Job Description

WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST JOB DESCRIPTION Post Title: IPC Support Operative Pay Band: 3 Hours: 37.5hrs per week Contract: Permanent Location / Department: Countywide Infection Control Team: Mattress store/Face Fit Tester/Education Responsible to: IPC Nurse Manager Accountable to: IPC Nurse Manager Key Working Relationships: Internal: Wards/Departments PFI Partners Infection Prevention & Control Team Tissue Viability Team Procurement Department Technical Services Facilities Team External: Suppliers Risk Assessment: This post involves frequent contact with equipment. Manual handling of inanimate, often bulky equipment, daily use of VDU screen, use of cleaning fluids and there will be an expectation to work at different Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites to cover service need. Job Purpose: As the IPC Support Operative you will be working within the infection prevention and control team county wide across different roles: Face fit testing service and Mattress Store, to cover annual leave and sickness, there is also an element of educational support to share IPC messages within the Trust. Face fit testing Fit testing is a method for checking that a specific model and size of FFP3 mask (tight-fitting mask) matches the wearers facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face.



It will also help to identify unsuitable masks which should not be used. The performance of tight-fitting masks depends on achieving a good contact between the wearers skin and the face seal of the mask. Peoples faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular model or size of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) mask will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer.



Any reduction in protection may lead to immediate or long term ill health or can even put the RPE wearers life in danger. The post holder will work as part of the Infection under the supervision of the Face fit co-ordinator. They will work closely with the Infection Prevention & Control and Team (IPC) as well as the Procurement and Supply Chain team and the Development and Education Team. They will ensure that staff are individually face fitted to masks providing respiratory protection against harmful pathogens.



The post holder will be responsible for fit testing to ensure masks that are either re-useable or disposable fit the face of an individual. Full training will be given for both the qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods. The post holder will also play a key role in educating staff on the best practice of donning and doffing FFP3 PPE. The post holder will work independently on a day-to-day basis.



All sites will need to be covered with one other Fit Tester during the course of a week and it could be that visiting various locations at those hospitals is required depending on need. The post holder will be responsible for arranging and collecting a PortaCount machine from IPC and setting up the allocated room in preparation for testing. Where required, the post holder will need to refer to IPC for alternatives for respiratory protection where fit testing is unsuccessful and update records accordingly. If there is a lack of face fit testing bookings, then the staff member may be asked to assist within other departments of the Infection Prevention & Control team or Mattress store.



Mattress store duties include cleaning the mattresses using PPE and chemicals, collection and delivery of mattresses. Other duties may include education of trust staff regarding hand hygiene competencies and audit of environment and practices. Key Duties: To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy. Conduct face fit tests (using portacount machine) on staff that are required to wear FFP3 masks, specifically: Being clear on the face fit testing process and being able to describe this to staff.



To ensure that the mask that is being fitted is a good fit before conducting the test by assisting in fitting the mask ensuring a good seal. Directing the member of staff through the face fit exercises. Recording the result of any face fit test. Explaining to the member of staff which mask they have passed on and when they should book another fit test, if required.



Where no fit is achieved advising staff on alternatives and how to access them. To actively support IPC in implementing and evaluating the Face Fit Test strategy and action plan. Monitor and maintain stock levels of face masks and consumables Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturers guidance. Report any issues identified with the portacount machines Mattress Store Integral to this, is the availability of Pressure Ulcer Prevention equipment.The Mattress Store Assistant Role is integral to the cleaning/decontamination / checking of the Trust Wide Mattresses, ensuring these medical devices are fit for purpose and ensuring timely delivery to ward /department areas during Stores operational hours.



There are currently 2 Equipment/Mattress stores based at WRH and Alex sites under the line management of Infection Prevention Control team Key Duties: To ensure Personal Protective Equipment is worn and used according to Trust policy. To maintain competence in use of Mattress Medical Devices, in order to cascade knowledge and skill to clinical staff when required. Answer telephone/bleep enquiries for mattress delivery and collection and action in a timely manner. Deliver/collect requested items to clinical areas, assist in setting up and support staff with equipment if requested to do so.



Provide ward based support for the appropriate and safe use of medical equipment/ mattresses. Provide advice on cleaning and reinforce Trust process for decontamination of equipment /mattresses. Visit wards / department clinical areas and Dirty Utility Mattress Store throughout the day to collect and deliver Trust mattresses and equipment. Assist in providing ward based support with safe use of medical equipment/ mattresses.



Assist clinical staff in the setting up of relevant equipment and signpost staff to TV /IPC Website where equipment resources are available. Collect equipment and mattresses on completion of use from clinical areas. Following collection of used mattresses/equipment return to the store, and undertakes cleaning and examination of the mattresses/equipment to ensure it is in working order. Check PAT testing details and arrange for servicing if required.



Decontamination and storage of equipment in line with Trust guidelines/policy and manufacturers instructions. The Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH): The use and storage of cleaning fluids as per manufacturers instructions. To be competent of the use of Manual Handling Equipment/Transportation devices as per manufacturers instructions. Liaise with Technical Services, Estates and Contractors for breakdowns and routine maintenance and servicing.



Throughout day update the site inventory, maintain computer database/spread sheet identifying usage and returns. Keep any other significant paperwork filed in chronological order, Ensure stores are kept clean and orderly. To support IPC/TV team Yearly Mattress Audit across the 3 Trust sites. Assist in service audit when requested by IPC /Lead TV Nurse / Technical Services Manager Yearly Stock take of all Stores.



Liaise with Specialist Nursing Teams Tissue Viability, Infection Control, for clinical and professional advice, as required. Adhere to Trust-wide policies and guidelines. To undertake Professional Development Review on yearly basis. Ensure the reporting of clinical incidents via Datix incident reporting system is undertaken Carry out an audit of equipment if requested by TV Lead Nurse/IPC lead nurse/Technical Services manager.



Escalate to TV Lead Nurse or deputy if there is a shortage of equipment. Ability to travel and work across sites if needed. Set up equipment for Trust Training. Ensure sufficient ancillary supplies are available on 24hour basis: Mattress bags, cable ties and paperwork to record equipment taken out of hours.



Any other duties as requested by manager Communication Establish and maintain relationships with members of staff and colleagues affiliated with Mattress stores and Face Fit Testing. Communicate effectively with others, recognising that there may be a requirement to utilise alternative methods of communication to overcome barriers to understanding. Assist clinical teams with selection of a mattress- understanding the water low score Participate in discussions and team meetings, as required, in relation to mattress store/face fit testing process and PPE. Highlight failure of particular masks to the IPC Nurse Manager and PA to DIPC.



Highlight failure of mattresses and associated pumps, dwindling stocks of mattresses/ pumps to tissue viability Escalate to IPC Team Planning and Organisational Skills Plan and organise with the support of the IPC Nurse Manager/PA DIPC workload in line with face fit testing appointment system. Make amendments to the appointment system for face fit testing, as required, and report any issues manager. Physical Skills Standard keyboard skills required for data entry. Developed physical skills required to operate testing equipment.



Lifting of equipment (Portacount machine, consumables, mattresses, pumps and other clinical equipment) for transport around hospital sites Will be required to transport equipment to various sites and wards/rooms.