JOB DESCRIPTION

Infection Prevention and Control Lead

Accountable To: Chief Responsible To: Head of Medical Services Base: Trust facility (HQ or MRC) Pay band Band 8a (indicative)

Level of The post holder will be self-starting and work within Accountability defined parameters, supported and empowered by the Head of Medical Services.

Job Purpose: The post holder will work as the strategic Lead for Prevention and Control in South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb ), working with the Head of Medical Services (and the Trust DIPC – Director of Infection Control) in the delivery of clean, safe, evidence-based infection control practice based on current legislation and guidance. He/ she will act as an ambassador and expert for all aspects of infection prevention and control.

The post holder will support compliance with the requirements of the and Social Care Act 2008, Standards for Better Health and other DoH initiatives, ensuring ownership of compliance with infection prevention and control by clinical service leads, in line with ‘Board to Ward’. To ensure the development of improved performance and service delivery across SECAmb.

Responsible for providing expert advice, support and training as appropriate to all directly employed members of staff within SECAmb, including the of outbreaks of infection and incidents as they occur.

The post holder will attend external conferences, seminars and meetings to ensure the Trusts infection prevention and control policies and procedures conform with national evidence based best practice Page 1 of 13 Version 0.3 27/11/ 2018 HR Directorate

and to ensure the continual professional development of the post holder.

The post holder will have a key day-to-day advisory, investigative and educational role within the Trust for IPC, as well as having responsibility for surveillance, audit and performance reporting in close association with PCT Commissioners, Acute providers, Medical Microbiologists and Consultant in (PCT and Health Protection Agency).

The post holder has responsibility for the day-to-day management and continuing development of infection prevention practice and will work closely with Trust Directorates to achieve the highest standard of infection prevention and control.

The post holder will be a Response Capable Manger and will be expected to act as a Trust manager as and when required to support the organisations operational needs. Key Duties:  Communication & relationship skills o Act as the Trust’s Deputy DIPC (Deputy Director of Infection Control) o The postholder must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within the Trust and among external agencies o Liaise with Clinical in relation to skills gaps and training plans relating to IPC o Expert IPC advice for Operating Unit Management Teams o Challenges unsafe practice in all levels of staff in order to reduce the risk of related o Demonstrates effective communication with all disciplines within the organisation and external partners. Provide and receive highly complex information which can be sensitive or contentious in relation to Infection Control. o Provide effective communication of the Trust’s infection prevention and control activities and HCAI records to the general population and the local press/media.

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o Development of the Infection Control Link Staff across SECAmb in line with the Trusts personal development plans and to meet the objectives of the infection prevention and control programme. o Liaise, as appropriate, with the Department of Health (DoH), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Health Protection Agency (HPA), Strategic Health Authority (SHA), Services, Local PCT's, The National Ambulance IPC Group, Acute Sector Providers, Social Services, Care Quality Commission, Monitor, NHSLA, Clinical Commissioning Groups and other interested parties encouraging collaborative working to improve service performance.  Knowledge Training and Experience o Uses specialist and acquired knowledge and initiative to change and challenge practice to reduce the risks of healthcare infections, improving performance across provided clinical services o Act as the expert advisor and source of information on IPC to any appropriate department within the Trust. o Provide infection prevention advice on patient care in relation to preventing cross infection o Provide microbiological knowledge and infection prevention advice to promote health, prevent and control the risk of infections and communicable disease for health care workers and support personnel on specific issues in infection control o Act as, or co-ordinates, and clinical supervision for Infection Control Link staff. o To be responsible for supporting the implementation of the Hygiene Code  Analytical and Judgement Skills o Critically appraise and evaluate infection prevention and control knowledge and practice across SECAmb. o Be responsible for recording personally generated information relating to own work. Page 3 of 13 Version 0.3 27/11/ 2018 HR Directorate

o Undertakes surveys and audits in relation to ambulance related infection prevention and control o Interpret national guidance for provided IPC clinical services. o Analysing and providing performance data providing assessment of improvement programmes. o Investigates incidents of infection control and produces reports to the relevant groups. Report the lessons learnt and actions via the Infection Control Sub Group, in order to prevent and control further incidents within the Trust.  Planning and Organisational Skills o To be responsible for and lead on the development of an infection control annual plan, to include audit planning against key performance indicators. o To be responsible for and lead on the structure, co-ordination, interpretation, response and reporting of the infection control audit programmes and general policies. o To be responsible for and lead on the development, implementation planning and review for infection prevention and control policy, procedures and manual. Develop standard operating policies for the control of infection. o Plan and implement new ways of working to improve and quality of care by influencing the allocation of resources required to minimise the risk of Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs). o Ensure the maintenance and progression of the C4a (infection prevention) Standards for Better Health and provides evidence as required for the external assessment of the Standards for Better Health and NHSLA assessments. o Carry out risk assessments in relation to infection prevention and control including

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clinical practices to reduce the risk of healthcare related infection o Maintains accurate and comprehensive records, ensuring all information is managed according to the Trusts policies and procedures. o Day to day monitoring of infection control incidents within the Trust. o The post holder is instrumental in the planning, implementation and evaluation of education and training programmes for infection prevention and control.  Physical Skills o Be able to undertake full range of physical skills related to the specific IPC tasks and clinical practice in general  Responsibility for Patient Care o Infection control is central to the care of patients in context to their long term outcomes from illness and injury. o Develop and deliver clear plans to ensure that national and international best practice in relation to IP&C is undertaken within the Trust. o Ensure that infections which affects direct and indirect patient care are minimised. For example, making sure outbreaks of Norovirus is minimised through the promotion of excellent hand hygiene programmes, and that transmission of disease is mitigated in practice o Work with colleagues across the Trust to ensure that all aspects of the organisational maintain high standards of IP&D (for example, in the Make Ready process) o Assists where appropriate in the management and the control of meningitis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and major outbreaks of gastrointestinal infection in association with existing personnel. o Lead role on ensuring the Trusts strong focus on IPC in relation to patient safety and staff welfare. o Remain professionally active maintaining own continuing professional Page 5 of 13 Version 0.3 27/11/ 2018 HR Directorate

development by undertaking clinical duties and by operating as a response capable manager. o The postholder must remain clinically up to date and undertake regular clinical shifts in order to be competent, confident and credible. o Provide infection prevention advice and support to patients, relatives and staff. o Protect at all times, the IPC interests of SECAmb in relation to personnel, patients and visitors.  Policy & Service Development o Align the Trusts visions and values, and ensure that the organisation develops it approach to IP&C in order to be able to maintain standards and address future needs. o Work strategically on behalf of the Trust as an expert in IP&C to ensure that the organisation is able to demonstrate evidentially that it is compliant with all current legislation which upholds patient and staff safety o Responsible for auditing of compliance with Standards for Better Health, Health and Social Care Act 2008, interpreting and presenting results and generating/monitoring action plans. o As appropriate, participates in the Trusts engagement with national, regional and local epidemiological research and surveillance of health care associated infections, also undertake surveys in relation to ambulance related performance management in relation to provided clinical services. o Develop and maintain procedural documents informing practice and systems relating to infection prevention and control o Attend and lead (where appropriate) on sub- groups within the Directorate. o Identifies risk and manages risk using the Risk Register.  Financial & Physical Resources o Manage any direct reports associated with the post, now and in future o Maintain budgetary balance and work with colleagues in Finance team to develop robust Page 6 of 13 Version 0.3 27/11/ 2018 HR Directorate

financial planning processes which support the IP&C function in the Trust. o Maintain an inventory of all assets relating to IP&C and ensure that available resources are stored and maintained (i.e. promotional and education tools and materials) o The postholder will work collaboratively with colleagues and other trust staff. o The post requires consideration to the efficiency of services through maintenance of good standards of IPC  Human Resources o Responsible for promoting a safe environment and driving a culture of continuous improvement to ensure relevant standards are met. Managing highly complex facts or situations. Analysing, interpreting and comparing a range of issues relating to infection prevention and control. o Responsible for specialist training as appropriate such as induction programmes, service specific training and as required in response to risk assessments and incidents.  Information Resources o Develop and deliver detailed and accurate records on all aspects of IP&C within the Trust o Prepare and submit the various reports required associated with the IP&C function, such as internal governance report, health economy level reports, and national system reporting. o Take responsibility for data accuracy and availability and work across the Trust to ensure information is available to those who require it o Management of incidents via DATIX system  Research and Development o Research literate, and able to support and contribute to studies within the Trust relating in particular to IPC o To actively participate in the formation and development of infection control networks both locally and nationally

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 Freedom to Act o The postholder is expected to be self-starting and self-reliant, but able to work to clear direction provided by the Head of Medical Services o Work within strategic boundaries  Physical Effort o Carry out direct patient care as required to the prevailing clinical grade. This may include lifting and carrying patients and equipment o The postholder is required to travel throughout the Trust region o There is a requirement to work with equipment and other items needing coordination  Mental Effort o The postholders will have expertise in their specialist practice area, and be able to articulate this through their work o Produce annual, quarterly and ad-hoc reports, as applicable for PCT’s Infection Control Committees, Trust Board, Risk Management and Clinical Governance Sub Committee and other relevant parties. o Identifies, investigates and monitors hazardous practices associated with infection, in line with current legislation and practice  Emotional Effort o Undertake full range of clinical duties which will on occasion require exposure to distressing situations. o Occasionally presenting to large groups of people/staff facilitating workshops.  Working Conditions o The postholder will be based at a Trust location, but will be required to undertake significant amounts of travelling o Clinical practice may require periods of working outdoors.

Quality  Review with Senior Practice Development Manager the quality of own work to ensure that the required standards of performance are met.  Maintain a professional attitude and public image at all times. Page 8 of 13 Version 0.3 27/11/ 2018 HR Directorate

 Able to work successfully in a team  Credible to internal and external stakeholders.  Has analytical, numeric and critical reasoning skills and capable of effective problem solving.  Aware of conflicting priorities and works collaboratively to reach effective and efficient solutions.  Ability to present information logically and concisely both verbally and in writing, including the ability to write reports and procedures with clarity to ensure that messages are put across effectively.  Good presentation skills and the ability to convey information and concepts in a way which is understandable.  Good influencing and negotiating skills.  Good communication skills.  Able to demonstrate and maintain a professional and diplomatic approach with competing priorities and tight deadlines.  Good organisational skills.  Good report writing skills.  Aware of importance of research in practice.  Competent in a range of clinical skills.  Demonstrate an ability to identify difficult situations and act appropriately to obtain support.  Identifies difficulties as challenges and works with others to identify solutions.  Good conflict resolution skills.

Personal  Undertake learning to ensure that own knowledge and skills are maintained at the required level for the post.  Participate in regular personal development reviews in accordance with Trust policies and the NHS knowledge and skills framework.  Undertake required learning and ensure that this is put into practice  Can motivate, inspire and support innovative thinking in others.  Is a committed team player.  Is self-aware, has personal integrity and is a role model for openness and inclusion.  Demonstrates resilience, confidence and self- belief when under pressure.  Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.  Accuracy and attention to detail.  Commitment to lifelong learning and development.  Ability to reflect and learn from situations. Page 9 of 13 Version 0.3 27/11/ 2018 HR Directorate

 Demonstrate a high level of understanding of self, able to identify personal limitations and shows openness to address them.

Corporate Maintain good corporate and clinical governance Governance arrangements, including risk management.

Embrace high standards of employment practice and act in accordance with the ‘Code of Conduct’.

Promote the vision, values and goals of the organisation.

Performance Ensure that the Trust’s funds are properly used, Management represent value for money and can withstand public scrutiny.

Where applicable, provide strong budget management for the defined area of management responsibility and monitor expenditure against those budgets.

Act within Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions of the Trust.

Health and Safety The post holder will take due care at work, reporting any accidents or untoward occurrences.

The Trust operates a “No Smoking” Policy. Staff are only allowed to smoke in designated smoking areas.

The Health Act 2008 Code of Practice for Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections

You are required to ensure that you carry out your duties in a manner that maintains and promotes the principles and practice of infection prevention and control in compliance with national standards, trust policies, guidelines and procedures.

Equal Opportunities The Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy affirms our commitment to ensure that no patient, employee or prospective employee is discriminated against, whether directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, responsibility for dependants, disability, religion, creed, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, trade union activity, social background, health status, or is

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disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown as justifiable.

Confidentiality / Individuals (including volunteers, contractors and Data Protection / temporary workers) must maintain the confidentiality Freedom of of information about patients, staff and other health Information service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Individuals must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding patients or staff. If any individual has communicated any such information to an unauthorised person that individual(s) could be liable for disciplinary action which could result in dismissal. Moreover, the Data Protection Act 1998 also renders an individual liable for prosecution in the event of unauthorised disclosure of information.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2005, individuals must apply the Trust’s FOI procedure.

In addition individuals have specific responsibilities to ensure that they maintain the confidentiality and security of all information that is dealt with in the course of performing their duties it is in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the principles of Caldicott. Individuals should also ensure that their staff are aware of their obligations under legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act 2000; Computer Misuse Act 1990, and that staff are updated with any changes or additions relevant to legislation.

Review This role brief reflects the principle duties of the post as identified at date of issue. It may be subject to amendment in the light of the changing needs of the service, and will be reviewed periodically in discussion with the post holder Special Conditions The duties and responsibilities described in this role brief may be subject to amendment in the light of the changing needs of the Trust. All managerial posts are subject to the NHS Managers’ Code of Conduct. The post holder may be required to carry out additional tasks as required to meet business priorities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Desirable

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Knowledge and  Must have good  Mentoring skills skills assessment, analytical and judgemental skills.  Special knowledge in selected areas of infection  Demonstrate a working and its control knowledge of national policy drivers and quality  Publication in appropriate standards relating to journals etc. infection control.

 Advanced knowledge of current guidelines for decontamination (cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation) of re-usable medical equipment, including relevant health technical memoranda, medical device bulletins and international and organisational standards.

 Advanced knowledge of infection control in the built environment and facilities management. Experience and knowledge in service contracts.

 Knowledge of legal requirements for IPC in the Health Care Setting.

 Robust communication skills

 Leadership skills

 Good IT skills

 Advanced analytical skills

 Clinical skills to maintain registration

Experience  Over two year’s clinical  A recognised teaching experience in a relevant qualification. health care field.  Setting local standards  Over two years’ and targets. experience leading the IPC agenda across a Trust

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 Highly developed specialised knowledge in IPC.

 Participation in change management projects.

 Lead on IPC audits.

 Setting quality standards for all IPC requirements across the trust.

Professional  level education  MSc in management of Qualifications (or equivalent) in IPC healthcare practice

 BSc (Hons) specialist award relating to infection prevention and control

 Current driving licence (manual) with C1

 Paramedic registered with the HCPC

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