POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
Infection Control Nurse/ Health and Safety Coordinator
Date:
August 2013
Business Area:
Southern Cross Wellington
Location:
Wellington Hospital
Reports To:
Hospital Manager, SQR (which includes Infection Control Committee),
HCMC, Management Committees
Approved By:
Hospital Manager
1.0
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Provide a safe environment where risks for infection are identified and minimised for patients,
employees and visitors

Support the introduction and dissemination of Infection Control Folder of Policies, Procedures
and Guidelines in consultation with the Hospital Infection Control Committee and / or HCMC and
associated Medical Specialists to meet and exceed the Infection Control Standards

Implement the Infection Control and Health and Safety Programmes including education,
surveillance and audit

Provide or maintain surveillance programmes, data reporting and analysis, and intervention
development, aimed at the reduction of nosocomial infections in patients and employees

Act as a resource person on all infection control and health and safety matters with
communication and linkages to HASE, SQR and HCMC
To ensure the provision of a safe environment where risks of injury are identified and minimised
for patients, employees and visitors

2.0
DIMENSIONS
CURRENT DATA
Number of people reporting directly to the position:
N/A
Total number of employees supervised functionally:
N/A
Budget (ex capital expenditure):
In consultation with Hospital Manager
Other direct costs within the position’s control:
In consultation with Hospital Manager
Other information: This is a part time role that provides Infection Control = 0.4 FTE
services for Infection Control and Health & Safety
Health & Safety = 0.2 FTE
3.0
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
3.1 Quality Promotion

Leads the hospital in achieving and maintaining and exceeding the Infection Control and Health &
Safety Certification Standards

Ensures that standards are in accordance with appropriate and recognised professional
standards, including NZS 8134.3:2008 NZ Standard Infection Control and the hospital’s Strategy
and Purpose Statement, Business Plan and Quality Plan

Develops and implements systems that improve clinical quality and decrease clinical risk

Develops and implements annual hospital vaccination programmes for staff
3.2 Promotion of Best Practice

Promotes research and a “learning culture” in the clinical areas

Promotes the development of reflective practice that demonstrate evidence-based practice

Ensures that all infection control practices and Health & Safety practices are evidence-based and
fit for purpose

Utilises expert resources, journal and texts and online sources

Attends meetings to champion best practice
3.3 Education & Learning

Promotes, provides education and monitors infection control and health & safety practices and
procedures

Provides education on infection control and health & safety issues, and procedures at general
orientation of new employees, annual education days or on an impromptu basis and linked to the
Annual Plan

Supports clinical staff by developing and providing ongoing education programmes that reflect
current practice standards
3.4 Surveillance

Responsible for the hospital Wound Surveillance Programme in conjunction with the Infection
Control Consultant, or local Laboratory Consultant from Aotea Pathology.

Systematically collects data for the purpose of identifying and tracking high-risk nosocomial
infections and sources of infection

Analyses infection control surveillance data and reports back to Hospital Manager and
departmental managers, Medical Specialists, HCMC, SQR and others appropriately

Monitors for breaks in asepsis and potential sources of infection

Monitors and co-ordinates effective outbreak detection and resolution

Initiates investigations to ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy infection control
problems

Recommends, monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of appropriate infection control practices

Collaborates with the members of the Infection Control Committee to design and implement
strategies to decrease the impact of nosocomial infections

Distributes the monthly MRSA outbreak report where this is relevant to the business
3.5 Leadership

Ensures compliance in all aspects of infection control surveillance, prevention and control and
health & safety matters.

Recommends and implements infection control practices, policies and procedures with the
approval of the Hospital Infection Control Committee/SQR

Recommends and implements health & safety practices, policies and procedures with the
approval of the Hospital Health & Safety committee/SQR

To contribute and be consulted with when any proposed changes to staffing, practises, product,
equipment or facility

Actively ensures that all employees are aware of the hospital’s infection control and health &
safety procedures and standards for their area of work

Reports communicable diseases to the appropriate public health authority and assists Medical
Specialists in complying with applicable Notifiable Disease Legislation

Communicates with local and national health departments and other healthcare organisations
regarding new or current regulations, standards and trends in infection control and prevention

Supports the introduction and dissemination of infection control and health & safety policies and
procedures in consultation with the Hospital Infection Control, Health & Safety, SQR Committee
and associated consultants

Collaborates with Infection Control and Health and Safety representatives, providing consultation,
counselling and education to employees who have experienced body substance exposures or
exposures to other infectious diseases or agents
3.6 Collaboration

Chairs the Hospital Infection Control and Health & Safety committee meeting and ensures the
preparation of agenda, recording, transcribing and distribution of meeting minutes as well as the
implementation of committee recommendations

Assists the chair of the SQR and HCMC committee meeting by providing a report to the
committee on IC and H&S matters

Evaluates and revises the Infection Control Plan and the Health and Safety Plan with the
assistance of the committee and consultants

Communicates status of infection rates to appropriate people

Consults with Southern Cross’s Infection Control Consultant [nurse, national] or clinical
microbiologist [Aotea Pathology] as appropriate
3.7 Professional Development
 Maintains a high level of professional and personal competence
 Maintains a professional appearance and image that gives confidence to all stakeholders
 Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with Medical Specialists, other health
providers, patients and the community
 Demonstrates courtesy, compassion and respect
 Communicates in a positive and professional manner
 Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee health information
 Contributes to teamwork and harmonious working relationships
 Attends appropriate study programmes at either local or national level
 Works towards the attainment of a high level of infection control knowledge
 Acts as a resource person within the hospital on all infection control matters
 Acts as an advisor to the Management team
3.8
Occupational Safety and Health & Safety


Tasks
Chairs the Hospital Health & Safety Committee
Ensures all areas comply with the organisations and hospitals requirements for safety
procedures.

Ensures staff are aware of and work within the approved health and safety guidelines.

Ensures the Hazard ID register is maintained and reviewed on a regular basis.

Ensure all incidents and accidents are reported, investigated, managed and evaluated.


Co-ordinates staff education for annual Health and Safety competencies
Takes responsibility for own health and safety while at work and ensuring that your actions do not
put others at risk
4.0
DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
Decisions and recommendations expected.

5.0
Infection control issues within limits of practice
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
 Hospital Manager
 Infection Control Committee / SQR Committee / HCMC
 Theatre Services Manager
 Patient Care Services Manager
 Facilities Manager
 Administration Manager
 Nurse Educator
 All Southern Cross Nurses and Medical Specialists
 Southern Cross patients
 Local Clinical Microbiologist/Infectious Diseases Consultant
 Southern Cross Infection Control Nurse Consultants
 Southern Cross Clinical & Nursing Advisors
 Health and Safety in Employment Advisor
6.0
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Formal Education & Training
Essential
 Registered Nurse (RGON or RCpN) with expertise in the knowledge and practice of surgical
nursing
 Proven written and verbal communication skills
 Computer skills
 Demonstrated ability to understand and implement contemporary infection control practices
 Proven ability to analyse and interpret data
Desirable
 Relevant post graduate tertiary qualification in Infection Control or a good understanding and
knowledge of Infection Control or other relevant post graduate diploma or master degree
 Adult teaching and learning experience
 Demonstrated inclusion of evidence as the basis for practice
6.2 Experience Required
 Essential – At least 3 years of broad clinical experience in a surgical setting
 Desirable – Experience in infection control or previous involvement in an Infection Control Team
6.3 Preferred Personal Attributes or Competencies
 Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education in Infection control
 Able to work autonomously and within a team
 Good word processing skills and ability to research information on the Internet.
 Excellent communication skills are essential and ability to relate easily with all levels of
professionals
 Leadership skills
 Change agent – ability to influence change without conflict
 Southern Cross PDRP Circle 3 minimum, preferably Circle 4 or 5
7.0
OTHER INFORMATION
Resources
 Office space
 Secure storage for records
 Administrative assistance and access to clinical records
 Telephone and Computer access (includes WSS, email, online resources)
 Photocopier
 Teaching resources
 Ongoing professional development in Infection Control
Position holder’s signature:
______________________________________
Position holder’s name:
______________________________________
Date:
_________________
Manager’s name:
______________________________________
Manager’s signature:
Date:
______________________________________
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