AfC Band 6 Infection Prevention Practitioner

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Infection Prevention Practitioner for their Infection Prevention and Control Team. This role is predominantly at Worthing Hospital with opportunities for cross-site work at St Richards Hospital. The successful candidate will support infection prevention strategies, conduct audits, and provide training to staff, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. Strong collaboration with healthcare professionals and excellent communication skills will be essential for success in this position. Flexible working options are available.

Qualifications

• Experience in infection prevention and control practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and patients.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and audit results.

Responsibilities

• Support the Infection Prevention strategy and quality improvement agenda.
• Manage own workload and collaborate with healthcare professionals.
• Conduct IPC audits and deliver training to staff.

Skills

Infection Prevention knowledge

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant healthcare qualification

Job description

Applications are invited to join University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control Team.

We are seeking an AfC Band 6 Infection Prevention Practitioner, predominantly based at Worthing Hospital with cross‑site working at St Richards Hospital in Chichester.

Responsibilities

• Support the Infection Prevention strategy as part of the wider quality improvement agenda.
• Prioritise and manage own workload.
• Collaborate with other health‑care professionals, using risk assessment where applicable, to manage patients with suspected or confirmed infections in clinical areas.
• Be highly visible, accessible and approachable to staff, patients and the public to ensure open and honest communication channels are created and sustained.
• Undertake IPC daily ward rounds, providing a visible IPC presence in the clinical areas.
• Deliver a variety of IPC formal and informal training to staff, clinical and non‑clinical.
• Actively undertake IPC audits, providing skilled verbal feedback and written reports.
• Collate and analyse surveillance and audit data to support and influence decisions on the evaluation of changes to clinical practice.
• Develop an understanding of microbiology, immunology and epidemiology to support the design and implementation of infection prevention strategies.
• Deal with daily alerts and phone calls in a timely manner; take appropriate actions and, when necessary, escalations to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Undertake frequent ward rounds or departmental visits to support clinical staff in providing optimal IPC care.
• Assist Senior IPC Practitioners in managing outbreaks and incidents, liaising with staff and recording relevant information.
• Act as a resource for multi‑disciplinary teams in the field of infection prevention and control.
• Encourage all Trust staff to adhere to Trust policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare and deliver information to multi‑disciplinary teams, the public and large groups through lectures, small groups or one‑to‑one sessions.
• Assist in the implementation of planned education programmes and support the Learning and Development Department.
• Develop and disseminate IPC information (e.g., posters) and participate in events, campaigns or road shows to raise awareness.
• Devise and undertake audits to ensure IPC conforms to evidence‑based practice and national/local policy.
• Provide specialist advice on cleaning, decontamination of medical equipment, water hygiene and ventilation.
• Advise on the suitability of medical equipment for reprocessing.
• Support building works and refurbishments, including commissioning new facilities.
• Promote antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

Important information for applicants

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice and experience. Applications that rely heavily on AI‑generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in rejection.

Closing Adverts Early
If exceptional interest arises, we may close adverts earlier than specified. Some adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore the advert will close once the cap has been reached. Encourage early application.

Flexible Working
If you would like to explore options regarding flexible working, speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks
As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa
Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet the visa and immigration eligibility criteria. For further information, visit the gov.uk website or search for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet these criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.