IPC Support Operative

NHS; Worcester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Worcester is seeking an Infection Prevention and Control Operative to join their team. The role involves conducting face fit testing, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and providing education to clinical staff. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a solid understanding of health and safety protocols. This is a full-time permanent position, providing essential support to ensure patient safety and infection prevention.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working in a team.
• Understanding of COSHH and PPE usage.
• Knowledge of face fit testing importance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct face fit tests for staff using FFP3 masks.
• Maintain and clean the equipment according to protocols.
• Deliver and collect mattresses from clinical areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths

Job description

Job summary

Do you have a keen eye for detail, a commitment to quality, and a passion for maintaining high standards to keep patients and staff safe from infection? If so, we invite you to apply for the position of Infection Prevention and Control Operative at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Main duties of the job

Infection prevention and Control (IPS) Operative post band 3 is a new position within the County Wide Infection Prevention and Control Team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust. The post holder will work across the 3 main hospital sites: Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Alexandra Hospital Redditch and Kidderminster Treatment Centre. Providing mattress decontamination, FFP3 mask fit testing service and education to clinical staff regarding basic infection control principles: hand hygiene and clinical cleaning.

About us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Being open and honest

Ensuring people feel cared for

Showing respect to everyone

We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.

DBS Checks and Costs

Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check (at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in Supporting Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.

Details Date posted

01 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9365-25-0289

Job locations

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB

Kidderminster General Hospital

Bewdley Road

Kidderminster

Worcestershire

DY11 6RJ

Job description Job responsibilities

WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title:IPC Support Operative

Pay Band:3

Hours:37.5hrs per week

Contract: Permanent

Location / Department:Countywide Infection Control Team: Mattress store/Face Fit Tester/Education

Responsible to:IPC Nurse Manager

Accountable to:IPC Nurse Manager

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:

Wards/Departments

PFI Partners

Infection Prevention & Control Team

Tissue Viability Team

Procurement Department

Technical Services

Facilities Team

External:

Suppliers

Risk Assessment:

This post involves frequent contact with equipment. Manual handling of inanimate, often bulky equipment, daily use of VDU screen, use of cleaning fluids and there will be an expectation to work at different Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites to cover service need.

Job Purpose:

As the IPC Support Operative you will be working within the infection prevention and control team county wide across different roles: Face fit testing service and Mattress Store, to cover annual leave and sickness, there is also an element of educational support to share IPC messages within the Trust.

Face fit testing

Fit testing is a method for checking that a specific model and size of FFP3 mask (tight-fitting mask) matches the wearers facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It will also help to identify unsuitable masks which should not be used.

The performance of tight-fitting masks depends on achieving a good contact between the wearers skin and the face seal of the mask. Peoples faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular model or size of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) mask will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection may lead to immediate or long term ill health or can even put the RPE wearers life in danger.

The post holder will work as part of the Infection under the supervision of the Face fit co-ordinator. They will work closely with the Infection Prevention & Control and Team (IPC) as well as the Procurement and Supply Chain team and the Development and Education Team. They will ensure that staff are individually face fitted to masks providing respiratory protection against harmful pathogens.

The post holder will be responsible for fit testing to ensure masks that are either re-useable or disposable fit the face of an individual. Full training will be given for both the qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods. The post holder will also play a key role in educating staff on the best practice of donning and doffing FFP3 PPE.

The post holder will work independently on a day-to-day basis. All sites will need to be covered with one other Fit Tester during the course of a week and it could be that visiting various locations at those hospitals is required depending on need. The post holder will be responsible for arranging and collecting a PortaCount machine from IPC and setting up the allocated room in preparation for testing. Where required, the post holder will need to refer to IPC for alternatives for respiratory protection where fit testing is unsuccessful and update records accordingly.

If there is a lack of face fit testing bookings, then the staff member may be asked to assist within other departments of the Infection Prevention & Control team or Mattress store. Mattress store duties include cleaning the mattresses using PPE and chemicals, collection and delivery of mattresses. Other duties may include education of trust staff regarding hand hygiene competencies and audit of environment and practices.

Key Duties:

To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy.

Conduct face fit tests (using portacount machine) on staff that are required to wear FFP3 masks, specifically:

Being clear on the face fit testing process and being able to describe this to staff.

To ensure that the mask that is being fitted is a good fit before conducting the test by assisting in fitting the mask ensuring a good seal.

Directing the member of staff through the face fit exercises.

Recording the result of any face fit test.

Explaining to the member of staff which mask they have passed on and when they should book another fit test, if required.

Where no fit is achieved advising staff on alternatives and how to access them.

To actively support IPC in implementing and evaluating the Face Fit Test strategy and action plan.

Monitor and maintain stock levels of face masks and consumables

Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturers guidance.

Report any issues identified with the portacount machines

Mattress Store

Integral to this, is the availability of Pressure Ulcer Prevention equipment.The Mattress Store Assistant Role is integral to the cleaning/decontamination / checking of the Trust Wide Mattresses, ensuring these medical devices are fit for purpose and ensuring timely delivery to ward /department areas during Stores operational hours.

There are currently 2 Equipment/Mattress stores based at WRH and Alex sites under the line management of Infection Prevention Control team

Key Duties:

To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy.

To maintain competence in use of Mattress Medical Devices, in order to cascade knowledge and skill to clinical staff when required.

Answer telephone/bleep enquiries for mattress delivery and collection and action in a timely manner.

Deliver/collect requested items to clinical areas, assist in setting up and support staff with equipment if requested to do so.

Provide ward based support for the appropriate and safe use of medical equipment/ mattresses.

Provide advice on cleaning and reinforce Trust process for decontamination of equipment /mattresses.

Visit wards / department clinical areas and Dirty Utility Mattress Store throughout the day to collect and deliver Trust mattresses and equipment.

Assist in providing ward based support with safe use of medical equipment/ mattresses.

Assist clinical staff in the setting up of relevant equipment and signpost staff to TV /IPC Website where equipment resources are available.

Collect equipment and mattresses on completion of use from clinical areas.

Following collection of used mattresses/equipment return to the store, and undertakes cleaning and examination of the mattresses/equipment to ensure it is in working order.

Check PAT testing details and arrange for servicing if required.

Decontamination and storage of equipment in line with Trust guidelines/policy and manufacturers instructions.

The Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH): The use and storage of cleaning fluids as per manufacturers instructions.

To be competent of the use of Manual Handling Equipment/Transportation devices as per manufacturers instructions.

Liaise with Technical Services, Estates and Contractors for breakdowns and routine maintenance and servicing.

Throughout day update the site inventory, maintain computer database/spread sheet identifying usage and returns. Keep any other significant paperwork filed in chronological order,

Ensure stores are kept clean and orderly.

To support IPC/TV team Yearly Mattress Audit across the 3 Trust sites.

Assist in service audit when requested by IPC /Lead TV Nurse / Technical Services Manager

Yearly Stock take of all Stores.

Liaise with Specialist Nursing Teams Tissue Viability, Infection Control, for clinical and professional advice, as required.

Adhere to Trust-wide policies and guidelines.

To undertake Professional Development Review on yearly basis.

Ensure the reporting of clinical incidents via Datix incident reporting system is undertaken

Carry out an audit of equipment if requested by TV Lead Nurse/IPC lead nurse/Technical Services manager.

Escalate to TV Lead Nurse or deputy if there is a shortage of equipment.

Ability to travel and work across sites if needed.

Set up equipment for Trust Training.

Ensure sufficient ancillary supplies are available on 24hour basis: Mattress bags, cable ties and paperwork to record equipment taken out of hours.

Any other duties as requested by manager

Communication

Establish and maintain relationships with members of staff and colleagues affiliated with Mattress stores and Face Fit Testing.

Communicate effectively with others, recognising that there may be a requirement to utilise alternative methods of communication to overcome barriers to understanding.

Assist clinical teams with selection of a mattress- understanding the water low score

Participate in discussions and team meetings, as required, in relation to mattress store/face fit testing process and PPE.

Highlight failure of particular masks to the IPC Nurse Manager and PA to DIPC.

Highlight failure of mattresses and associated pumps, dwindling stocks of mattresses/ pumps to tissue viability

Escalate to IPC Team

Planning and Organisational Skills

Plan and organise with the support of the IPC Nurse Manager/PA DIPC workload in line with face fit testing appointment system.

Make amendments to the appointment system for face fit testing, as required, and report any issues manager.

Physical Skills

Standard keyboard skills required for data entry.

Developed physical skills required to operate testing equipment.

Lifting of equipment (Portacount machine, consumables, mattresses, pumps and other clinical equipment) for transport around hospital sites

Will be required to transport equipment to various sites and wards/rooms.

Job description Job responsibilities

WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title:IPC Support Operative

Pay Band:3

Hours:37.5hrs per week

Contract: Permanent

Location / Department:Countywide Infection Control Team: Mattress store/Face Fit Tester/Education

Responsible to:IPC Nurse Manager

Accountable to:IPC Nurse Manager

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:

Wards/Departments

PFI Partners

Infection Prevention & Control Team

Tissue Viability Team

Procurement Department

Technical Services

Facilities Team

External:

Suppliers

Risk Assessment:

This post involves frequent contact with equipment. Manual handling of inanimate, often bulky equipment, daily use of VDU screen, use of cleaning fluids and there will be an expectation to work at different Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites to cover service need.

Job Purpose:

As the IPC Support Operative you will be working within the infection prevention and control team county wide across different roles: Face fit testing service and Mattress Store, to cover annual leave and sickness, there is also an element of educational support to share IPC messages within the Trust.

Face fit testing

Fit testing is a method for checking that a specific model and size of FFP3 mask (tight-fitting mask) matches the wearers facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It will also help to identify unsuitable masks which should not be used.

The performance of tight-fitting masks depends on achieving a good contact between the wearers skin and the face seal of the mask. Peoples faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular model or size of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) mask will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection may lead to immediate or long term ill health or can even put the RPE wearers life in danger.

The post holder will work as part of the Infection under the supervision of the Face fit co-ordinator. They will work closely with the Infection Prevention & Control and Team (IPC) as well as the Procurement and Supply Chain team and the Development and Education Team. They will ensure that staff are individually face fitted to masks providing respiratory protection against harmful pathogens.

The post holder will be responsible for fit testing to ensure masks that are either re-useable or disposable fit the face of an individual. Full training will be given for both the qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods. The post holder will also play a key role in educating staff on the best practice of donning and doffing FFP3 PPE.

The post holder will work independently on a day-to-day basis. All sites will need to be covered with one other Fit Tester during the course of a week and it could be that visiting various locations at those hospitals is required depending on need. The post holder will be responsible for arranging and collecting a PortaCount machine from IPC and setting up the allocated room in preparation for testing. Where required, the post holder will need to refer to IPC for alternatives for respiratory protection where fit testing is unsuccessful and update records accordingly.

If there is a lack of face fit testing bookings, then the staff member may be asked to assist within other departments of the Infection Prevention & Control team or Mattress store. Mattress store duties include cleaning the mattresses using PPE and chemicals, collection and delivery of mattresses. Other duties may include education of trust staff regarding hand hygiene competencies and audit of environment and practices.

Key Duties:

To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy.

Conduct face fit tests (using portacount machine) on staff that are required to wear FFP3 masks, specifically:

Being clear on the face fit testing process and being able to describe this to staff.

To ensure that the mask that is being fitted is a good fit before conducting the test by assisting in fitting the mask ensuring a good seal.

Directing the member of staff through the face fit exercises.

Recording the result of any face fit test.

Explaining to the member of staff which mask they have passed on and when they should book another fit test, if required.

Where no fit is achieved advising staff on alternatives and how to access them.

To actively support IPC in implementing and evaluating the Face Fit Test strategy and action plan.

Monitor and maintain stock levels of face masks and consumables

Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturers guidance.

Report any issues identified with the portacount machines

Mattress Store

Integral to this, is the availability of Pressure Ulcer Prevention equipment.The Mattress Store Assistant Role is integral to the cleaning/decontamination / checking of the Trust Wide Mattresses, ensuring these medical devices are fit for purpose and ensuring timely delivery to ward /department areas during Stores operational hours.

There are currently 2 Equipment/Mattress stores based at WRH and Alex sites under the line management of Infection Prevention Control team

Key Duties:

To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy.

To maintain competence in use of Mattress Medical Devices, in order to cascade knowledge and skill to clinical staff when required.

Answer telephone/bleep enquiries for mattress delivery and collection and action in a timely manner.

Deliver/collect requested items to clinical areas, assist in setting up and support staff with equipment if requested to do so.

Provide ward based support for the appropriate and safe use of medical equipment/ mattresses.

Provide advice on cleaning and reinforce Trust process for decontamination of equipment /mattresses.

Visit wards / department clinical areas and Dirty Utility Mattress Store throughout the day to collect and deliver Trust mattresses and equipment.

Assist in providing ward based support with safe use of medical equipment/ mattresses.

Assist clinical staff in the setting up of relevant equipment and signpost staff to TV /IPC Website where equipment resources are available.

Collect equipment and mattresses on completion of use from clinical areas.

Following collection of used mattresses/equipment return to the store, and undertakes cleaning and examination of the mattresses/equipment to ensure it is in working order.

Check PAT testing details and arrange for servicing if required.

Decontamination and storage of equipment in line with Trust guidelines/policy and manufacturers instructions.

The Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH): The use and storage of cleaning fluids as per manufacturers instructions.

To be competent of the use of Manual Handling Equipment/Transportation devices as per manufacturers instructions.

Liaise with Technical Services, Estates and Contractors for breakdowns and routine maintenance and servicing.

Throughout day update the site inventory, maintain computer database/spread sheet identifying usage and returns. Keep any other significant paperwork filed in chronological order,

Ensure stores are kept clean and orderly.

To support IPC/TV team Yearly Mattress Audit across the 3 Trust sites.

Assist in service audit when requested by IPC /Lead TV Nurse / Technical Services Manager

Yearly Stock take of all Stores.

Liaise with Specialist Nursing Teams Tissue Viability, Infection Control, for clinical and professional advice, as required.

Adhere to Trust-wide policies and guidelines.

To undertake Professional Development Review on yearly basis.

Ensure the reporting of clinical incidents via Datix incident reporting system is undertaken

Carry out an audit of equipment if requested by TV Lead Nurse/IPC lead nurse/Technical Services manager.

Escalate to TV Lead Nurse or deputy if there is a shortage of equipment.

Ability to travel and work across sites if needed.

Set up equipment for Trust Training.

Ensure sufficient ancillary supplies are available on 24hour basis: Mattress bags, cable ties and paperwork to record equipment taken out of hours.

Any other duties as requested by manager

Communication

Establish and maintain relationships with members of staff and colleagues affiliated with Mattress stores and Face Fit Testing.

Communicate effectively with others, recognising that there may be a requirement to utilise alternative methods of communication to overcome barriers to understanding.

Assist clinical teams with selection of a mattress- understanding the water low score

Participate in discussions and team meetings, as required, in relation to mattress store/face fit testing process and PPE.

Highlight failure of particular masks to the IPC Nurse Manager and PA to DIPC.

Highlight failure of mattresses and associated pumps, dwindling stocks of mattresses/ pumps to tissue viability

Escalate to IPC Team

Planning and Organisational Skills

Plan and organise with the support of the IPC Nurse Manager/PA DIPC workload in line with face fit testing appointment system.

Make amendments to the appointment system for face fit testing, as required, and report any issues manager.

Physical Skills

Standard keyboard skills required for data entry.

Developed physical skills required to operate testing equipment.

Lifting of equipment (Portacount machine, consumables, mattresses, pumps and other clinical equipment) for transport around hospital sites

Will be required to transport equipment to various sites and wards/rooms.

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Previous experience working in a team
• Experience of communicating with different groups of people
• Understand the importance of decontamination and proper handling of chemicals (COSHH), including the correct use of PPE and disposal of waste, when cleaning mattresses/equipment.
• Have knowledge to understand why face fit testing is required and how the face masks work. Ability to explain to others why face fit testing is required.
• Experience of induction of new starters, ability to undertake pre-devised audits or training sessions.

Desirable

• Has experience of completeing FFP3 face mask tests using portacount machine
• Has experience of decontaminating medical equipment and using cleaning chemicals and PPE.
• Experience of informal teaching

Skills Essential

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic IT skills

Desirable

• Previous use of computre systems

Qualifications Essential

• GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths

Desirable

• Fit to Fit Mask fitting

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Previous experience working in a team
• Experience of communicating with different groups of people
• Understand the importance of decontamination and proper handling of chemicals (COSHH), including the correct use of PPE and disposal of waste, when cleaning mattresses/equipment.
• Have knowledge to understand why face fit testing is required and how the face masks work. Ability to explain to others why face fit testing is required.
• Experience of induction of new starters, ability to undertake pre-devised audits or training sessions.

Desirable

• Has experience of completeing FFP3 face mask tests using portacount machine
• Has experience of decontaminating medical equipment and using cleaning chemicals and PPE.
• Experience of informal teaching

Skills Essential

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic IT skills

Desirable

• Previous use of computre systems

Qualifications Essential

• GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths

Desirable

• Fit to Fit Mask fitting

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.

Employer details Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

Employer's website

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

Employer details Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

Employer's website

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