Role Purpose
The aim of this role is to optimise service user care through the prevention, surveillance, liaison, education, research and control of Health Care Acquired Infections throughout the organisation
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a specialist adviser on matters pertaining to infection prevention and control to all staff, service users and visitors.
- Manage the implementation of the HIQA National Standards for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections within the organisation.
- The implementation and maintenance of an effective infection prevention and control programme within the organisation.
- Collaborate with Risk office to review, analyse documentation practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance the safety welfare of staff, service users and visitors.
- Manage own caseload in accordance with the needs of the post.
- Ensure safe water management systems through liaison with Facilities and Estates management. Developing and implementing strategies to control legionella growth.
- Carry out monitoring of compliance with infection prevention control policies and advise the management team on how to address deficiencies where necessary.
- Identify, communicate and investigate outbreaks (including notifiable infections) and implement necessary control measures to prevent reoccurrence.
- Communicate significant laboratory reports to staff, instigating appropriate action if necessary.
- Liaise and network with outside organisations and individuals as required.
- Have clinical knowledge pertaining specific infection prevention and control risks in services for people with an intellectual disability.
- Ensure that professional standards are met and upheld at all times.
- Chair the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, leading meetings in line with terms of reference and to review, update, and implement infection control policies and practices within the organisation.
- Conduct surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns to identify trends, implement interventions, and prevent the spread of resistant organisms.
- Oversee and run the national vaccination programmes in the organisation such as Influenza/COVID /Pneumonia.
- Participate in health promotion initiatives to educate and engage healthcare staff in infection prevention and control practices.
The Person
- Registered with NMBI (RNID, RGN, or RPN).
- Minimum 2 years post-registration experience and eligible for an enhanced nurse role.
- Higher Diploma (Level 8) in Infection Control (or willingness to undertake).
- Strong knowledge of HIQA Standards, Health Act (2007), and disability sector policies.
- Excellent IT skills, including report writing and computer literacy.
- Valid Irish driving licence.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the sector, national policies and standards guiding the service.
For more details view the full job description in the Additional Information section below.
