Infection prevention & control assessment and training for Fiji

Purpose of the Consultancy

To conduct a follow up assessment and auditing of infection prevention & control (IPC) practices, including IPC training of staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Lautoka Hospital and Labasa Hospital. 

A secondary purpose is to evaluate the implementation of IPC action plan for the three divisional hospitals.

Background

WHO had assisted the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) in July 2017 to investigate 12 Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva with Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to all tested antibiotics. This assessment found that there were challenges in maintaining an effective IPC program within CWMH’s current systems and practices and that this could have enabled the cross contamination and transmission of the bacteria between patients. In response to the findings of the assessment, a series of immediate, medium and long-term actions to strengthen infection prevention and control practices and the surveillance of health care associated infections in all hospitals were recommended.  These focus on implementing proven actions to prevent, detect and respond to multidrug resistant organisms, such as A.baumannii. However, the three hospitals continue to be challenged in implementing their IPC action plans and have not been able to sustain effective IPC practices. Hence, a follow up visit is necessary to assess and evaluate their current IPC status and provide guidance and face to face teaching and coaching of staff in addressing those IPC challenges.

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date:  12/08/2018
End date: 31/08/2018 (15 working days)

Work to be performed

Method(s) to carry out the activity

• Review of progress towards implementation of the IPC action plan in the three divisional hospitals (CWMH, Lautoka & Labasa hospitals)
• Work with IPC nurses to review current IPC policy and audit of IPC practices using the modified IPC assessment tool
• Conduct ward visits and interview hospital staff and other key informants
• Conduct training and presentations on IPC to hospital staff and IPC committee members
• Train the IPC nurses on using the IPC assessment tool and its application in the hospitals
• Work with MOHMS focal point to develop a plan of coordinating and streamlining IPC services in the three divisional hospitals
• Coordinate with technical staff at WHO/DPS the findings and recommendations of the review and assessment

Output/s

Output 1: IPC training on the using of IPC assessment tool and its application completed

Deliverable: All IPC nurses of the three divisional hospitals trained and enable to use the IPC assessment tool

Output 2: Assessment and audit report of the three hospitals, including progress of IPC implementation plan

Deliverable: Final report of IPC assessment and progress on implementation of IPC action plan for the three divisional hospitals

Output 3: Produce a technical report with key findings and recommendations

Deliverable: Final technical report highlighting key findings and recommendations for MOHMS, including the plan of streamlining IPC services for the three divisional hospitals

Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work on the supervision of:

Responsible Officer: Mr Asaeli Raikabakaba, Technical Officer 
Email: raikabakabaa@who.int

Manager: Ms Martina Pellny, Team Coordinator – PHS, WHO/DPS
Email:  pellnym@who.int

Specific requirements

- Qualifications required:

Masters in medicine/nursing/health science with post-graduate in public health or infection control

- Experience required:

At least 7 years of relevant experience in infectious diseases and outbreak response; IPC assessment and training; and public health; some of which should have been obtained in an international context.

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

Demonstrated expertise in conducting IPC assessment and training. Should also have knowledge on hospital and community acquired infections and ability to identify challenges and provide appropriate solutions. Experience with desk research and report writing.

- Language requirements:

Fluent in English

Competencies

Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Knowing and managing yourself and producing results.

Place of assignment

CWMH, Lautoka & Labasa Hospitals, Fiji

Travel

Consultant will need to travel to Fiji in order to undertake this work. Those who residing out of Fiji should deal with the visa requirement issues including visa fees as necessary for the travel into and out of Fiji.

Medical clearance

The consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work

Payment

Payment will be made in instalments and discussed upon issuing of contract.

Detailed cost and budget breakdown

Please quote your professional fee per day for 15 working days                                                                                                                                                                               Applications
Qualified and interested individuals or institutions should submit their application letter, CV with an expected quotation using cost detailed breakdown provided and portfolio of previous works in relation to TOR to wpfjidpsprocurement@who.int by 14 May 2018. Please use Tender Notice No. 71374 as subject to all submissions.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.