HEALTH PROTECTION SCOTLAND

Data Manager – SSHAIP Team

Fixed Term Contract / Secondment for 1 Year

Location: Meridian Court, Glasgow

Band 5 – Salary Scale: £21,388 - £27,901 per annum

As a vital part of NHSScotland, NHS National Services Scotland’s mission is to enable and support the delivery of better health and better care working in partnership. We do this by providing a range of specialised support services that enable NHS Boards to focus their efforts on delivering health improvement and patient care.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) works in partnership to deliver health protection services which enable and support a safer and healthier Scotland.

We are seeking a Data manager to work in the Healthcare Associated Infection and Infection Control (HAI&IC) Group. The HAI&IC Group leads and supports efforts to prevent healthcare associated infection by means of surveillance, operational support and training, covering areas such as surgical-site surveillance, decontamination, microbiological surveillance, research and infection control.

HPS works in partnership with others, to protect the Scottish public from being exposed to hazards which damage their health and to limit any impact on health when such exposures cannot be avoided. The Scottish Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infection Programme is responsible for the surgical site infection surveillance programme and a number of other projects including surveillance of healthcare associated infection occurring in Intensive Care Units or in Care of older people facilities. The surveillance programmes are integrated parts of wider national programmes aimed at reducing healthcare associated infections. It is an exciting area to work in, generating a lot of public interest and a number of interesting challenges which will lead to a number of research opportunities in which the successful candidate may be involved.

We are currently seeking to employ a data manager to support the epidemiologists in the team in analysing surveillance data for national reports and developing existing and new surveillance programmes in line with national action plans. The post is full time for a fixed term to provide secondment cover.

The successful applicant should have the following knowledge, training and experience:

Degree in medical, nursing or biological sciences, bioinformatics or IT with an interest in medical fields or have gained equivalent experience in a role involving data management.

Strong skills in Microsoft Access, evidenced with experience of designing, building and managing complex database structures within that environment.

  • Understanding of statistical methodologies and issues
  • Interest in epidemiology
  • Experience in searching the Internet, online databases and other information sources to compile comprehensive literature reviews
  • Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications, in particular Excel
  • Previous experience of working in an information role in a health related environment
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Team worker
  • Able to work to tight deadlines and on own initiative

You will also be enthusiastic and have a flexible approach but with attention to detail. You will be an excellent team worker with ability to deal with challenging deadlines

The successful applicant will be encouraged to develop their skills in order to progress through the career structure.

The successful candidate(s) must comply with the Mandatory Induction Standards and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers.

Our benefits package includes final salary pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits.

For an informal discussion on the post, contact Jane McNeish, Senior Nurse Epidemiologist, and SSI Surveillance Programme Manager on 0141 300 1922.

For an application pack please complete the online application form on the SHOW website Ref G19764.

Closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on 18 March 2014

Please note that only those applicants called for an interview will be contacted. If you have not received a response within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Further information on NSS is available from:

NHS National Services Scotland is the common name of the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service.

NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer.

Candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

National Services Scotland

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB DETAILS
Please complete all details below apart from the job reference and note that the job holder(s) should not be named on this form. It is intended that job descriptions will be anonymous for banding purposes. The AfC Team will devise a confidential system to link job holders with their job descriptions and accordingly will complete the job reference.
Job Title: / Data Manager (HAI Surveillance)
Immediate Senior Officer/Line Manager: / Senior Nurse Manager: HAI surveillance
Department(s): / Healthcare Associated Infection
Division: / Health Protection Scotland
Job Reference: / HPS019
2. JOB PURPOSE
  • Receive and manage surveillance data from hospital trusts in Scotland which pertain to the ongoing national HAI surveillance projects initiated and coordinated by the SSHAIP team.
  • Responsible for maintaining and quality checking the data so that it can be accessed by other members of the team for analysis and reporting.
  • Responsible for communication with stakeholders by the design and management of several information systems including the SSHAIP website, a surveillance coordinators online forum and a biannual newsletter.

3. DIMENSIONS
The SSHAIP team undertakes a number of national surveillance projects. Data from these projects have to be reported to a fixed timetable. The job holder has a key role in managing a large amount of highly complex data from a number of surveillance projects and a substantial part of the work would involve maintaining the data relating to surgical site infection surveillance which is undertaken by all acute hospitals in Scotland. In doing this he/she would work closely with the project administrator who is currently in post. The job holder has the key responsibility in liaising with a large number of participants, including clinical staff of all grades, in these surveillance programmes by designing and implementing communication and information management systems.
4. ORGANISATION CHART
5. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT
The SSHAIP team is a part of the HAI Section and makes a major scientific contribution to the control of HAI in four areas: operational support, surveillance, education and research. The SSHAIP team was set up as a result of a Health Department Letter (2001)57 which initiated a programme of national HAI surveillance. It works closely with all the NHS boards in Scotland to ensure that consistent and robust national surveillance projects are put in place that allow the collection and reporting of comparable data from all sites. It is responsible for the data on surveillance that are placed in the public domain.
The team is monitored by the National HAI Surveillance Steering Group appointed by the Scottish Executive, which in turn reports to the HAI Task Force, formed in 2003 and chaired by the Chief Medical Officer of Scotland. The SSHAIP team consists of one Consultant, one senior nurse, two epidemiologists, an IT systems developers, a data manager and a project administrator. There is also input from the HPS statistics staff to the work of the team.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
  • Principle responsibility within the team for management of information and data management systems
  • Co-ordinates, plans, designs, and manages quality assurance processes to ensure integrity of data and interprets quality through analysis of anomalies. Requires an in-depth knowledge of clinical data definitions and programme protocols
  • In collaboration with systems developer and epidemiologists, maintains highly complex databases of surveillance information and comments on possible developments
  • Assists in the retrieval of complex information for reporting
  • Maintains liaison with surveillance link persons in divisions with respect to the return of data and provides support in clinical data definition queries, responding frequently to ad hoc queries on a daily basis resulting in an unpredictable work pattern. Gives specialised non-clinical advice regarding data definitions to clinical staff and key stakeholders
  • Provides training in data management and quality assurance processes to stakeholders including the production of user manuals
  • Undertakes data entry using Teleform automated data processing methods requiring advanced keyboard use with speed and accuracy.
  • Develops and implements routines for documentation and follow up of the return of surveillance data from the divisions
  • Regularly supervises seconded and agency data entry staff and audits quality of these data. Rectifies all anomalies arising in the data entry process
  • Regularly carries out surveillance form changes requested by trusts using Teleform
  • Designs, develops and manages the content of the SSHAIP website using Dreamweaver
  • Designs, develops and manages the surveillance coordinators on line forum
  • Responsible for the coordination of HAI Section Newsletter by liaising with teams within section, graphics and the publications manager
  • Maintains information searches and literature management relevant to the work of the SSHAIP team
  • Assists Consultant with support for research and development by managing and searching for relevant research literature

7. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK and DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post holder works closely with other team members to an agreed work plan and priorities set by the Consultant. He/She will take part in team meetings, which agree the SSHAIP teams short-term priorities and plans. Work is reviewed through regular meetings with surveillance project leaders. However, the post holder is expected to use his or her initiative and discretion when planning and prioritising work relative to milestones for projects. The post holder is managed by the Senior Nurse HAI Surveillance and has a formal annual Performance Appraisal and six monthly mid-term review.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
The post holder will work closely with the SSHAIP team members. He/she will also communicate and liaise more generally with other disciplines of all grades within HPS in contributing to HPS’ short and long term plans in the areas of surveillance, operational support and advice, research and education.
External
The post holder will liaise widely within the NHS, but particularly closely with surveillance staff of all grades in the divisions. They will receive and provide complex and sensitive information on HAI rates which will need to be dealt with empathetically to overcome barriers to understanding and get external stakeholders on board.
9. MOST CHALLENGING PARTS OF THE JOB
The challenge is managing a varied workload within tight deadlines and having to be reactive to the daily priorities
10. SYSTEMS
  • Sole responsibility for the design, maintenance and management of the SSHAIP website using Dreamweaver
  • Sole responsibility for the design, maintenance and management of the surveillance coordinators online discussion forum
  • Design of QA systems for SSHAIP surveillance programmes
  • Creation and maintenance of information databases including surveillance databases and the Change Request database
  • Population and quality assurance of data within the surveillance databases
  • Design, implementation and management of Excel spreadsheets of denominator information
  • Design and set up of data capture forms using Teleform
  • Processing data capture forms using automated Teleform techniques

11. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL EFFORT
On a daily basis has to change from one activity to another and be reactive to Trust requests for information
Daily working with complex datasets and statistics which require concentrated effort
Continuous use of VDU
12. ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS & MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
Continuous use of VDU
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
  • Experience of managing database applications for storing and retrieving information.
  • Experience of website development
  • Experience in searching the Internet, on line databases and other information sources.
  • Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications
  • First Degree in healthcare related field
  • Previous experience of working in an information role in a health related environment
  • At least two years experience in a role involving data management
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Team worker
  • Able to work to tight deadlines and on own initiative

14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature: / Date:
Head of Department Signature: / Date:
HR Department will check job description format and content and then send the job description to the AfC Team
HR Representative’s Signature: / Date:

Summary of Key Terms and Conditions of Post

Division/Department:Health Protection Scotland

Location:Meridian Court, Glasgow

Job Title & AfC Pay Band:Data Manager – Band 5

Salary/Salary Scale:£21,388 - £27,901 per annum

Duration:Fixed Term Contract / Secondment for 1 Year

Conditions of Service:Your terms and conditions of service are in accordance with the Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions Handbook. Agenda for Change comprises a new National pay system and job evaluation scheme for the Health Service, a harmonised set of terms and conditions of employment and a new Knowledge and Skills Framework which was introduced across the NHS from 1st December, 2004.

Hours of Duty:The standard full-time hours for NHS staff are 37.5 hours, exclusive of meal breaks, normally to be worked over 5 days per week. The hours of this post are 37.5.

Annual Leave:The annual leave arrangements are:

  • 27 days (202.5 hours) on commencement
  • 29 days (217.5 hours) after 5 years’ service
  • 33 days (247.5 hours) after 10 years’ service.

8 public and statutory holidays are also available within the leave year.

Superannuation:Employees will be automatically superannuated under

(NHS Pension Scheme)the terms of the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme, unless they formally elect to opt out of the scheme.

Any queries on whether or not pension rights are transferable should be addressed direct to the Scottish Public Pension’s Agency, Health Service Branch, 7 Tweedside Park, Tweedbank, Galashiels, TD1 3TE.

Medical Assessment: Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory medical clearance. The successful candidate will be required to complete a pre-employment health declaration form and, where appropriate, undergo a health assessment by the Occupational Health Service.

Summary of Key Terms and Conditions of Post (cont.)

Knowledge and SkillsA new NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework will be applied

Framework:to all jobs covered by Agenda for Change. Under the Knowledge and Skills Framework, staff will have annual development reviews, which will result in the production of a personal development plan.

NHS NSS is committed to promoting continuous staff development and a number of divisions have Investors in People accreditation. There is equal access to training for all staff.

Equal Opportunities Policy:NSS is an Equal Opportunities employer and the policy applies to all aspects of employment.

Smoking Policy: We operate a No Smoking Policy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

POST:Data Manager – Reference: G19764

GRADE:Band 5

PERSON SPECIFICATION / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
EXPERIENCE / Proven experience of managing database applications for storing and retrieving information. / Proven experience of managing database applications for storing and retrieving information.
QUALIFICATIONS / Degree level education or equivalent in scientific/medical discipline or equivalent experience in a role involving data management.
TRAINING / Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications. / Proven training in specific applications, MS Access, MS Excel, Endnote or other reference management software.
JOB EXPERIENCE / Experience in a role involving data management.
Experience in searching the Internet, on line databases and other information sources to compile comprehensive literature reviews.
Previous experience of working in an information role in a health related environment.
PERSONAL QUALITIES / Team worker.
Able to work to tight deadlines and on own initiative. / Experience in working in multi-disciplinary groups.
GENERAL / Interest in Healthcare. / Interest in Antimicrobial resistance
Understanding of clinical terminology.

NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND

STAFF BENEFITS PACKAGE

Working for the NHS provides individuals with excellent career prospects and access to a wide range of jobs. NHS National Services Scotland employs approximately 3,500 staff working in a number of locations across Scotland.

Some of the benefits of working for NHS National Services Scotland are:-

  • A minimum of 27 days annual leave (pro rata) increasing with service
  • Eight public holidays (pro rata) per year
  • Access to flexible, family friendly working arrangements
  • Membership of the NHS Scotland superannuation scheme. Membership also includes a lump sum death in service benefit.
  • Excellent training and development opportunities
  • Season Ticket Loan Scheme
  • Childcare Voucher Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Access to national and local staff discounts and promotions
  • Occupational Health Service
  • Employee Counselling Service