Overview
The Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) provides senior clinical leadership for IPC across the organisation, ensuring safe, evidence-based practice in all mental health inpatient, community, and specialist settings. The role leads the development and delivery of IPC strategies, ensures compliance with national guidance and Trust policies, and oversees the organisation’s response to outbreaks, clusters, and emerging infection risks. The post-holder ensures compliance with the IPC Board Assurance Framework and with all other relevant national and local IPC standards, guidance, and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust systems that reflect current best practice across mental health services. The post-holder works collaboratively with teams to build capability and confidence in championing IPC, empowering staff to take ownership of safe practice and embed high standards across all mental health settings. The post-holder acts as the Trust’s expert resource for IPC, maintaining up-to-date specialist knowledge, including challenges specific to mental health environments such as therapeutic activities, environmental constraints, and patient engagement barriers. They work collaboratively with Divisional, Locality, and corporate teams to embed IPC principles into everyday practice and influence senior leaders, matrons, ward managers, and community teams to drive a culture of safety and continuous improvement. The Lead Nurse interprets and implements the National IPC Manual within mental health contexts, translating guidance into practical, proportionate approaches that support therapeutic care while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements. They ensure the IPC team delivers a high-performing service, including surveillance, audit, training, data analysis, and targeted improvement actions.
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