Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Specialist IPC Practitioners to join our friendly and supportive team at Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust . Our team is expanding to continually improve the delivery of the IPC agenda across a 7 day provision.If you are an enthusiastic, forward thinking , clinically experienced senior specialist IPC practitioner who is passionate about Infection Prevention Control and are looking for a new and exciting challenge we are looking forward to hearing from you.The post holder will work autonomously across acute and community settings supporting delivery of IPC agenda . You must have excellent communication skills and demonstrate experience of leading change and sustained quality improvement in line with national and local IPC agenda.This diverse and varied role will be challenging and rewarding with the opportunity to personally and professionally develop.Main duties of the jobThe post holder will have a high visible presence in clinical areas and assist the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Head of Nursing, Matron and all members of the Infection Prevention and Control Service in the provision of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Service across the health economy of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust incorporating Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP).To be a role model providing professional advice and education on prevention and control of infection to other professionals, multidisciplinary groups, patients, and carers to strengthen the infection prevention and control agenda and improve compliance with best practice.To work as an autonomous practitioner to provide comprehensive assistance across the health economy encompassing MCHFT and CCICP. The job holder will be expected to gain competence in all aspects of the role and apply this to their role, attending training to further develop existing knowledge and skills in line with local and national priorities.To work flexibly within the Infection Prevention and Control service structure to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided to the Trust and when necessary to act up or deputise for senior team members.To promote compliance with all aspects of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (2015): Code of Practice for the NHS on the prevention and control of Healthcare Associated infections and related guidance.About usMid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a full range of local hospital and community services for people across East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester boroughs (population 357K).The Trust provides high quality planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care as well as child health, maternity services, and intermediate care across our sites at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. The Trust provides 500 beds and employs over 5,000 members of staff.An extensive range of community services is provided across 26 medical centres and schools by our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022 the Trust became a strategic partner in both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester 'places' and is part of the Cheshire and Merseyside partnership caring for a population of over 2.7million.During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its 'Be Safe Be EquiPPEd' campaign, which aimed to make the Trust as safe as possible for staff and patients, through supporting the correct use of PPE.At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesSERVICE DELIVERYClinicalProvide highly specialist Infection Prevention and Control advice to the multi professional team, across the organisation including CCICP. Taking into account all aspects of clinical governance promote and develop the use of evidence-based practice to improve the outcomes of patient care across the health economy.Lead and maintain a case load as directed by the Head of Nursing and Matron for Infection Prevention and Control.Promote patient choice and involvement within the parameters of Infection Prevention and Control, initiating appropriate action.With the support of Infection Prevention and Control Service, lead on the assessment, planning and communicate actions required by clinical staff for safe infection control and patient care.Assist in the identification of priorities and subsequent delivery of the Trust Infection Prevention and Control HCAI reduction plan.Contribute and participate in the delivery of the infection prevention and control education plan tailored to relevant service needs for all disciplines of staff, patients, and carers.Maintain accurate, legible, and timely records of patient care using the ICNET electronic system, patient records reporting any adverse incidents on the Trust incident reporting system.Participate in a robust programme of audit and surveillance and support the timely dissemination of findings promoting evidence-based outcomes to improve patient care.Work autonomously to manage workload whilst working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Frequently be required to travel to sites across the organisation. Will need to be a car driver.Frequently be required to transport training equipment between sitesTo take lead responsibility for clinical areas including CCICP, as designated by the Head of Nursing, Matron Infection Prevention and Control to facilitate embedding infection Prevention and Control in clinical practice to meet individual and organisational objectives.Responsible for frequently providing and receiving sensitive/highly sensitive complex or contentious information to patients, their relatives, and members of the public with care, compassion, and reassurance relating to infectious conditions and or Public Health. Assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and deliver high quality, evidence-based care, including maintaining high standards of documentation.Responsible for frequently delivering potentially distressing, upsetting or unwelcome news to patients / relatives / staff / visitors which may be highly emotional and sensitive e.g., confirmation of newly developed infection status, Duty of Candour, outbreaks.Perform quality assurance visits and other IPC visits to clinical areas to assess standard of IPC. Will be exposed to unpleasant working conditions such as body fluids, clinical waste, sharps, and infection material/service users.To work with the Microbiologist and Clinical staff to investigate and manage outbreaks of infection with reference to their source, mode of spread and means of control.To maintain accurate records of outbreaks, incidents, and alert organisms in accordance with trust policy.Work flexibly especially during outbreaks or specific incidents to support the organisation with Infection control advice.This post may include weekends and evenings.Demonstrate advance keyboard skills and ability to use a variety of different computer software packages.Demonstrate a high level of accuracy.Be required to switch tasks to respond to unpredictable needs that arise in the clinical areas and support staff in ensuring quality standards are maintained.Be required to have frequent concentration for report writing training, provision, meeting and data analysis etc.Participate in undertaking research in relation to specialist areas of practice and ensures dissemination of relevant research in specialist field.Work with internal and external databases entering and analysing the data to influence service planning.Maintain ongoing alert organism surveillance providing feedback and actions to control and prevent cross infections in line with local and national requirements. Incorporating the Post Infection Review (PIR) data collection and implementation of lessons learnt.Plan diary appropriately to ensure visits to clinical areas to manage alert organisms, implementing appropriate actions ensuring effective IPC practice is implemented by the clinical areas.To participate in external monitoring e.g., PLACE audits, Care Quality Commission inspections, ensuring the trust is compliant with recommended standardsGOVERNANCEContributes to the development of local policies, protocols, and procedures in accordance with local and national standards in particular but not limited to the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (2015), EPIC guidelines, Health technical memorandums.Assist in dealing with complaints in the first instance and act as an advocate for patients using the correct channels and procedures to refer on complaints that cannot be easily resolved.Provide Infection Prevention and Control advice and comment on local policies, procedures, and guidelines.To carry out research in relation to specialist are of practice taking into account local and national guidance.Participate in the implementation of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures throughout the trust and carry out audit to monitor compliance.Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, by taking action/alerting senior management team if practice appears to contravene policy, or if concerned about any aspect of patient care.Work with Estates and facilities to ensure all aspects of IPC are incorporated as part of their service delivery including Water Safety, New Builds, and LaundryMANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIPIn the absence of the Head of Nursing Infection Prevention and Control/ Matron deputise as appropriate ensuring the smooth running of the Infection control service by prioritising, organising workload and appropriate delegation.Contribute to and support the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, , Head of Nursing, Matron, Consultant Microbiologist and other team members in effectively planning services and deployment of resources to ensure high quality service provision.Manage own caseload including coordinates patient journey across divisions and organisational boundaries to reflect Infection Control standards. Make use of all available methods of communication to build and develop effective communication networks and processes both within and external to the specialist area and trust.Assist with the recruitment and orientation of new staff to the teamHave line management responsibility for any junior members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team. This will include recruitment, appraisal, sickness absence and disciplinary matters.Have a duty to always promote and support staffs personal health and wellbeing, this includes both physical and mental health and wellbeingHave a responsibility to support staff by directing employees to services that are available to everyone to help in managing health and wellbeing.To lead by example always adopting an accountable and professional manner acting as a role model/advocate for Infection Prevention and Control.Produce and present reports as required disseminating information in a timely manner across multi-disciplinary boundaries and reflect of the needs of both Primary and secondary care.Assist other members of the team to undertake data collection, analysis and provide accurate reports to the divisions as appropriate.Deputise/ attend divisional meetings to present infection prevention and control matters.Ensure a healthy, safe, and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting any concerns.FINANCIALBe responsible for all equipment and resources used in the course of their work e.g. Laptop, projector, teaching materials, arranging rooms for educational purposes.Liaise with manufacturers, representatives, and suppliers regarding products to prevent cross- infection and control of infection.Act responsibly and ensure Trust resources are utilized effectively and efficientlyEDUCATION/LEARNINGProvide information to staff patients and visitors on specific infectious diseases e.g. COVID -19, Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci, Norovirus, and Influenza and infection control practice to reduce the risk of HCAI.Plan and deliver Infection Prevention and Control training across the Divisions and CCICP both informal and formal sessions in conjunction with the Head of Nursing, Matron. Including delivery of Statutory and Mandatory training in line with the Trusts objectives.Acts as a mentor to pre and post registration staff assisting in meeting their learning needs.Act as a role model and expert by adopting a knowledgeable, professional, and accountable manner at all times, acting as an advocate and mentor for other staff groups.Maintain and update evidence-based knowledge and skills.Be responsible for keeping up to date with relevant research and practices appropriate to Infection Prevention and Control to ensure best practice and teaching programmes are implemented.Provide Health promotion within specialist areaFulfils all mandatory training requirements for the trust and assists others in the department to do so.Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in 1;1s appraisal, supervision, action learning and by maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning.Person SpecificationQualifications , Knowledge and previuos experineceEssentialRegistered Practitioner e.g. First Level nurse, Physiotherapist. With 3 years post registration experience.Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Band 6 IPCNFirst degree or on a degree pathwayTeaching/ Mentoring courseInfection Prevention and Control Qualification e.g.,ENB 329, or willing to undertakeEvidence of continuing professional development.DesirableCore People management skills e.g., recognised Leadership programmeMasters (working towards)SkillsEssentialCurrent consolidated experience in Infection Prevention and Control Up to date clinical credibility/ competencyExperience of leadership and change management related to the application of Infection Prevention and Control.Work under own initiative when necessary, prioritizing service needs.Ability to work within multi-disciplinary team and to lead, manage and motivate all staff within sphere of responsibility.Experience of auditing and surveillance identifying trends and implementing appropriate actions including challenging areas of poor practiceClear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control targets and current national and local agendas to reduce risk of HCAI across the health economy.Ability to produce reports and use IT systems effectively.DesirableInfection Prevention and Control Link nurse/ Practitioner Developed skills in research Developed IT skills e.g. Excel and Access.ValuesEssentialA commitment to quality and safety.A recognition of the importance of showing respect, dignity and compassion to patients and colleagues.A listening, learning and leading approach. A commitment to work together to create the best outcomes.Must demonstrate the Trust's values around both raising concerns at work, and how to treat others who raise concernsDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameMid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustAddressMid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustMiddlewich RoadCreweCW14QJEmployer's websitehttps://www.mcht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)