National IPC Manager

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ROLE SUMMARY

• The National Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Manager is responsible for the IPC management portfolio of the group and will proactively coordinate all infection prevention and control activities at a national level with the objective of ensuring a safe environment for all Netcare patients, visitors, contractors and employees.  The individual will further be responsible for managing, overseeing and advising all Netcare hospitals with regards to the identification- control and prevention of infections for Netcare patients, visitors and employees.

The incumbent will be responsible to implement IPC strategic initiatives and maintain IPC policies, procedures and processes by:

• Act as a technical and clinical advisor to manage risk in an increasingly technological environment.
• Support IPC resources at regional and facility level to provide high value care.
• Operationalize and implement the strategic initiatives and related management systems.
• Drive digitally enabled, and data driven IPC practices through the implementation and maintenance of the Infection Management Tool (IMT) and Outbreak detection dashboard.
• Monitor IPC processes, ensuring standardization and compliance to legislation, whilst addressing non-conformances and identifying opportunities for improvement.

KEY WORK OUTPUT AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

CONSISTENCY OF CARE

Utilising the Quadruple Aim to deliver consistently excellent clinical services, ensuring the best and safest person-centred care.

• A shift towards wellbeing and wellness and away from curative, episodic care.
• Ensure customer centricity is at the centre of all we do, driving greater convenience and integrated, personalised experiences.
• Deliver the best quality and consistency of care.
• Analyse IPC audits and accreditation outcomes.
• Actively participating in the process towards compliance of all IPC improvement interventions.
• Identify risks related to IPC indicators for the Group.
• Plan, direct and evaluate all aspects of the organisation's Infection control program
• Ensure full compliance to statutory regulations, policies, procedures, best practice and professional standards.
• Actively participate in the development of new technology by means of dashboard development and analysing data.
• Develop and deliver IPC training programs for nursing staff and other healthcare professionals.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development in IPC through workshops, seminars and hands-on training.
• Contribute to the publications of results related to IPC outcomes; this may include but not limited to Consistency of Care board packs, Balanced score card updates and monthly reports.
• Actively participate in the development and review of IPC policies and procedures to ensure alignment with international and national IPC quality standards.
• Active participation in the management of IPC sentinel events.
• Initiate infection prevention and control studies and epidemiological investigation where indicated, including but not limited to outbreak investigations.
• Actively promote an up-to date knowledge of clinical microbiology amongst the IPC teams.

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION

Implementing medical technologies, digitisation, and data solutions for the benefit of our business and patients.

• IMT, Outbreak Detection dashboard, other IPC dashboards and digital efforts to be adopted, maintained and improved.
• Ensure proper integration of IPC protocols within CareOn and training of staff on their usage for accurate reporting and compliance.
• Utilise electronic health records to track infection rates, document IPC interventions and analyse patient data to improve infection prevention measures.
• Ensure the Infection Prevention and control program uses appropriate statistical techniques to describe data, calculate rates, and critically evaluate the significance of findings.
• Analyse reports, trended data and display the data in appropriate graphical methods.

TRANSFORMATION OF OUR SOCIETY

Continuing to invest in and develop our workforce and communities

• Embrace diversity to strengthen inclusivity and belonging.
• Provide coaching, counselling and other forms of support to staff.
• Develop and maintain the IPC Link Nurse and Champion programs.

Stakeholder relationships

• Work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, administrators, and risk management teams to coordinate IPC improvement initiatives across the organization. Collaborate with stakeholders external to the organization, e.g. Governmental agencies and professional organizations to promote IPC.
• Standing member of the Netcare SHEQ EXCO

Teamwork

• Support the development of IPC infrastructure at facility level eg. IPC Committee, ad hoc IPC Teams, IPC Link Nurse and champion programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams to design, implement, and monitor IPC improvement projects based on identified issues and best practices.
• Develop practice-specific risk assessments and apply results to support organizational IPC resource allocation.

People management and development

• Provide ongoing education and training to nursing staff on IPC improvement, patient safety practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Model excellent IPC practice while visiting any healthcare facility, eg. Disciplined adherence to hand hygiene requirements.

Personal and professional development

• Keep abreast of global trends and understand how knowledge changes in the health industry environment are likely to affect the future of the organisation and the way in which services are delivered.
• Assume responsibility for own personal and professional development.
• Ensure that leadership behaviours are modelled and aligned to  Netcare values.
• Keep up to date with Netcare's evolving policies and procedures.

ORGANIC GROWTH

Strategic engagements with doctors and funders, investing to maintain the quality of our facilities and developing new products and services to promote inclusivity and access

• Ensure that all developed concepts are thoroughly tested and have their weaknesses addressed before they are implemented, so that patients get the best and safest care.

INTEGRATION

Strategic and synergistic partnerships between all divisions

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders in the business that encourages participation in the accomplishment of quality and business improvement objectives.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to embed a culture of infection prevention across all clinical areas.
• Guide nursing team in implementing and maintaining infection prevention protocols including hand hygiene, isolation precautions and environmental hygiene.
• Ensure compliance with antimicrobial stewardship programs working closely with clinical, digital and other pharmacy departments.
• Act as mentor and resource for nurses ensuring up to date knowledge of national and international IPC guidelines.

INVESTMENT

Creating economic value and optimising capacity utilisation

• Remain current with the latest research and best practices in IPC and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Participate in evaluating the utility of all possible alternatives and then compare the relative costs and benefits of each option before making a choice. The rational choice would be the option in which the expected benefits outweigh the opportunity cost.

SKILLS PROFILE

EDUCATION

Required

• Current registration with the South African Nursing Council as a registered/professional nurse.
• A relevant nursing qualification - Diploma in General Nursing (NQF level 6) or B Cur Degree (NQF level 7).
•  A post-basic qualification in Infection Prevention and Control (6-month course or 1 year certificate).   In future, a Diploma in IPC.

Preferred

• Diploma in Nursing Management and Nursing Education. I think this must be a required item.
• A master's degree in nursing or related NQF level 9 qualification.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• A minimum of 5 years' experience working as an Infection Control Coordinator in a hospital.
• Understanding of the applicable Department of Health legislation, working knowledge of the National Infection Prevention and Control Strategic Framework and the Practical Manual for Implementation of the National Infection Prevention and Control Strategic Framework.
• Experience within a leadership role.
• Previous experience in facilitating and coordinating IPC and Quality Improvement projects.
• Work experience within a Netcare facility would be advantageous

KNOWLEDGE

Required

•  Knowledge of current and recent novel, emerging and re-emerging diseases.
• Knowledge of trends and developments in the health care industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health-related policies, procedures and legislation.
• Thorough understanding of IPC Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles.
• Management and Leadership Skills.
• An intermediate to advanced level of computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Working experience on digital systems including electronic medical records, digital surveillance systems and data-driven infection control strategies.

Join the team that providing the best and safest
care.