Team Leader Clinical (Infection Prevention & Control) (Ministry of Health and Medical Services)

The purpose of this position is to coordinate hospital wide infection prevention and control programs which includes surveillance, analysis and reporting of healthcare acquired infections, educating staff about Infection Prevention & Control and assisting in the development of health system policies & procedures to ensure IPC Standards meet national requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure annual IPC Program including waste management is developed and implemented in full consultation with the Hospital IPC Committee and provide support to the IPC team.

2. Ensure and maintain ongoing surveillance that is compliant with IPC standards and are monitored by the IPC team including the identification, control and investigation of outbreaks in collaboration with the IPC committee and outbreak control group as appropriate.

3. Ensure provision of IPC education to all disciplines including IPC orientation and maintain ongoing Infection Control education programs for all staff and provide specialist advice to staff in relation to IPC practice.

4. Oversee the implementation of staff health programs in relation to hepatitis B immunizations and any other infectious disease related matter. This also includes management of occupational accidents and exposures involving blood and body substances.

5. Ensure ongoing review and update of all policies and procedures in relation to infection control in line with new developments and changing trends.

6. Coordinate efficient and effective management of the IPC team to ensure that all allocated activities are achieved, and annual performance assessments are carried out.

7. Actively contribute to Ministry and Corporate requirements, including planning, budgeting and recruitment and selection activities.

Knowledge & Experience

1. 1. Demonstrated knowledge on IPC standards and program implementation with some managerial and leadership experience.
2. 2. Sound knowledge on basic microbiology and epidemiology principles, statistical presentation and outbreak investigation techniques.
3. 3. Proven experience and comprehensive understanding of the Fiji Nursing Act (2011) the registered nurses Scope of Practice and the Nurses Code of Conduct, other Ministry of Health and Medical Services polices, the Constitution of Fiji and other applicable employment legislations and acts.
4. 4. Understanding of quality improvement systems as it pertains to a hospital setting.
5. 5. Possess a good command of English both in written and oral.

Skills & Abilities

1. 1. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work effectively within a team environment to achieve unit goals and develop staff potential.
2. 2. Computer literate with ability to use excel sheets or other programs relevant to area of practice.
3. 3. Ability to work with minimum supervision and with efficient time management skills.
4. 4. Has the ability to teach, train, mentor subordinates on any new policies, guidelines and support the continuous professional development of training nurses on IPC.
5. 5. Service oriented approach, with a commitment to supporting the operational/ corporate environment of the organization.

Additional Information

Key Performance Indicators

Performance will be measured through the following indicators:

1. Maintain compliance and adherence to IPC standards and timeframes of the IPC deliverables and plans.

2. Manage and maintain an effective and efficient surveillance program including submission of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and outcomes are actioned in a timely and effective manner.

3. Effective and timely supervision of IPC team activities and performance appraisals are carried out to ensure individual work plans are achieved.

4. Maintains professional development of knowledge and skills for management competency or active participation in quality improvement programs

Contact Information

For any enquires please contact Ms Veronika Rausuvanua on email vrausuvanua@health.gov.fj or telephone 3306177 ext 340142 or 340226