Infection Prevention Specialist Job Listing

Infection Prevention Specialist Job Listing

Position: Infection Prevention Specialist
Facility: Life Empangeni Private Hospital
Department: Nursing
Reports To: Nursing Standards Manager

Introduction

We are looking for a dedicated Infection Prevention Specialist to join our team at Life Empangeni Private Hospital. This role is essential for identifying, managing, and evaluating infection risks to ensure the safety of our patients, employees, and the community. The Infection Prevention Specialist will be responsible for implementing strategies that minimize infection risks and enhance the quality of care we provide.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and Implement Infection Prevention Strategies

• Design a clear and effective infection prevention strategy that aligns with our hospital’s goals and objectives.
• Create and execute a comprehensive infection prevention plan based on historical data, previous incidents, and audit findings.
• Lead the Infection Prevention Committee, ensuring thorough reporting, investigation, and analysis of all infection-related incidents.

2. Set and Achieve Infection Prevention Targets

• Collaborate with the nursing team to establish infection prevention goals specific to our facility.
• Conduct internal audits across various departments, including laundry, sterilization, and healthcare risk waste management, to ensure compliance with legal and company standards.

3. Risk Surveillance and Reporting

• Identify and address patient and environmental risks to minimize infection potential.
• Monitor high-risk patients and environments closely, consulting with subject matter experts when necessary.
• Report findings, trends, and actions related to infection risks to management and relevant committees.

4. Occupational Health and Safety

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with hazardous biological agents in the workplace.
• Ensure that all healthcare workers receive appropriate training and vaccinations, such as the Hepatitis B program.
• Evaluate the placement of high-risk employees to further reduce occupational health risks.

5. Training and Competence Development

• Stay updated with international best practices in infection prevention and share this knowledge within the facility.
• Provide ongoing training on various topics, including hand hygiene and infection prevention strategies, to staff members.
• Design and implement a tailored training strategy based on the specific risk profile of each unit.

6. Outbreak Management

• As a member of the Emergency Action Committee, review and improve the hospital’s outbreak management procedures annually.
• In the event of an outbreak, take charge of the response team to effectively manage the situation and mitigate further risks.

Qualifications

• Education: Must be a qualified Infection Prevention and Control Specialist from a recognized institution, holding a qualification with at least 60 credits. Short learning programs lasting less than six months are not acceptable.
• Experience: Practical knowledge in infection prevention as an Infection Prevention Specialist (IPS) or as a second-in-command (2IC) is necessary. Experience in a specialized unit is a plus.
• Additional Training: If not currently trained, candidates must enroll in the LHC certificate course (SLP) immediately or as soon as feasible. Completion of a six-day Onboarding Programme via TEAMS is also required within the first month of employment.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a strong understanding of the private healthcare sector is essential.

Competencies

• Strong leadership abilities
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills
• Practical execution capabilities
• Relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• High customer responsiveness
• Knowledge management
• Attention to detail and rule orientation
• Research proficiency
• Ethical behavior and integrity
• Resilience in challenging situations

How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please download the application form here. Complete the form and send it to Recruitment.Empangeni@lifehealthcare.co.za.

Closing Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Note for Internal Applicants: Please discuss your application with your line manager before applying. External candidates are also welcome to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Life Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer. We appreciate your interest in this position. Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Thank you for considering a career with Life Empangeni Private Hospital!