CLINICAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL)

This position offers an experienced professional nurse the opportunity to lead infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts at Winburg District Hospital, a facility within the public health sector. The Clinical Programme Coordinator (Infection Prevention and Control) is responsible for ensuring that the hospital meets national and provincial IPC standards through the development, implementation and ongoing review of a facility-specific IPC operational plan and annual work programme. The role is clinical and managerial in nature, requiring the coordinator to chair or facilitate IPC committee meetings, conduct regular audits, and ensure that all IPC policies, protocols and standard operating procedures are correctly applied across the hospital. The coordinator also acts as a trainer and resource person, organising and delivering IPC training for personnel and relevant stakeholders, and promoting hand hygiene, personal protective equipment use and standard precautions among healthcare workers.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Matric certificate and a basic R425 nursing diploma or degree, or a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree (R174), that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. Registration as a Professional Nurse and Midwife with the SANC is essential, as is an appropriate diploma or degree in Nursing Education accredited by the SANC and lasting at least one year. A certificate in Infection Prevention and Control is advantageous. Candidates need a minimum of seven years of appropriate or recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC in general nursing. A valid driver’s licence and computer literacy are required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a sound understanding of IPC policies and practices, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, infection control management, and all relevant treatment policies and guidelines. Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, driving and conflict management skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and under pressure. Knowledge of key priority health programmes and all clinical programmes, including healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), is expected, and the incumbent must be willing to travel for trainings and meetings.

The duties are wide-ranging. The coordinator will detect, investigate and manage outbreaks promptly, conduct outbreak investigations and compile reports with recommendations, and coordinate the surveillance of HAIs. They will analyse infection surveillance data to identify trends, prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual IPC reports, and monitor notifiable medical conditions, outbreak reports, IPC registers and surveillance databases. The role also involves monitoring occupational exposures, needle-stick injuries and infection risks among staff, promoting staff immunisation programmes and post-exposure management, and assessing isolation facilities and ventilation requirements. The coordinator participates in patient care during support visits, applies the scientific nursing process to individuals, groups and communities, and reviews the effectiveness of these approaches for IPC. They also contribute to health promotion initiatives, participate in Ideal Hospital and quality assurance programmes, and help develop the facility business plan while identifying ways to contain healthcare costs without compromising standards. Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal departments, multi-disciplinary health teams, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and special interest groups is a key part of the role, as is representing the institution at various forums and attending regular stakeholder meetings. The position is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for nursing, and the successful candidate will be expected to continuously pursue professional development opportunities to enhance their knowledge and practice.