Role

The role of the Infection Prevention and Control Champion is to act as a resource in the clinical area and to liaise with the Infection Control Team. They act under the supervision of Infection Prevention and Control Nurses (IPCN) as a source of advice/information and role model for colleagues. They are not seen as a substitute for an adequately resourced Infection Prevention and Control service.

Summary

To help create and maintain an environment which will ensure the safety of the patient/client, family/carers, visitors and health care workers by utilising infection control knowledge, communication skills, nursing and teaching skills and attitudes appropriate to each situation.

Background experience

The Champion should have an interest in infection prevention and control and be:

  • A registered Nurse with at least six months post-registration experience.
  • Band 4 Nurse Associate with at least six months post qualification experience.
  • Where an HCA Champion is already in place, a qualified Nurse/qualified band 4 would also be required.
  • Each Infection Prevention and Control Champion will be supported by his or her Service Lead/ Manager.

Responsibilities

  • To liaise between their clinical area and the Infection Prevention and Control Team
  • To be directly responsible to the IPCN regarding the implementation and adherence of Trust infection control policies and procedures in their clinical area
  • The Infection Prevention and Control Champion will act as a change agent, providing support for staff in implementing recommendations set out in the audit report. In conjunction with the IPCN, to act as a resource for staff in relation to infection control issues in the clinical area (e.g., policy, practices, isolation, decontamination etc.)
  • To assist in the education of staff in the clinical area in the principals of infection control within their speciality, and in the dissemination of information to clinical colleagues.
  • To assist with the audit programme in their clinical setting, ensuring that the evidence is submitted onto the correct audit programme, whilst retaining three months records in their IPC file for external agencies if required (for example CQC, QRV)
  • To inform the ICN of any compromised and/or infected patients to ensure appropriate patient care and precautions. To communicate appropriate aspects of care relating to infection prevention and control practices to inform staff and patients
  • To be knowledgeable regarding the purchase/introduction and use of equipment in their clinical area in relation to:

(a) Infection Control hazards

(b) Care and maintenance

(c) Decontamination and storage

(d) Disposable items

Professional responsibilities

  • To maintain up to date knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control research and practices
  • Utilising opportunities to learn and develop their own IPC knowledge and skills in, and from practice

Pace/CPD

  • To ensure IPC mandatory training is completed annually
  • Infection Prevention and Control Champion will be expected to include Infection Control within their Pace.

IPC Champion: ……………………………………………….

Area/Ward: ……………………………………………………

Manager: ………………………………………………………

Date: ……………………………………………………………