Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) FFP3 Mask Fitter

The post holder will work as part of the DERI Team under the supervision of the Fit Test Clinical Lead. They will work closely with the Clinical Care Groups, Infection Control and Protection Team (IPC) as well as the Procurement and Supply Chain team. They will ensure that ELHT staffs are individually face fitted to masks providing respiratory protection against harmful pathogens. The post holder will be responsible for fit testing to ensure masks that are either disposable or re-useable fit the face of an individual. They will also play a key role in educating staff on the best practice of 'donning' and 'doffing' RPE. and support care groups in all aspects of fit testing. The post holder will work either independently or with another fit tester on a day to day basis. The post holder will assist in setting up the environment and equipment in the allocated room in preparation for testing. Where required, they will need to advise on alternatives for respiratory protection where fit testing is unsuccessful and update records accordingly both paper and electronically. They will be responsible for ensuring the equipment is cleaned and safe to use between individuals and is decontaminated and stored dry at the end of a session as per IP&C policies. That the environment is cleaned, neat and tidy, items are stored away and waste removed., The post holder will support the delivery of the Trust's Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) programme by undertaking both qualitative and quantitative FFP3 face fit testing for staff, ensuring appropriate respiratory protection is provided in line with health and safety requirements. Working within the DERI Team under the supervision of the Fit Test Clinical Lead, the role involves educating staff on the correct use, fitting, donning and doffing of FFP3 masks, maintaining accurate records, supporting data management and administration processes, and advising on suitable alternatives where fit testing is unsuccessful. The post holder will be required to understand and apply different fit testing methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative testing, and be able to interpret complex data generated by the PortaCount machine to determine whether RPE is achieving an effective seal and providing the required level of protection. The role will also ensure testing equipment and environments are maintained to required standards, support the evaluation of new respiratory protective equipment, and work collaboratively with clinical teams, Infection Prevention and Control, Procurement, and Supply Chain colleagues to ensure a safe, effective, and compliant fit testing service across the Trust.Working for our organisation This post is a part time vacancy with hours worked between Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm, although some flexibility is required around these hours to cover training requirements. There is flexibility around how these hours are worked. You will be expected to work across all sites of ELHT as necessary., Conduct face fit tests on ELHT staff required to wear FFP3 masks, specifically:

• Being clear on the face fit testing process and being able to describe this to staff.
• Follow manufactures instructions for fitting different makes models of masks.
• To ensure that the mask being fitted is fit for purpose, is a good fit before conducting the test by assisting in fitting the mask ensuring a good seal.
• Directing the member of staff through the face fit exercises.
• Recording the result of any face fit test.
• Explaining to the member of staff which mask they have passed on and when they should book another fit test, if required.
• Where no fit is achieved advising staff on alternatives and how to access them.
• To actively support the Fit Test Clinical Lead in implementing and evaluating the Face Fit Test strategy and action plan.
• To assist in data entry and administration tasks as required.
• Ensure the environment is clean, tidy, free from clutter, all equipment for both Qualitative and Quantitative fit testing methods is set up correctly, checked and in good working order.
• Supervise those staff to be fit tested ensuring clean shaven faces (8-12hrs) and only water taken orally 30 mins pre-tests and appropriate time elapses between tests as per SOP
• Ensure staff understand the importance of other PPE to be worn when wearing an FFP3 mask and know the correct method to don and doff safely.
• Supervise fit checks to ensure staff members understand the importance of undertaking a fit check each time the FFP3 mask is worn.
• Support trials and evaluations of new FFP3 masks as advised completing documentation as necessary., The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
  
  GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or relevant NVQ qualification.
• Willingness to undertake FFP3 Fit Test and PortaCount training.
• Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of using IT systems, including email, databases and electronic record keeping.
• Administrative experience with accurate data entry and record management.
• Experience of communicating effectively with a wide range of people.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Professional, reliable and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel across Trust sites.
• Knowledge of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and face fit testing principles.
Desirable criteria
• Current FFP3 Fit Testing certification or experience.
• Experience working in a healthcare setting.
• Experience delivering training or staff education.
• Knowledge of RPE, PPE and fit testing principles.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods.
• Knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control requirements.
  
  At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work., The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.
We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background. We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.

It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
• Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata. For posts on Agenda for Change pay-scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
• This vacancy may close before the closing date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
• Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained. The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary. However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed. The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.