Build your own infection control link nurse: an innovative study day

Infection control is everyone's business and it is important that all membe rs of staff observe good infection control practice. An effective infection control link nurse system has been shown to support and develop this appro ach. The strength of ward-based infection control link nurses depends upon their effectiveness as role models and their ability to influence practice on their wards and beyond. In addition, the degree of respect they command from their peers and colleagues and the amount and quality of knowledge the y possess is crucial. This paper describes an innovative approach taken in Mid-Essex, which allow ed infection control link nurses to assess their capabilities and limitatio ns in communicating with and influencing colleagues. In addition, we show h ow quantitative measures may be made available by this approach. Such measu res may be used to explain to management how particular areas of infection control practice (e.g. the need for infection control link nurses to have m ore authority and more 'muscle') may be important. (C) 2001 The Hospital In fection Society.