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On International Nurses Day, we reflect on how infection prevention and control (IPC) has long been a cornerstone of nursing, thanks to pioneers like Florence Nightingale. Her emphasis on safe environments and hand hygiene remains vital today.
Nurses are natural leaders in IPC, combining clinical expertise with an in-depth understanding of patient care and hospital systems. Their ability to act in real time, educate peers, and prioritise safety makes them essential to infection prevention efforts.
As a Consultant Nurse in IPC, I lead a nurse-led service focused on keeping patients, staff, and visitors safe. My role involves developing evidence-based strategies, guiding clinical teams, and embedding IPC into daily care through education, audit, and proactive patient management. Working with multidisciplinary teams, we drive innovation and stay ahead of emerging threats to ensure continuous improvement and the highest standards of care.
What inspired you to pursue a career in infection prevention and control (IPC)?
I first became aware of the importance of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) during my nursing degree, when alarming media reports about healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caught my attention. The real impact became clear during my time as an IPC link nurse in critical care, where I saw firsthand how preventable infections harmed patients. That experience sparked a lasting passion for proactive IPC, and I remain committed to improving practices and enhancing patient safety.
A key challenge in my role is the ongoing emergence of infectious diseases and growing antimicrobial resistance, compounded by climate change, which accelerates infection spread and strains healthcare systems. This underscores the urgent need to embed sustainability into healthcare to maintain high standards of care.
We also face a national shortage of skilled IPC nurses—a pressure point intensified by the pandemic. At UCLH, I’ve helped develop a structured career pathway for IPC nurse specialists to support professional growth and retention. I’m passionate about this work because investing in our workforce is essential to delivering quality care.
Starting a career in infection prevention and control (IPC) is both exciting and challenging. It’s a fast-paced, ever-evolving field where no two days are the same—one moment you’re reviewing infections or managing outbreaks, the next you’re tackling infrastructure issues. IPC touches every part of healthcare, requiring close collaboration across teams and specialties.
Although it’s not always fully recognised, IPC is a highly specialised area. Beyond clinical skills, success relies on strong communication and leadership—being able to influence, engage, and build trust is essential. Ultimately, it's about working together to ensure safety and continuous improvement.
Why did you decide to become a member of the Healthcare Infection Society? How has being a member supported you in your role?
I joined the Healthcare Infection Society for its outstanding educational resources that support collaboration and networking. Now, as a trustee and finance committee member, I’m gaining insight into the society’s operations and helping shape its future—supporting infection prevention professionals, advancing research, and promoting best practices across healthcare.
