The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is delighted to announce that Pat Cattini MSc RN has been awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of her outstanding contribution to infection prevention and control (IPC), and her exceptional service to the Society over more than 30 years.
Pat has dedicated 33 years to IPC across acute, specialist hospital and community settings. A longstanding member of the profession, she first joined the ICNA London Branch in 1993 and has played a pivotal role in advancing both infection prevention practice and the work of IPS throughout her career.
Having recently stepped down from her NHS role as Corporate Director of Infection Prevention and Control and Decontamination Lead at University Hospitals Sussex, Pat is now working as an independent consultant, currently supporting the New Hospitals Programme.
Pat’s commitment to IPS has been extensive and far-reaching. She joined the IPS Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) in 2008 and later served as SPC Coordinator from 2013 to 2015, leading the delivery of three highly successful annual conferences in London, Glasgow and Liverpool.
Alongside her national contributions, Pat chaired the IPS London South Branch between 2008 and 2011, helping to deliver successful branch conferences and strengthen engagement among members.
In 2016, Pat was elected IPS Vice President, supporting then-President Neil Wigglesworth, before becoming IPS President in 2018. During her presidency, she chaired the IPS Board of Trustees through a period of significant organisational and operational challenge, providing strong leadership and helping to secure the Society’s future.
Among her many achievements as President were:
- Enhancing member engagement and communication across the UK through branch visits and the development of more inclusive member communications.
- Providing professional leadership and support to IPC colleagues throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Working with national partners to develop practical infection prevention guidance and resources during the pandemic.
- Contributing to national discussions on antimicrobial resistance and patient safety.
- Raising the profile of IPC and IPS through media appearances, including interviews on Sky News, BBC Radio and LBC.
- Leading the governance and organisational restructuring of IPS.
- Working with trustees, solicitors and the Charity Commission to establish revised governance arrangements and Articles.
- Supporting the Society’s financial stability.
Pat stepped down as IPS President in March 2021 but has continued to support the Society through her involvement with the Scientific Programme Committee, the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) Practice Development Committee, the OneTogether Steering Group and the Clinical Services Committee (CSC).
Most recently, Pat was invited to deliver the prestigious IPS Cottrell Lecture at IPS Conference 2026, further recognising her influence and contribution to the profession.
Awarding Honorary Membership acknowledges not only Pat’s remarkable career in infection prevention and control, but also her unwavering commitment to supporting colleagues, strengthening the Society and advancing patient safety across the UK.
