Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) is a 77-bed surgical hospital located on the outskirts of Mullingar with four operating theatres and an endoscopy unit. We provide a wide range of surgical care across multiple specialties and offer 24/7 Stepdown, Minor Injuries, and Rapid Access services in collaboration with the HSE.
We are currently recruiting for an Infection Prevention & Control Lead (IPC) to join our team.
Role Summary
Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) is a 77-bed surgical hospital located on the outskirts of Mullingar with four operating theatres and an endoscopy unit. We provide a wide range of surgical care across multiple specialties and offer 24/7 Stepdown, Minor Injuries, and Rapid Access services in collaboration with the HSE.
The Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Lead plays a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive IPC service within Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH).
As part of the IPC Team, the post holder will provide specialist clinical expertise, leadership, education, and consultancy in IPC, supporting all healthcare staff to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). The role contributes to patient safety, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of evidence-based practice in line with national standards.
The post is aligned with the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Posts (NCNM, 4th Edition, 2008) and encompasses the five core concepts of: Clinical Focus, Patient/Client Advocacy, Education & Training, Audit & Research, Consultancy.
Working closely with the Director of IPC, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), Medical and Nursing Staff, Occupational Health, Health & Safety, Facilities, and other key internal and external stakeholders. Key working relationships will evolve as services expand.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Focus – Direct Care
Act as an expert clinical resource for IPC-related issues across the hospital
Provide professional leadership and act as a role model for best practice in IPC
Advise on the care and management of patients with communicable diseases
Support and supervise the implementation of isolation and transmission-based precautions
Advise on patient transfers to isolation facilities in consultation with medical and nursing teams
Support staff in the implementation of IPC Policies, Procedures, Protocols, Guidelines and SOPs (PPPGs)
Establish effective communication and referral pathways for IPC concerns
Clinical Focus – Indirect Care
Lead and support the development, implementation, and monitoring of IPC PPPGs in line with HIQA National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare and HIQA National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections
Identify areas of IPC risk and implement appropriate mitigation strategies
Participate in and maintain IPC surveillance programmes, including data collection and analysis
Assist with timely investigation of potential or confirmed outbreaks and IPC breaches
Provide IPC guidance related to building projects and renovations
Collaborate with MDT members to monitor hospital hygiene standards
Liaise with Occupational Health and Health & Safety on IPC-related staff issues
Contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of the IPC service
Patient / Client Advocacy
Advocate for patients, families, and staff in relation to IPC practices
Work collaboratively with clinical teams to ensure a safe, high-quality IPC service is maintained
Education & Training
Develop and deliver IPC education and training programmes for all grades of staff
Provide formal and informal IPC education in clinical and classroom settings
Develop IPC educational resources, including information leaflets and guidance materials
Participate in hospital-wide initiatives such as IPC Awareness Week
Support staff competence through targeted education based on audit and surveillance findings
Utilise IT systems to support education, data management, and reporting
Audit & Research
Participate in the implementation and monitoring of national IPC standards
Develop, implement, and maintain IPC audit tools and programmes
Analyse audit and surveillance data and provide timely feedback to relevant stakeholders
Participate in outbreak investigation, clinical studies, and approved research initiatives
Maintain awareness of current IPC research and disseminate findings to staff
Support the evaluation and introduction of evidence-based clinical products
Maintain service activity data and provide annual reports to line management
Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the IPC CNS role
Surveillance
Maintain effective IPC surveillance systems for early identification of infection risks
Conduct regular audits and inspections of IPC practices and hospital hygiene
Collect, analyse, and report IPC-related data in a timely manner
Interpret laboratory reports relevant to infection prevention and control
Provide targeted education and improvement recommendations based on surveillance findings
Consultancy & Professional Leadership
Act as a specialist IPC consultant to clinical and non-clinical staff
Participate in IPC-related committees and meetings at hospital and national level
Represent CMPH and IPC services at external meetings and conferences (e.g. IPC Ireland)
Develop professional links with IPC teams in other hospitals and community settings
Act as an ambassador for IPC excellence and CMPH
Governance, Quality & Professional Practice
Comply with CMPH policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
Participate in quality, patient safety, and accreditation initiatives
Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards at all times
Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and effective time management
Seek guidance and elevate concerns appropriately
Contribute to continuous service improvement initiatives
Professional Development
Maintain registration and practice in accordance with the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)
Promote and support evidence-based practice
Maintain and expand knowledge of local, national, and international IPC standards
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Experience
Registered on the General Division of the Register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the NMBI
Minimum 5 years post-registration clinical experience
Post-registration Level 9 (NQAI Major Award) qualification in Infection Prevention & Control or willingness to enter a contractual agreement to obtain same within 3 years
Demonstrated clinical, managerial, and administrative competence to fulfil the role
Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development
Skills / Competencies
Clinical Expertise & Professional Practice
Demonstrates advanced specialist knowledge and clinical judgement in Infection Prevention & Control.
Applies evidence-based practice consistently to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Provides expert advice and leadership in the management of communicable diseases and IPC risks.
Practices in accordance with NMBI Scope of Practice, professional codes, and national standards.
Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
Promotes a culture of patient safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Actively contributes to surveillance, audit, and risk management processes.
Identifies IPC risks proactively and implements effective preventative strategies.
Supports hospital accreditation, governance, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Communicates clearly, confidently, and professionally with patients, families, and staff.
Builds effective therapeutic and professional relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
Provides clear, timely advice and education tailored to diverse audiences.
Demonstrates sensitivity, tact, and professionalism in challenging situations.
Leadership, Consultancy & Influence
Acts as a role model and clinical leader in IPC best practice.
Influences practice through consultancy, education, and professional leadership rather than authority alone.
Supports staff engagement, compliance, and ownership of IPC standards.
Represents IPC and CMPH positively at internal and external forums.
Education, Training & Knowledge Sharing
Designs, delivers, and evaluates IPC education and training programmes.
Facilitates learning through formal teaching, bedside education, and audit feedback.
Promotes evidence-based practice and continuous learning within clinical teams.
Utilises IT systems and data to support education, reporting, and service development.
Organisation, Planning & Time Management
Manages workload effectively, balancing clinical, audit, surveillance, and educational responsibilities.
Prioritises tasks appropriately in response to service demands and emerging IPC risks.
Maintains accurate, timely documentation and reporting systems.
Professionalism, Accountability & Ethics
Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and respect in all professional interactions.
Maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to data protection requirements.
Accepts responsibility for own professional development and practice.
Acts in the best interests of patients, staff, and the organisation at all times.
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Sign-on bonus
Full time hours, permanent contract
Continuous professional development and training opportunities
Supportive, collaborative working environment
Employee Assistance Programme
Opportunities for career progression
Free on-site parking
At Charter Medical Private Hospital, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and ensure equal opportunity in hiring and advancement.
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