Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Specialist - QEH

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An opportunity exists for a qualified specialist infection prevention and control practitioner to join the Infection Prevention and Control team, providing vital support in preventing and controlling infection at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This permanent full-time position requires expertise in infection control, effective communication skills, and a commitment to upholding high standards in clinical practice within the NHS environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years post-registration experience with 2 years in infection control.
• Experience in teaching within an infection control education programme.
• Current consolidated experience in infection control in an acute healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering clinical services, including infection monitoring and control.
• Provide specialist advice and training related to infection control.
• Act as a role model and advocate for improving infection practices.

Skills

Excellent presentational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Influencing skills

Education

NMC Level 1 Registration

Degree or equivalent in a health-related subject

Specialist qualification in Infection prevention and control

Mentorship/Teaching qualification

Job description

Job summary

To work autonomously as a qualified specialist infection prevention and control practitioner responsible, within the operational scope of the Infection Prevention and Control team, for facilitating the prevention, surveillance, investigation and control of infection within the Trust, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site but being able to work on the University Lewisham site if required.

The post will involve five days working including a weekend day on a rota basis in order to provide a seven-day service.

The role will require you to provide specialist nurse advice and teaching to all staff on matters relating to infection control under direction of the site matron.

The post holder will also be required to operate flexibly within the infection prevention and control team structure to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided to the Trust, and when necessary to act up and deputise for senior team members.

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

Main duties of the job

Assist with the day to day work within the IPCT, including carrying out audits and inspections.

Giving specialist advice across the site on a number of complex issues.

Provide training to staff of all professions and grades.

Reviewing microbiology results and advising on appropriate infection control measures.

Facilitating surveillance, prevention and investigation for a variety of healthcare associated infections. Providing early detection of outbreaks and providing appropriate advice on outbreak management and liaising with the Site Matron and Deputy DIPC.

Acting as a role model both within the team and externally. Providing visible presence in clinical areas, being an advocate and challenging poor practice.

Utilising a range of excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Provide IPCT representation, e.g., at Divisional governance meetings and/committees. Assisting the Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control in the development of Trust wide policies in infection prevention and control.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development

Widening access (anchor institution) and employability

Improving the experience of staff with disability

Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development

Making equalities mainstream

Details Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year Per annum plus HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

197-HF6665-A

Job locations

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Stadium Road

London

SE18 4QH

Job description Job responsibilities

CLINICAL/MANAGERIAL

Participate in delivering an effective clinical service to the Trust, including providing specialist nursing input within the infection prevention and control team in the identification, prevention, monitoring and control of infection within the Trust.

To act up for senior members of the team as appropriate in their absence

Provide expert clinical knowledge, skills and experience in infection control, acting as a resource and facilitator as required.

To provide effective communication with patients, their relatives and relevant others to impart information and support, which may be of a sensitive and emotive nature.

To explain the significance of microbiology data to senior members of staff to enable them to prevent and control infection.

To work in conjunction with managers, infection prevention and control team, matrons, bed managers and ward sisters regarding movement and isolation of patients with infection or infectious diseases, ensuring the correct techniques are implemented and reviewed.

Review microbiological data to evaluate the efficiency of the intervention and plan future practice.

Assist in the formulation and initiation of appropriate strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

To identify potential infections hazards and suggest appropriate remedial action to relevant personnel. Initiate appropriate strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

To identify, investigate and assist in managing outbreaks involving multidisciplinary teams, seeking advice from those with expertise outside the Trust where necessary and report to the Infection Prevention and Control team, the Trust Infection Prevention and Control committee and others where relevant.

To visit wards/departments regularly to manage alert organisms and implement appropriate action, ensuring correct techniques are implemented and reviewed.

To liaise with Infection Prevention and Control team on matters relating to infection control.

To use relevant information technology to collect and interpret data, review critical incidents and produce written reports with recommendations where necessary.

To maintain complete records of patient management consultations and advice given.

To be an active member of the Infection Prevention and Control team and relevant committees.

To participate in the development and implementation of the annual infection control programme and contribute to the annual infection control report.

To revise and develop Trust policies/protocols relating to infection control.

To work autonomously and seek collaborative relationships with others across and within professional boundaries to access and manage infection risk.

To establish and maintain professional networks within the healthcare organisation inclusive of doctor, microbiologist, matron, ward sister/charge nurse, link practitioner, contracted services for soft and hard FM and nursing staff.

To formulate and initiate strategies to reduce infection risk, taking into account relevant legislation, published guidelines and local policies.

To act as an expert resource for staff at a clinical level in infection control, distinguishing levels of risk presented by individuals, equipment and the environment.

Review critical incidents and produce written reports with recommendations as necessary.

Investigate causes and develop solutions to complex infection control problems that may require root cause analysis, investigation, negotiation and advanced change management skills. This may involve conflict resolution and mediation.

To prioritise own workload taking into account varying demands and resources.

To support service level agreements for the provision of infection control services where applicable.

To support the organisation to implement and monitor strategies to prevent and control infection both locally and nationally.

To inspire others with values and vision through support in daily activities by communicating infection control data to ward areas and visiting clinical areas for the purpose of support, audit and observation.

Develop clinical guidelines that are evidence based to promote good infection control practice with other members of the Infection Prevention and Control team.

Job description Job responsibilities

CLINICAL/MANAGERIAL

Participate in delivering an effective clinical service to the Trust, including providing specialist nursing input within the infection prevention and control team in the identification, prevention, monitoring and control of infection within the Trust.

To act up for senior members of the team as appropriate in their absence

Provide expert clinical knowledge, skills and experience in infection control, acting as a resource and facilitator as required.

To provide effective communication with patients, their relatives and relevant others to impart information and support, which may be of a sensitive and emotive nature.

To explain the significance of microbiology data to senior members of staff to enable them to prevent and control infection.

To work in conjunction with managers, infection prevention and control team, matrons, bed managers and ward sisters regarding movement and isolation of patients with infection or infectious diseases, ensuring the correct techniques are implemented and reviewed.

Review microbiological data to evaluate the efficiency of the intervention and plan future practice.

Assist in the formulation and initiation of appropriate strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

To identify potential infections hazards and suggest appropriate remedial action to relevant personnel. Initiate appropriate strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

To identify, investigate and assist in managing outbreaks involving multidisciplinary teams, seeking advice from those with expertise outside the Trust where necessary and report to the Infection Prevention and Control team, the Trust Infection Prevention and Control committee and others where relevant.

To visit wards/departments regularly to manage alert organisms and implement appropriate action, ensuring correct techniques are implemented and reviewed.

To liaise with Infection Prevention and Control team on matters relating to infection control.

To use relevant information technology to collect and interpret data, review critical incidents and produce written reports with recommendations where necessary.

To maintain complete records of patient management consultations and advice given.

To be an active member of the Infection Prevention and Control team and relevant committees.

To participate in the development and implementation of the annual infection control programme and contribute to the annual infection control report.

To revise and develop Trust policies/protocols relating to infection control.

To work autonomously and seek collaborative relationships with others across and within professional boundaries to access and manage infection risk.

To establish and maintain professional networks within the healthcare organisation inclusive of doctor, microbiologist, matron, ward sister/charge nurse, link practitioner, contracted services for soft and hard FM and nursing staff.

To formulate and initiate strategies to reduce infection risk, taking into account relevant legislation, published guidelines and local policies.

To act as an expert resource for staff at a clinical level in infection control, distinguishing levels of risk presented by individuals, equipment and the environment.

Review critical incidents and produce written reports with recommendations as necessary.

Investigate causes and develop solutions to complex infection control problems that may require root cause analysis, investigation, negotiation and advanced change management skills. This may involve conflict resolution and mediation.

To prioritise own workload taking into account varying demands and resources.

To support service level agreements for the provision of infection control services where applicable.

To support the organisation to implement and monitor strategies to prevent and control infection both locally and nationally.

To inspire others with values and vision through support in daily activities by communicating infection control data to ward areas and visiting clinical areas for the purpose of support, audit and observation.

Develop clinical guidelines that are evidence based to promote good infection control practice with other members of the Infection Prevention and Control team.

Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential

• NMC Level 1 Registration
• Evidence of post registration professional education at degree level or equivalent.
• Specialist qualification in Infection prevention and control equivalent to diploma or above e.g., SSSA, ENB 329, Diploma, Degree, MSc.
• Mentorship/Teaching qualification.

Desirable

• Masters (or working towards) degree in a healthrelated subject

Experience Essential

• At least 5 years post registration experience of which 2 years must have been spent working in an infection control role
• Current consolidated experience in infection control in an acute healthcare environment.
• Experience of teaching within an infection control education programme.
• Experience of monitoring environmental factors within infection control, e.g., the built environment.

Desirable

• Experience at ward/department management level.

Knowledge and Skills Essential

• Excellent presentational, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Proven advanced clinical knowledge and skills in relation to infection control
• Demonstrable managerial and leadership skills, including their application to infection control.
• Ability to manage complex clinical and operational situations that involve staff from all levels of the organisation.
• Awareness of current targets and recent legislation relating to infection control.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, e.g., report writing
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary team and to lead, manage and motivate all staff within sphere of responsibility.
• An understanding of organisational management issues
• Developed interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Be computer literate and information technology with willingness to develop further skills. For example, laboratory databases, electronic healthcare records and MS 365
• Committed to achieving corporate objectives.
• Experience of investigating incidents/outbreaks and carrying out surveillance.
• Understanding of current professional nursing issues.

Desirable

• Developed IT skills e.g., with Excel and Access.

Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential

• NMC Level 1 Registration
• Evidence of post registration professional education at degree level or equivalent.
• Specialist qualification in Infection prevention and control equivalent to diploma or above e.g., SSSA, ENB 329, Diploma, Degree, MSc.
• Mentorship/Teaching qualification.

Desirable

• Masters (or working towards) degree in a healthrelated subject

Experience Essential

• At least 5 years post registration experience of which 2 years must have been spent working in an infection control role
• Current consolidated experience in infection control in an acute healthcare environment.
• Experience of teaching within an infection control education programme.
• Experience of monitoring environmental factors within infection control, e.g., the built environment.

Desirable

• Experience at ward/department management level.

Knowledge and Skills Essential

• Excellent presentational, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Proven advanced clinical knowledge and skills in relation to infection control
• Demonstrable managerial and leadership skills, including their application to infection control.
• Ability to manage complex clinical and operational situations that involve staff from all levels of the organisation.
• Awareness of current targets and recent legislation relating to infection control.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, e.g., report writing
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary team and to lead, manage and motivate all staff within sphere of responsibility.
• An understanding of organisational management issues
• Developed interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Be computer literate and information technology with willingness to develop further skills. For example, laboratory databases, electronic healthcare records and MS 365
• Committed to achieving corporate objectives.
• Experience of investigating incidents/outbreaks and carrying out surveillance.
• Understanding of current professional nursing issues.

Desirable

• Developed IT skills e.g., with Excel and Access.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Stadium Road

London

SE18 4QH

Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Stadium Road

London

SE18 4QH

Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)