Head Infection Prevention Nurse

Job overview

An Infection Control Lead Nurse plays a vital role in preventing and controlling infections within a healthcare setting. They are responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating infection prevention and control programs, providing expert guidance to staff, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and guidelines. Their work contributes to patient safety and the overall quality of care.

Main duties of the job

• Developing and Implementing Programs: This includes creating, updating, and overseeing infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
• Surveillance and Data Analysis: Monitoring infection rates, identifying trends, and analyzing data to guide interventions and improve practices.
• Education and Training: Providing education and training to healthcare staff on infection control best practices, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and outbreak management.
• Auditing and Monitoring: Conducting regular audits of clinical areas and practices to assess compliance with infection control standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Outbreak Management: Assisting in the investigation and management of infection outbreaks, including implementing control measures and communicating with relevant stakeholders.
• Consultation and Collaboration: Providing expert advice and guidance to healthcare professionals on infection control issues and collaborating with other departments and disciplines to ensure a coordinated approach.
• Staying Up-to-Date: Keeping abreast of the latest research, guidelines, and best practices in infection prevention and control.
• Promoting a Culture of Safety: Fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement in infection prevention and control throughout the organization

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Developing and implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies to maintain high standards of patient safety.
• Creating, implementing, and evaluating IPC guidance and policies.
• Contributing to the development of major service delivery and transformation plans.
• Leading and maintaining the IPC Link practitioner network.

• Providing expert guidance and support to clinical teams on best practices.
• Conducting regular audits and inspections to assess compliance with IPC policies.
• Investigating and analyzing surgical site infections.
• Providing expert advice and support on all matters related to IPC.

• Educating and training healthcare staff and patients on IPC practices.
• Developing and delivering training programs related to IPC.
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement by sharing audit findings and engaging staff in IPC initiatives.

• Managing and leading outbreak investigations.
• Developing and implementing action plans to manage outbreaks.
• Working with relevant stakeholders, including Public Health, to manage and resolve outbreaks.

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including housekeeping and estates, to ensure compliance with IPC policies.
• Working with other healthcare staff, including specialist doctors, nurses, and microbiologists.
• Communicating effectively with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of IPC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Analyzing data related to infection rates and trends.
• Contributing to prospective healthcare-related infection and antibiotic surveillance programs