appraise evidence Enquiry/problem solving skills Other Essential Car driver Essential to undertake approved training to support learning and assessment in practice Qualifications Essential Appropriate Professional Registration NMC or HCPC Desirable Management / leadership qualification Degree Qualification / training in patient safety and / or IPC