Job summary

The prime responsibility of the role is to support the Infection Prevention and control (IP&C) team in the surveillance and audit of infection, involving data collection, with some interpretation and analysis of data. By doing this you are contributing to the annual IP&C programme. To actively assist with the management of alert organisms within the acute and community hospitals as well as the care homes. To assist the specialist nurses in delivering training on IP&C to all staff groups on topics such as hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness and the management of health care associated infections. To gather information in order to support the IP&C team in outbreak management

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Assist the IP&C specialist nurses to support clinical teams across the ICO, care homes and GP practises in development of best practice changes as a result of national directives and guidance to reduce infection risks to staff, patients and public. To work as part on the IP&C team with own specific duties and responsibilities within the team. Participate in the annual audit and surveillance programme by actively obtaining data. Monitor the cleanliness of the trust by observing practice, monitoring sign off sheets and reporting any issues to the IP&C team in order for it to be escalated. Informal teaching and delivering of advice to patients, staff and public if required.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on . We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Assist the IP&C specialist nurses to support clinical teams across the ICO, care homes and GP practises in development of best practice changes as a result of national directives and guidance to reduce infection risks to staff, patients and public. To work as part on the IP&C team with own specific duties and responsibilities within the team. Participate in the annual audit and surveillance programme by actively obtaining data. Monitor the cleanliness of the trust by observing practice, monitoring sign off sheets and reporting any issues to the IP&C team in order for it to be escalated. Informal teaching and delivering of advice to patients, staff and public if required. Support the IP&C team in the delivery of education and promotional campaigns in line with both local and national targets.

Use informal opportunities to teach awareness of IP&C.

Attend conferences and study days that are relevant to the role.

Internal Stakeholders:

Director of Infection Prevention and Control

Infection Control Team

Microbiologists and Microbiological Services/Pathology

Occupational Health Department

Wards and Departments

Nursing & Medical staff

Professionals Allied to medicine throughout the Trust

Estates & Facilities staff

Patients, relatives and visitors

External Stakeholders

General Public

Environmental Health Department

United Kingdom Health Security Agency

Equipment and Material Suppliers

Voluntary organisations

ANALYTICAL AND JUDGEMENT

Provide oral and written feedback to clinical areas at time of audits to improve IP&C standards. Monitor cleanliness of the trust and report any issues. Have an overview of the building works going on across the trust and ensure that safe practices are maintained from and IP&C perspective

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENT AND CLIENT CARE

Work within a team responsible for allocated areas carrying out surveillance of alert organisms and giving IP&C advice. Visit areas across the ICO, care homes and GP practices to audit and evaluate control of infection measures and patient needs/care.

INFORMATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Participate in the gathering of data for the IP&C audit and surveillance programme. To collect data in a variety of ways and assist with the formation of reports if required. Maintain accurate and timely records of care using appropriate documentation according to local and trust standards. Gather IP&C information to allow the specialist nurses to manage outbreaks.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Be involved in gathering data for all audit programmes for the IP&C team, ensuring that the information is gathered in a timely manner. Highlight any audit non-compliance to area concerned and to the IP&C Specialist nurses.

RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Raise the profile of IP&C across the ICO, care homes and GP practices. Ensure that you comply with all the mandatory training across the Trust. Develop your knowledge within IP&C with the support of the microbiologists and the specialist nurses.

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

Demonstrable Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives Be able to work as a member of a team Demonstrable Experience of time management and prioritising work

Qualifications and Training

Essential

One of the following oLevel 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 oNVQ 3 oBTEC National Diploma oExperience equivalent to the above qualifications Level 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker) Equivalent experience

DISPOSITION / ATTITUDE / MOTIVATION

Essential

Has a caring and compassionate nature Demonstrates self-motivation

APTITUDE & ABILITIES

Essential

Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal o Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard Committed to providing high quality patient care