About the Role
The Department of Health is actively seeking a dedicated Clinical Programme Coordinator for Infection Prevention based at the Winburg District Hospital in the Free State province. This critical role is designed for healthcare professionals who are committed to implementing and overseeing infection prevention and control measures within the hospital setting. By ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and healthcare workers alike, this position plays a vital part in promoting a healthier community and enhancing public service in South Africa.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to coordinate and facilitate important Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) initiatives while working closely with a diverse team of healthcare professionals. Your contributions will not only help in managing outbreaks but also in educating staff on essential health protocols. This position is instrumental in maintaining standards that protect the community, making it a fulfilling career for those passionate about healthcare and public service.
About the Department
The Department of Health is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of all South Africans. It focuses on providing accessible and quality healthcare services, addressing public health challenges, and improving health outcomes. Working here means being part of a mission that directly impacts lives and communities across the nation. As a member of this department, you will contribute to the development and implementation of health policies that promote disease prevention, enhance healthcare quality, and ensure the safety of the public.
What You’ll Do
- Implement and review the facility’s IPC operational plan and annual work programme.
- Coordinate and facilitate IPC Committee meetings and conduct regular IPC audits.
- Ensure compliance with IPC policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Train healthcare personnel and stakeholders according to the established training plan.
- Analyze data on programme indicators and assist in creating action plans for improvement.
- Monitor adherence to national and provincial IPC standards.
- Participate in patient care during support visits and manage outbreaks effectively.
- Conduct health promotion initiatives and coordinate surveillance of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).
- Promote hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and standard precautions among staff.
- Maintain relationships with stakeholders and participate in decision-making regarding healthcare delivery.
What You’ll Need
- Matric plus a basic R425 qualification (diploma/degree in nursing) or a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.
- A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in nursing after registration with SANC.
- Valid driver’s license and computer literacy.
- Knowledge of infection control practices, Occupational Health and Safety policies, and treatment guidelines.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict management skills.
- Willingness to travel for training and meetings.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Matric plus basic R425 qualification (i.e.
diploma/degree in nursing) or equivalent qualification that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.
OR – A 4-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174) that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.
Advantageous Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control.
Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse and Midwife.
Appropriate Diploma/Degree in Nursing Education with a duration of at least one year accredited by SANC.
A minimum of 7 years appropriate or recognisable experience in nursing after registration as Professional Nurse with the SANC General Nursing.
Valid Drivers license.
Computer literacy Knowledge And Skills: Demonstrate understanding of infection Control and Prevention policies and practices.
Good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety policies and Act, Infection Control management and all treatment policies and guidelines.
Ability to work independently and under pressure.
Good communication, interpersonal, problem solving, driving and conflict management skills.
Knowledge of key priority health programs and key priority health programs.
Knowledge of all clinical programmes, including HAIs.
Be willing to travel for trainings and meetings.
Job Duties
Ensure the implementation and reviewing the facility IPC operational plan and annual work Programme.Coordinate and facilitate IPC Committee meetings and conduct regular IPC audits.
Ensure implementation of IPC policies, protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Coordinate and train personnel according to the training plan, including relevant stakeholders.
Participate in the analysis of data on programme indicators and assist in developing action plans to address identified needs.
Monitor compliance with national and provincial IPC standards.
Actively participate in patient care during support visits.
Detect, investigate and manage outbreaks promptly.
Conduct outbreak investigations and compile reports with recommendations.
Participate in health promotion and infection prevention control initiatives.
Coordinate surveillance of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).
Conduct nursing staff meetings to disseminate information such as new Infection Prevention Control policies, circulars etc.
Promote hand hygiene, PPE use and standard precautions among healthcare workers.
Apply the scientific process of nursing and principles to the nursing care of individuals, groups and communities.
Review the effectiveness of the application of the scientific approach to nursing and principles for IPC.
Continuously review, explore and utilize opportunities for professional development to enhance professional knowledge.
Develop good working relationships within the department and 112 with stakeholders.
Participate with members of health team in decision- making regarding to health care delivery.
Consult and collaborate with multi- disciplinary health teams, organizations and special interest groups.
Participate in and represent the institution at various forms.
Liaise and coordinate with governmental, non-governmental institutions, other structure and organizations.
Attend meeting and communicate on a regular basis with various stakeholders.
Develop relationships across diverse groups of stakeholders.
Participate in the development of the business plan and promote or identify ways containing health care costs without compromising standards.
Analyse infection surveillance data and identify trends Prepare and submit monthly.
Quarterly and annual IPC reports.
Monitor notifiable medical conditions and outbreak reports.
Monitor IPC registers and surveillance databases.
Ensue the spending is maximized in line with strategic objectives.
Monitor occupational exposures, needle-stick injuries and infection risks among staff.
Promote staff immunization programs and post-exposure management.
Assess isolation facilities and ventilation requirements.
Participate in Ideal Hospital and quality assurance programs
