» Immunisation facilitator - Waikato

Immunisation facilitator

Waikato | Preventative | Under 18 | Over 18 | Over 65

Overview

Within the Te Whatu Ora Waikato area this role aims to:

support and work with existing networks providing immunisation information, education, support and advice to vaccinators, non-vaccinators and the general public
work across the district with stakeholders to ensure immunisation providers are competent to safely administer vaccines and to assist in maintenance of the cold chain
provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to assist vaccinators, non-vaccinators and the general public in their decision-making in regard to immunisation services and the immunisation of children, young people and adults
establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with all service providers with an interest in immunisation activity, to reduce duplication, enhance effectiveness of services, and achieve the maximum benefit within allocated resources.

The immunisation facilitator is employed by Pinnacle, but is available to any immunisation provider.

Pinnacle employ to the role two NZ registered nurses, working 1.2 FTE. These nurses have current annual practicing certificates, are approved assessors, have authorised vaccinator status and in depth knowledge of the immunisation programme and NZ health targets. The facilitators attend professional development days and meeting such as IMAC conferences.

Details

Which practices can claim for this service?

Any immunisation provider based within the Waikato locality has access to the immunisation facilitators.

Service components

The role is defined as and required to provide the following activities and support.

Provision of immunisation support and facilitation to all immunisation stakeholders in the Waikato

Seek and implement strategies to improve the delivery of Waikato wide immunisation services.
Assist providers to evaluate and improve the immunisation services provided.
Where and as appropriate provide coordinated action during epidemics or other significant events.
Participate in developments and initiatives relevant to the immunisation programme and vaccinators.
Maintain an overview of the professional issues and trends affecting the immunisation programme.
Monitor and assist providers with information management of NIR and PMS.

Provision of expert advice

Provide timely, current, evidence-based information and clinical advice to all immunisation stakeholders and providers.
Review, analyse and apply existing regulations/standards and or guidelines relevant to vaccinators to maintain a quality immunisation programme.

Support for vaccinator education

Provide support and information to vaccinators regarding education.
Assist with and support IMAC delivered vaccinator education programmes.
Conduct clinical assessments to ensure competency of vaccinators meet requirements for authorisation with the Medical Officer of Health.
Act as a role model for colleagues and immunisation providers in professional development.

Cold chain accreditation management

Assist new providers to become cold chain accredited.
Undertake Ministry of Health’s cold chain accreditation process to monitor safety and storage of vaccines across immunisation provider sites.

Relationship management

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant providers and stakeholders.
Establish and maintain effective local and, where delegated, regional and national networks.
Collaborate with other health professionals to ensure excellence and a quality service is maintained.
Promote and participate in a team environment which enhances partnership and cooperation.

Continuous improvement/quality focus

Contribute to the wider internal team’s continuous quality improvement activities by:
- identifying improvement opportunities
- participation in the team’s quality improvement activities
- complying with standards
- working to improve quality of service and customer satisfaction.
Proactively seek to improve the delivery of district immunisation services using a continuous quality improvement framework.
Support providers to evaluate excellence/quality of the immunisation services provided.

Who is eligible for the service?

All immunisation providers within the Te Whatu Ora Waikato region including:
- general practices
- birthing centres
- corrections facilities
- occupational health providers
- pharmacies
- independent immunisation providers
- independent midwifery services.
Others may access the service for advice and support, for example:
- non-vaccinators.
- general public.

Who is excluded from the service?

No one.

How is this service funded?

This service is funded by Te Whatu Ora.

Contact

Helen Ride, Waikato Immunisation Facilitator
helen.ride@pinnacle.health.nz
021 683 977