Job overview
Applications are invited to join University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Team. We are seeking a AfC Band 6 Infection Prevention Practitioner, predominately based at Worthing Hospital but cross site working at St Richards Hospital Chichester will be required to support the provision of the Infection Prevention service.
The successful post holder will support the Infection Prevention strategy as part of the wider quality improvement agenda and would be an ideal opportunity for a dynamic, confident and highly motivated practitioner wishing to further their career in a specialist and pivotal field within healthcare.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
Prioritise and manage own workload. To collaborate with other health care professionals, using risk assessment where applicable, to manage patients with suspected /confirmed infections in the clinical areas. To be highly visible, accessible and approachable to staff, patients and the public to ensure that open and honest communication channels are created and sustained.
Undertake IPC daily ward rounds providing a visible IPC presence in the clinical areas.
To deliver a variety of IPC formal and informal training to a range of staff, clinical and non-clinical
Actively undertake IPC audits, including providing skilled verbal feedback and written reports
Collates and analyses surveillance and audit data in order to support and influence decisions on the evaluation of change to clinical practice.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
·Develop an understanding of principles of microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology to support the design and implementation of strategies to prevent and control infection with guidance from Senior IPCT members.
·Deal with daily alerts and phone calls in a timely and efficient manner. Take appropriate actions and escalate serious issues or concerns, to ensure patient and staff safety is maintained.
·Undertake frequent ward rounds or departmental visits, to support clinical staff to provide optimal care in relation to IPC; identify any specific concerns from staff; and identify address
·To assist Senior IPC Practitioners in managing outbreaks and incidents, liaising with staff, assisting with guidance, and recording and reporting of relevant information.
·To act as a resource for multi-disciplinary teams on infection prevention and control within sphere of competence.
·To actively encourage all Trust staff to adhere to Trust policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures as appropriate.
·To be involved in the preparation and use of a variety of methods to deliver appropriate information effectively to multi-disciplinary teams, members of the public in large groups, lectures, smaller groups and one to ones.
·To assist the Senior IPC Practitioners with the implementation of the planned education program for Infection Prevention and Control Link Practitioners.
·To contribute to practice development across the organisation under the auspices of the strategy for nursing and midwifery.
·To provide education, under direct or indirect supervision for Pre-registration and Postgraduate Student Nurses, Medical Students to support the Learning and Development Department and the Universities as advised by the Senior IPC Practitioner.
·To assist in the development and dissemination of infection prevention and control information e.g. posters.
·Under direct or indirect supervision to participate in and organise events, campaigns or road shows to raise awareness of key infection prevention messages e.g. hand hygiene.
·To devise and undertake audits as required according to service need to ensure that infection prevention conforms to evidence based practice and national and local policy/guidance.
·To develop skills and knowledge of specialist advice on the appropriate methods of cleaning of the environment, decontamination of medical equipment, water hygiene and ventilation.
·To provide specialist advice, under direct/indirect supervision on suitability of medical equipment and suitability to reprocess.
·To develop skills and knowledge of specialist advice to Estates and Facilities and Capital Projects when undertaking building works and refurbishments. Develop skills in commissioning new facilities.
·Under direct or indirect supervision, promote and implement strategies that encourage effective antimicrobial stewardship.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. RGN Diploma/degree
2. Evidence of continuing professional development
3. Post registration clinical experience
Desirable criteria
4. Able to assess and interpret information e.g. microbiological results
5. Recognised IPC qualification (or in process of completing) with relevant experience working in IPC
6. A teaching qualification i.e. ENB 998 or equivalent
7. Leadership and organisational skills
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
8. Teaching and presenting experience
9. Ability to assess, teach and demonstrate clinical procedures
Desirable criteria
10. Understand leadership styles and their application
11. Evidence of driving and supporting organisational change
12. Proven clinical experience of management, teaching, audit and implementing change
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Able to prioritise own workload
14. Able to visit many different clinical areas across the trust
15. Adaptable and able to manage unpredictable changes to workload
16. Excellent written and spoken English
17. Presentation skills
18. Clear understanding and application of professional accountability
Desirable criteria
19. Competent to deliver training/teaching to large groups of people
20. Able to independently produce well written reports
21. Efficient use of IT systems and databases
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications