Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead Nurse in City of Westminster

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead Nurse to join our team at Fortius. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving excellence in infection prevention and control across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating / Deputising for the chair in the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Committee and ensuring effective governance, reporting and escalation of IPC matters.
• Providing leadership, implementation and oversight of the IPC programme, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements, national guidance and organisational priorities.
• Leading the development, delivery and monitoring of the IPC audit programme, including review of findings, action plans and assurance of completion.
• Leading IPC surveillance activities and reviewing data relating to healthcare-associated infections, alert organisms and emerging risks.
• Leading the identification, assessment and mitigation of IPC-related risks, including the maintenance of IPC related risks on the organisational risk register.
• Providing expert advice and support in relation to outbreaks, clusters of infection, incidents and IPC concerns, including liaison with external agencies as required.
• Leading the development, review and implementation of IPC policies, procedures, guidance and communication strategies.
• Establishing and maintaining a network of IPC Link Practitioners within clinical and non-clinical departments to support local implementation and communication.
• Lead education and training in infection prevention and control, including induction, development programmes for IPC links, mandatory training and targeted education wherever required.
• Providing professional advice and support to managers, clinicians and staff on IPC matters.
• Preparing reports and assurance updates for senior leadership, governance committees and the Board, including the annual IPC report and programme.
• Working closely with the IPC Lead consultant and supporting them in their role.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders including clinical leaders, estates team, procurement, contract cleaners, pathology/microbiologists and external partners.
• Leading the assurance process with our contract cleaners on the quality and implementation of hospital and outpatient cleaning delivery.
• Lead on regulatory compliance and evidence of best practice for IPC related matters.

Other duties

• Responsible for contributing to the delivery of evidence based exceptional quality care to all patients.
• Provide motivational and inspirational nursing leadership through excellent communication, role-modelling and staff development.
• To establish collaborative working relationships and effective communications between all members of the multidisciplinary team and our consultants.
• To be an active and effective member of the senior Fortius leadership team, including taking on lead roles, attending and participating in committees and groups, taking responsibility of areas for development and contributing to the overall delivery of a quality, safe and effective service.
• Actively seek out feedback from the team and colleagues, including direct reports and line management, on at least an annual basis.
• To lead, support, supervise and instruct the team through the process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective.
• Mentor and coach nursing staff, supporting their professional development and fostering a learning environment aligned with NMC and RCN standards.
• To identify and support the development of staff in their careers and role.
• Support staff wellbeing by being approachable, empathetic, honest, respectful and caring as a manager.
• To ensure that information/decisions are cascaded appropriately to all members of the team through tools such as regular timetabled meetings (for which minutes are produced), newsletters and other relevant communication strategies.
• Encourage reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• To participate in the education and supervision of students and nursing staff.
• Remain up to date with best practice, national changes in guidance and professional regulation. Shares this knowledge with the team and hospital.
• Support sustainability agendas and looks for opportunities to protect the planet.
• Supports a diverse team and promotes equality and an inclusive workplace.
• Where appropriate, interpret and present clinical information to patients and their relatives, demonstrating highest levels of interpersonal and communication skills to ensure that patients and their carers have sufficient relevant verbal and written information during the patient’s stay.
• Disseminate national changes or updates in IPC best practice throughout the organisation.
• Support the Director of Nursing in their role.

Measurements

• Regulatory body inspections aiming for Outstanding in CQC.
• Clinical and managerial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Cost (KPIs), proficient budget management and efficient use of resource.
• Compliance with policies and procedures.
• Patient reported outcome measures, patient satisfaction and experience.
• SSI and PHIN data submission accuracy and quality.
• Adherence to NICE Guidelines, Professional Standards and Best Practice.
• Staff feedback, survey results and personal feedback.
• Training and education compliance in IPC.
• Audit results and quality improvement programmes.

This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time in accordance with operational need or circumstances and in consultation with the job holder.

Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience and Skills

• Qualified RN and NMC registered.
• Nursing degree.
• Masters in IPC.
• Leadership / management qualification.
• Evidence of post registration education and development.
• Orthopaedic or surgical specialist education.
• Practice assessor qualification.
• Education / training qualification.

Knowledge and experience

• Significant clinical experience (18 months +) at band 7 equivalent or above in an IPC role.
• Independent hospital experience.
• NHS / public hospital experience.
• Extensive surgical / orthopedic nursing experience.
• People management experience including recruiting, giving feedback, managing sickness, performance and appraisals.
• Experience in investigating IPC incidents.
• Experience in auditing and feeding back results.
• Experience in leading quality projects and implementing change.
• Experience in leading and creating policy and governance documents.
• Experience in chairing / leading IPC committee meetings.
• Experience in producing IPC programmes and reports.
• Communication skills.
• Competent IT skills including word, team and excel.
• Quick to pick up new programs and able to use in house EPR and related systems.
• Able to present work in a user friendly and engaging way.
• Can communicate through email in a polite, professional and easily understandable way.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to demonstrate empathy, de-escalate conflict and respond to concerns.
• Able to make rapport with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Leadership and management skills

• Motivated, self-directed and ability to act on own initiative.
• Positive attitude, inspiring, demonstrate the Fortius Values.
• Time management, ability to prioritise and re-prioritise.
• Accountable, professional takes responsibility for making decisions.
• Inspire confidence in others, coaches, supports, directs.
• Flexible, creative, meets the service needs.
• Ability to interpret financial plans and disseminate amongst others.