Band 6 Deputy CNS - Infection Control

To work, within the operational scope of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team, facilitating the prevention, surveillance, investigation and control of infection within the Adult and Paediatric Acute setting.

To participate in education programmes for all grades of staff on aspects of infection prevention and control, to improve compliance with best practice. The post holder will be required to operate flexibly within the IPC team structure to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided to the Trust acute services.

The role duties fall under the following categories:

Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect)

Clinical Research / Audit

Education

Management and Leadership

Service development

People management

Communication

Infection Prevention and Control Role Profile

The post-holder will work within the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Team, providing specialist advice and support in the identification, prevention, monitoring and control of infection across the Trust. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, the post-holder will contribute to the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care and support the continuous improvement of services through evidence-based practice, surveillance, audit and quality improvement initiatives. The role involves advising staff on infection prevention and control measures, including patient isolation requirements, implementation of standard and transmission-based precautions, and management of infection risks. The post-holder will communicate effectively with patients, relatives and staff regarding potentially sensitive infection-related issues and provide specialist support to facilitate informed decision-making and safe care delivery. The post-holder will review microbiological and surveillance data to monitor infection trends, evaluate interventions and inform future practice. They will assist in the investigation and management of outbreaks, healthcare-associated infections and critical incidents, contributing to reports and recommendations for the Infection Prevention and Control Team, Infection Control Committee and other governance groups as required. Accurate clinical records and documentation must be maintained in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and legislative requirements. The post-holder will support compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, NHS standards, national guidance and local IPC policies.

Clinical Audit, Research and Quality Improvement

The post-holder will contribute to audit, research and service evaluation activities designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce infection risks. This includes monitoring compliance with infection prevention standards through structured audit programmes, analysing findings and supporting the implementation of improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include critically evaluating research and evidence to develop and provide advice on infection prevention and control. The post-holder will assist in the development and review of evidence-based policies, procedures and clinical guidelines, ensuring alignment with national legislation, local policies and best-practice standards. The role requires the ability to assess and distinguish infection risks associated with patients, equipment and the healthcare environment and provide appropriate advice and recommendations. Audit outcomes will be used to support service improvement, patient safety and reductions in healthcare-associated infection rates. Education and Professional Development. The post-holder will contribute to the education and development of healthcare staff through formal and informal teaching, coaching and support. A variety of teaching methods will be used to deliver effective infection prevention and control education, including hand hygiene, standard infection control precautions and other relevant subjects. Opportunities to facilitate learning will be recognised and utilised to improve knowledge, compliance and patient safety. Teaching activities will be evaluated to assess effectiveness and inform future educational approaches. The post-holder will maintain and develop their own professional competence through reflection, self-assessment, continuing professional development, formal education, conferences and self-directed learning. They will act as a resource for patients, relatives and staff requiring advice or information regarding infection prevention and control.

Management and Leadership

Working under appropriate supervision, the post-holder will establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships across professional boundaries. They will support clinical teams in implementing infection prevention strategies, improving practice and embracing change. The role includes acting as a resource for staff, contributing to problem-solving and participating in multidisciplinary initiatives to improve infection prevention and control practices. Effective relationships will be maintained with colleagues across clinical areas, microbiology, virology and wider corporate services. The post-holder will practise in accordance with professional codes of conduct, relevant legislation and Trust policies, maintaining accountability for their actions and decisions at all times.

Service Development

The post-holder will contribute to the ongoing development of Infection Prevention and Control services through participation in strategic planning, quality improvement projects, audit, surveillance and research activities. They will report relevant issues, developments and service requirements to senior IPC colleagues and contribute to business-planning processes where appropriate. Responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of the Infection Prevention and Control Annual Programme, contributing to organisational objectives, benchmarking standards and enhancing patient care. The post-holder will assist in the development of Link Practitioners through meetings, presentations and ongoing support.

People Management

The post-holder will maintain and develop a sound knowledge of infection prevention and control to support staff across the Trust. They will encourage reflective practice, support professional development and promote safe, effective patient care through education and guidance. The role includes contributing to the planning, implementation and delivery of study days, training programmes and educational resources. Formal and informal teaching will be provided to clinical and non-clinical staff, patients and visitors as required. Statutory and mandatory training requirements must be maintained in accordance with Trust policy.

Communication

The post-holder will actively participate as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Team, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues to achieve service objectives. They will communicate clearly and effectively with clinical teams, providing advice within their scope of competence and escalating complex matters appropriately. Responsibilities include supporting the communication of alert organism results and associated infection control advice to relevant staff, patients and carers. The post-holder will ensure that information is delivered sensitively, clearly and compassionately, taking account of individual communication needs. The role involves contributing to patient information resources, governance reports, quarterly bulletins and the annual Infection Prevention and Control Report. Effective communication with external healthcare organisations will be maintained to support continuity of care and minimise cross-infection risks. The post-holder will contribute to professional networks, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and promote the Trust's values, objectives and professional reputation. They will support the development of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors whilst championing best practice in infection prevention and control

The Trust's Directorate of Infection (DOI) comprises Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), Infectious Diseases (ID), the antimicrobial pharmacy team, the Centre for Clinical Infection & Diagnostics Research (CIDR), and the diagnostic laboratories (Microbiology and Virology). For over a decade, seamless integration of these essential elements has been the hallmark of our service delivery model. The Trust currently reports amongst the best IPC performance in the Shelford group of England's 10 leading academic healthcare organisations and is widely regarded as a national exemplar for IPC.

Essential: - Registered Nurse on the NMC Register OR Allied health Professional with professional registration; - Relevant postgraduate course or equivalent experience

Desirable: - Diploma/Degree in Infection Prevention and Control/Microbiology

Essential: - Current consolidated interest and experience in infection prevention and control (e.g. Infection Prevention and Control Link Practitioner) With substantial experience at ward/departmental level

Desirable: - Clinical experience in more than one speciality Relevant experience in Infection Prevention & Control Research Data analysis

Essential: - Proven clinical knowledge and skills in infection prevention and control; - Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues; - Knowledge of evidence-based practice. An understanding of audit and research based clinical practice; - Demonstrate an awareness of clinical governance and risk management and how this effects their role and the department