Consultant Microbiology (HPC/MO 4) - Cornwall Regional Hospital

JOB PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the Senior Medical Officer (CRH), the Consultant Microbiologist provides leadership and direction in the effective investigation and reporting on microbial infections in clients and patients within the hospital, and assesses the procedural, environmental and other circumstances relating to such infections, ensuring that clinical and laboratory processes are in accordance with Infection control laws, policies and standards within the hospital. 

The incumbent is also responsible for providing expert medical opinion/guidance in Clinical Microbiology for hospital-related patient care, management of infectious diseases in community settings and infection control in health facilities across the Region, as well as spearheading the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Committee. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Management/Administrative 

• Assist with the preparation of operational plans, budget and annual reports for the department and infection prevention and control plans in the facility 
• Represent the Hospital and/or Regional Health Authority in matters related to Infection Prevention and Control at the National, Regional and International level and Tertiary Care institutions as requested Coordinate with the relevant Departments to conduct Infection Prevention and Control Training sessions Prepare and submit Individual Work Plan 
• Attend and participate in meetings, training sessions and conferences 

Technical 

• Ensure, through Infection Prevention and Control audits, that processes and programmes meet minimum international and national standards at the hospital 
• Provide clinical antimicrobial advice through individualized Clinical Microbiology Consultations for hospitals and primary care facilities 
• Provide technical guidance as requested to Senior Technical and Administrative Managers in the Parish Health Departments, Hospitals and labs in planning and implementing infection prevention and control programmes 
• Provide guidance in collaboration with other key stakeholders with regards to activities related to hospital antibiotic stewardship efforts to prevent antimicrobial misuse, abuse and the emergence of drugresistant microorganisms 
• Provide urgent advice and guidance in the management of hospital-related outbreaks caused by infectious diseases 
• Provide guidance for the Microbiology Laboratory staff in the diagnostic investigation of infectious diseases by way of reviewing existing and new laboratory testing protocols as needed Provide advice on the testing and reporting of antibiotic susceptibility results for applicable microbial pathogens 
• Ensure adherence to the appropriate laboratory quality standards and procedures
• Provide recommendations for the conduct of special Microbiological tests for select microbial pathogenic agents 
• Review and evaluate patients’ medical records, laboratory reports and other relevant reports and information applying the Ministry of Health’s Infection Prevention and Control criteria Review reports prepared from internal and external audits to monitor the Infection Control and Prevention standards and services being provided, observe trends and identify areas where further investigation may be warranted and make recommendations 
• Communicate with the Senior Medical Officer any critical compliance risks noted from these activities Collaborate with the Epidemiological and Surveillance section to develop and utilize appropriate data gathering instruments for monitoring the effectiveness of the Infection control programmes Active surveillance and monitoring of hospital-related infectious agents by utilising the available Clinical and Microbiology Laboratory data 
• Compilation and submission of reports to the Senior Medical Officer and other department heads at regular intervals 
• Prepare and submit performance and other reports as required and ensure the timely submission of all documents/information requested from the Regional Technical Department and Senior Medical Officer
• Lead the hospital’s Infection Prevention & Control Committee 
• Participate as a key member of the hospital’s Infection Control Committee in functions related to providing Clinical Microbiological advice 
• Make recommendations regarding infectious diseases for prevention and control
• Make recommendations for quarantining potentially infected cases; identify and assess isolation areas
• Make recommendations as to the proper management of infectious medical waste
• Make recommendations to the Regional Technical Director, SMO and Chief Executive Officers regarding implementation of practices and procedures relevant to infection control and prevention
• Participate in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the management of significant infectious diseases relevant to the health facilities 
• Participate in continuing Medical Education programmes, including acquiring new and appropriate information from research publications and activities 
• Assist as required with performing specified site visits, e.g. to hospitals and clinics, for inspection/audit purposes 
• Assist with and contribute to the sensitisation of medical staff on the laboratory investigation, management, control and prevention of infectious disease, as needed 
• Assist with training health care workers in principles governing infectious diseases, their genesis, mode of spread, control and prevention 
• Monitor practices and laboratory results so as to identify early warning signs and promptly intervene to prevent disease outbreaks 
• Participate in the development and implementation of a plan of action with regard to Infection Prevention and Control procedures, standards and specifications to ensure quality care to patients Monitor the performance of health facilities/departments (or hospital) by compiling relevant data and documenting reports summarising Infection Prevention and Control findings as required Participate in the Review of guidelines, international standards or consensus standards and interpret their appropriateness for guidance
• Participate in clinical/ technical research activities required by the Regional Health Authority Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of quality assurance programmes in collaboration with programme managers and leaders 
• Any other duties as required to advise and collaborate with the RTD in technical-related activities

MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION

• Medical Graduate of an approved Medical School 
• Satisfactory completion of all necessary internships 
• Post Graduate Studies in Microbiology 
• Certification in Public Health 

Plus 

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in Clinical Microbiology 
• Peer Approval 
• Specify Licensing or Certification necessary for the job 
• Current registration by the Medical Council of Jamaica 
• Registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica 

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED