Infection Control Coordinator

Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator | Full-time Role

• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth and success of the organisation
• Work with a dedicated and supportive team
• Comprehensive orientation program

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic individual with experience in infection prevention and control to join our senior leadership team. The position is key to the hospitals success and requires both leadership and management skills.

As the Infection Prevention and Control Nurse you will have a minimum of 5 years clinical nursing experience and will be expected to have experience providing leadership and direction on Infection Prevention and Control issues to compliment the strategic direction, daily operational processes, and the continual achievement of accreditation for the hospital.

 You will be responsible for the coordinating and implementing, monitoring and evaluating Infection Prevention and Control procedures, practices and standards for Newcastle Private Hospital. 

As the Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Implementing, monitoring and evaluating the site Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Ensure all clinical staff and accredited Visiting Medical Officers are aware of the program and are provided with regular updates.
• Chair/ Secretary the Infection Control Committee and Antimicrobial stewardship committee.
• Data Collection and Surveillance Activities across the facility, updated regularly to the Unit Managers.
• Ensure mandatory reporting to Department of Health Communicable Diseases Unit in relevant State processes are established, monitored and evaluated.

• Provide guidance and assistance if an infectious outbreak occurs within the hospital.
• Participate in external regional Infection Prevention and Control including the HSP National IFC Working party Committees (as well as the potential for Department of Health)
• Audit compliance with Infection Prevention and Control Standards for any on-site clinical contractor.
• Provide recommendations for improvement as identified.
• Liaise with Department Managers regarding Infection Prevention and Control issues, KPIs, policy development, auditing and training and development of staff.
• Maintain a central staff vaccination record database, monitor and update accordingly.
• Administer staff vaccinations as offered by the hospital.
• Participate in staff orientation each month.
• Plan and deliver infection control education to staff and Medical Officers
• Act as a resource person in infection prevention and control matters, developing strong partnerships with Department Managers and the HS&W Coordinator.
• Support the hospital's commitment to quality improvement and achievement of ACHS accreditation.
• Keep all systems updated.

Essential criteria

• Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse (Div1)
• Relevant tertiary qualifications / or working towards or relevant experience in Infection control
• Ability to build productive relationships with key department managers
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to write reports and collate statistical information
• Ability to prioritise, set goals and establish plans to achieve the organisation performance targets.
• Intermediate computer skills
• Educational and auditing skills
• Knowledge and sound understanding of the National Safety and Quality Healthcare Standard

Desirable Criteria

• Current Immunisation Certificate (or evidence of currently working towards achievement)
• Management Diploma or certificate (or evidence of currently working towards achievement)

Applications close:  26^th May 2025

To Apply: Please click on the 'Apply' button to be taken to our online application form. For any questions, please reach out to Jane Craker, Quality, Clinical Risk, Education and Infection Control Manager. E: jane.craker@healthscope.com.au

More Information: Our commitment to quality and safety for our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority. Applicants will be required to provide a current National Police check, WWCC (where applicable) and Evidence of right to work in Australia prior to appointment. Staff in patient contact roles will be required to provide proof of immunity to specified infectious diseases as a Category A Healthcare worker.

Why Healthscope? Come and be the difference in our patient's lives.

When you join Healthscope, you become part of our Community of Care. Our people are at the heart of our organisation - no matter the role, every day our people make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families. As the only national private hospital operator and healthcare provider in Australia, our 42 sites are supported by our central Support Office, enabling them to provide an exceptional experience for the communities we care for.

 We offer:

·       Flexibility to work across one or multiple hospitals across our network.

·       Discounted health insurance

·       Continuous professional development, education & support provided to encourage growth

We pride ourselves on working with talented, passionate and caring people to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care and experience during their stay with us.