Thembela Lungu
Margate
Summary
Resourceful Specialist offering expertise in problem-solving, data analysis and customer service. Adept at quickly learning new technologies and processes for driving success. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and developing innovative solutions.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Prevention Specialist
Life Empangeni Private Hospital
01.2018 - Current
- To deliver the infection prevention and risk management strategy in an integrated way to improve clinical outcomes and minimize risk, by providing infection prevention expertise to the business based on global best practice.
- Conducted thorough research to identify trends and inform decision-making for business growth initiatives.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- To perform a variety of professional duties involved in the prevention and control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI’s).
- Implementation of cost-effective precautionary measures that is evidence – based.
- Assist with appropriate procurement.
- Ability to develop and present educational programmes.
- Monitor patterns of infectious diseases enabling preventative as well as control measures to be put in place.
- Collect, collate and analyse the information gathered.
- Communicate the information gathered.
- Detect and contain pathogens or clinical conditions related.
- HAI’s which may result in clusters or common source of outbreaks to initiate timely action.
- Identify groups of patients at risk of disease.
- Identify the disease profile of the facility and manage the risk.
- Identify and monitor high risk clinical areas.
- Identify events that increase or decrease the risk of disease occurrence.
- Evaluate interventions taken to minimise or mitigate the risk of infection.
- Identify actions to break the chain of infection preferably at the source.
- Formulate hospital specific protocols to address ‘gaps’ in which the corporate work procedure does not address the specific need.
- Identify HAI’s by using the CDC definitions.
- Investigate HAI’s and establish root causes.
- Trend HAI’s and action appropriately to prevent reoccurrence.
- Manage, facilitate, and coordinate formal training as per IPC training work procedure.
- Manage, facilitate, and coordinate informal training as the need arises.
- Influence the teaching and learning programme as a pivotal cornerstone to good IPC practice.
- Chair, participate and formalise feedback in line with corporate as well as hospital specific requirements.
- Lead infection prevention and control through visibility role modelling and updated scientific knowledge
- Mentoring newly appointed IPSs in the Region
- Assisting with facilitating -On boarding of newly appointed IPSs & NSMs.
- Assisting with facilitating -Fundamentals of IPC
- Member of the Community of Practise for Infection Prevention & Control
- Trained Auditor for Quality Management System & Head Office verification audits
- Member of the KZN King Cetshwayo District IPC Team
Infection Prevention Specialist
Life St Mary's private hospital
08.2014 - 12.2017
- To deliver the infection prevention and risk management strategy in an integrated way to improve clinical outcomes and minimize risk, by providing infection prevention expertise to the business based on global best practice.
- To deliver the infection prevention and risk management strategy in an integrated way to improve clinical outcomes and minimize risk, by providing infection prevention expertise to the business based on global best practice.
- To perform a variety of professional duties involved in the prevention and control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI’s).
- Implementation of cost-effective precautionary measures that is evidence – based.
- Assist with appropriate procurement.
- Ability to develop and present educational programmes.
- Monitor patterns of infectious diseases enabling preventative as well as control measures to be put in place.
- Collect, collate and analyse the information gathered.
- Communicate the information gathered.
- Detect and contain pathogens or clinical conditions related.
- HAI’s which may result in clusters or common source of outbreaks to initiate timely action.
- Identify groups of patients at risk ofdisease.
- Identify the disease profile of the facility and manage the risk.
- Identify and monitor high risk clinical areas.
- Identify events that increase or decrease the risk of disease occurence
Unit Manager - Surgical Ward
Life St Marys Private Hospital
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Supervision and clinical assessment of new staff
- Providing for multiple patient care needs in a timely and proficient manner ensuring the highest quality of care.
- Resolved conflicts among team members quickly to maintain a positive working environment conducive for continued excellence in patient care.
- Managed budgetary constraints through careful resource allocation, cost control measures, and fiscal responsibility practices.
- Mentored new hires during orientation periods for seamless integration into the team while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Addressed clinical issues promptly to reduce risks associated with patient care or operational inefficiencies in the unit.
- Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for unit operations.
- Developed strong working relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, and ancillary staff for cohesive unit functioning.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities, staff schedules, and unit metrics for transparency and efficient reporting.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of patient care plans.
- Met with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services, programs and activities.
- Maintained adequate stock of medications, supplies and equipment to meet patient needs.
- Optimized staffing levels by monitoring unit needs and making data-driven adjustments to scheduling as necessary.
- Increased staff retention rates with supportive leadership techniques, mentoring programs, and positive work environment initiatives.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the unit by enforcing strict adherence to protocols, guidelines, and infection control measures.
- Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
- Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively to ensure a seamless transition for patients from the hospital to their next level of care.
- Streamlined daily operations for increased productivity by delegating tasks and supervising nursing staff.
- Implemented evidence-based practices within the unit to enhance overall quality of care provided to patients.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient unit management processes and coordinating interdisciplinary teams.
- Coordinated nursing with other services to promote continuity of total regimen of care.
- Participated actively in committee meetings to contribute insights from a Unit Manager perspective, influencing hospital-wide decisions and policies.
- Promoted patient independence by establishing patient care goals and taught and counseled patients, friends and family about medications and self-care skills.
- Improved patient satisfaction with timely and accurate communication between patients, families, and medical professionals.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently overseeing the administration of medications to patients.
- Contributed to hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas of opportunity within the unit and implementing best practices.
- Protected patients and employees by developing and interpreting infection-control policies and protocols and maintained patient confidence by monitoring confidential information.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.
Paediatric Ward
Hibiscus private hospital
12.2010 - 06.2012
- Delegation and supervision of staff
- Supervising and facilitating in-service training
- Responsible for the supervision and facilitation of the treatment and management of all patient care within the unit.
- Conducted general clean up of entire yard and facilities to maintain safe working environment.
- Maintained clean and organized work environment, promoting a safe and efficient workspace for all employees.
- Performed safety checks and routine maintenance on equipment, fostering safe operations.
- Ensured timely completion of projects with effective collaboration and communication among team members.
- Checked equipment for safety and functionality before operating.
- Enhanced yard organization by implementing efficient space management techniques.
Registered Nurse - Surgical Ward
Netcare Margate Hospital
04.2006 - 11.2010
- Delegation and supervision of staff
- Supervising and facilitating in-service training
- Responsible for the supervision and facilitation of the treatment and management of all patient care within the unit.
Registered Nurse (Pre-booking Clinic) & Surgical Ward
Droitwich Spa Surgical Hospital (BMI)
01.2003 - 03.2006
- Pre-booking and assessment of patients' prior surgery
- Liaising with Surgeons and Anaesthetists with any abnormalities prior surgery
- Pre and post op care of patients.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
Registered Nurse (Trauma Unit)
Christ the king Hospital
04.1997 - 12.2002
- Triage of all patients
- Co-ordination of the department, including staffing organization and allocation
- Provision of critical care to patients in resuscitation area, including management of ventilation.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Education
Skill ME Digital Marketing -
MANCOSA
Online05.2023
Dispensing course -
Public Health Institute of South Africa
08.2019
Certificate in Infection prevention and Control -
Life Healthcare College of Learning
02.2015
Diploma in four-year comprehensive course -
Transkei College of Nursing
04.2006
Certificate in clinical teaching & Mentorship -
University of Central England
10.2005
Matriculation certificate -
Bizana Village High School
12.1990
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Expert Problem Solving
- Documentation Management
- Quality Assurance
- Management collaboration
- Root Cause Analysis
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Self Motivation
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking
- Attention to Detail
- Organizational Skills
- Written Communication
- Task Prioritization
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-solving abilities
- Analytical Thinking
- Relationship Building
- Team building
- Data Analysis
- Active Listening
- Process Improvement
- Interpersonal Communication
- Reliability
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Logistics Coordination
- Audit reporting
- Quantitative skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Goal Setting
- Professionalism
- Continuous Improvement
- Adaptability
- Professional Demeanor
- Analytical Skills
Coursesseminarsskills
- Part time facilitation IP SLP 2022
- Peer IP MSA & OHSC auditor 2022
- NDoH Infection Prevention Strategic Framework 2022
- OHSC Auditor training –Life Healthcare 2022
- Ethics Committee Member 2020
- Certificate in Dispensing Course 2019
- NSM IDP 2019
- NM IDP 2018
- LHC Nurse Manager development programme 2017
- LHC iLEAP Programme 2017
- LHC Care Champion training 2016
- Fundamentals & Advanced CSSD 2015
- Succession plan IPS 2014
- LHC Unit Manager’s development programme 2013 - 2014
- Front Line Management 2012 - 2013
- Succession plan NSM 2013-2014
- Environmental Management System ISO 14001 2014
- Basic and Advance IR Training 2012
- Change management conference 2011
References
- Mrs Annalize Schouten, Nursing Standards Manager, Life Empangeni Private Hospital, 035 902 8018, annalize.schouten@lifehealthcare.co.za
- Mr Jithen Seeparsad, Hospital Manager, Life Empangeni Private Hospital, jithen.seeparsad@lifehealthcare.co.za
- Mrs Sweety John, Nurse Manager, Life St Mary’s Hospital, 047 505 5611, kanjikara.george@lifehealthcare.co.za
- Mrs Marietjie Du Toit, National Infection Prevention Specialist
Timeline
Infection Prevention Specialist
Life Empangeni Private Hospital
01.2018 - Current
Infection Prevention Specialist
Life St Mary's private hospital
08.2014 - 12.2017
Unit Manager - Surgical Ward
Life St Marys Private Hospital
07.2012 - 07.2014
Paediatric Ward
Hibiscus private hospital
12.2010 - 06.2012
Registered Nurse - Surgical Ward
Netcare Margate Hospital
04.2006 - 11.2010
Registered Nurse (Pre-booking Clinic) & Surgical Ward
Droitwich Spa Surgical Hospital (BMI)
01.2003 - 03.2006
Registered Nurse (Trauma Unit)
Christ the king Hospital
04.1997 - 12.2002
Skill ME Digital Marketing -
MANCOSA
Dispensing course -
Public Health Institute of South Africa
Certificate in Infection prevention and Control -
Life Healthcare College of Learning
Diploma in four-year comprehensive course -
Transkei College of Nursing
Certificate in clinical teaching & Mentorship -
University of Central England
Matriculation certificate -
Bizana Village High School
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