Infection Prevention and Control and Patient Safety Specialist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Patient Safety Specialist to join our team on a 12-month secondment, covering maternity leave. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain additional experience in IPC and the field of patient safety, and to contribute to key infection prevention initiatives that directly impact patient safety. We will support the post holder to ensure they are confident and competent in this specialist role, providing an opportunity to make a tangible difference in IPC and patient safety across the organisation. As a key member of the Patient Safety and Quality team, you will act as a resource for advice and support in relation to IPC and patient safety and be responsible for supporting the delivery of safe, responsive and effective IPC services to teams across First Community. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and minimising healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in IPC and patient safety strategies, driving compliance with relevant guidelines and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The post holder will be responsible for implementation and monitoring of infection control policies, procedures, and guidelines across the organisation and collaborate with clinical teams to ensure effective IPC strategies are in place., Under the patient safety incident response framework, you will be expected to promote a culture of patient safety across the organisation. This will be achieved through the delivery of training, education, and awareness campaigns and involvement of safety improvement priorities and investigation and management of adverse events. The post holder will also be expected to provide advice and guidance on infection control practices to staff at all levels and lead on IPC audits, including environmental audits and undertake observational visits. You will also be expected to develop and deliver training on infection prevention and control topics and participate in quality improvement initiatives and support IPC-related projects.

We are looking for an individual who possesses:

• A strong understanding of infection control principles, protocols, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to work effectively with teams.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
• Experience in infection control (preferred but not essential).
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  Do you want to be part of an organisation that was rated best provider of NHS care to work for nationwide? (2023 staff survey results)
First Community is a staff owned social enterprise rated Good by CQC, which delivers NHS community services across east Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We are looking for individuals who share our values First-rate care, First-rate people, First-rate value. First Community is a great place to work, everyone has a voice and is supported to develop their career to its full potential. We offer all our staff: NHS terms and conditions, high quality training and development opportunities, flexible working to enable a good work life balance, an inclusive and friendly work environment, an NHS pension, flexible retirement options and various employee benefits. Please talk to us before applying or at interview about the flexibility you need. We may not be able to meet your needs exactly, but we do promise to fully consider your request and meet your needs where possible. Please note, flexible working options may vary depending on the role. At First Community we welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. We ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments. Sustainability is integral to First Community achieving the NHS Net Zero target.