Job summary
We are currently recruiting two Senior Physical Health and Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Nurses, with one post covering East Sussex and one post covering our West Sussex sites.

The role will include leading a dedicated team of general nurses to offer advice, support and training to Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust services in the delivery of physical healthcare interventions which support the needs of patients living with complex psychological and physical health needs.

The role includes provision of specialist Physical Health and Infection Prevention and Control service for the Trust, offering advice, support and training with elements of audit, improvement plans and associated support and the identification and management of outbreaks of infection.

This role will champion and lead developments in physical healthcare & IPC and support frontline teams in the patient environment.

Main duties of the job
The post holder is an RGN working within their professional boundaries to work collaboratively with SPFT frontline teams to advise and support the delivery of excellent physical healthcare and IPC standards to support excellent quality of care and a safe care environment for staff and patients.

About us
Sussex Partnership is one of the largest mental health trusts in the UK. We are a friendly and committed pharmacy team, who are keen to support the wellbeing of our patients and each other.

As a mental health trust Sussex Partnership places a huge focus on the wellbeing of our staff, as well as ensuring our reward packages reflect the immensely important work they do.

You can expect:

• Access to full psychological support, the wellbeing team
• Excellent supervision programmes.
• Flexible working opportunities
• Access to a host of discount schemes (including gyms, shopping, restaurants and cars)
• A position within a trust rated as Outstanding for caring and Good overall by the CQC
• Generous holiday entitlement (starting at 27 days + 8 bank holidays)
• Excellent NHS Pension Scheme

Details
Date posted 09 July 2026
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 7
Salary £49,387 to £56,515 a year
Contract Permanent
Working pattern Full-time
Reference number 354-CO-21953
Job locations Trustwide, East Sussex / West Sussex, BN11 1FG

Job description
Job responsibilities
The Physical Health and Infection Prevention & Control (PHIPC) Team supports mental health, learning disability, and CAMHS services across Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to deliver safe, high-quality physical healthcare. The team provides specialist clinical leadership, expert advice, and operational oversight of physical health nursing services, while also promoting best practice in infection prevention and control. Working alongside clinical teams and the Matron for PHIPC, the team helps ensure patients' physical health needs are effectively assessed, monitored, and managed, and supports the reduction of healthcare-associated infections through education, guidance, and assurance activities across the Trust.

Qualifications:

• Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health/LD/adult) appropriate to the job role
• Degree/diploma level supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, courses in Infection Prevention and Control
• Evidence of post registration training
• Completion of mentorship course/ENB Equivalent

Knowledge/Experience:

• Two years post qualifying experience as a Band 6 PH or IPC Nurse
• Specialist knowledge across a range of work procedures, underpinned by theory.
• Professional knowledge gained through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist clinical, managerial training.
• Experience of supervising staff and students
• Able to manage a caseload of patients with complex physical health needs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to service area.
• Awareness of Trust policies and service specification.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role
• Degree/diploma level supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, courses in Infection Prevention and Control
• Evidence of post registration training
• Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent

Knowledge/Experience
Essential

• Two years post qualifying experience as a Band 6 PH or IPC Nurse
• Specialist knowledge across a range of work procedures, underpinned by theory
• Professional knowledge gained through degree/ diploma supplemented by specialist clinical, managerial training.
• Experience of supervising staff and students
• Able to manage a caseload of patients with complex physical health needs
• Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to service area
• Awareness of Trust policies and service specification

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details
Employer name Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trustwide, East Sussex / West Sussex, BN11 1FG, United Kingdom
Employer's website Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head of Nursing for Physical Health and IPC
Stephanie Somera
maestephanie.somera@nhs.net
07471031676