Kris Khambhaita

Kris Khambhaita is an accomplished senior healthcare leader and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, with over 30 years’ experience across the NHS and private healthcare, including more than 25 years in infection prevention and control. A dynamic, values-driven leader, Kris has a proven track record of delivering strategic transformation, strengthening governance, and advancing patient safety across acute, community, mental health, and commissioning environments. She plays a key role in shaping system-wide infection prevention strategies across Kent, leading innovative approaches to surveillance, data-driven improvement, and quality enhancement through continuous improvement methodologies.

Kris has led high-impact initiatives to improve patient flow and safety, including the development of respiratory testing pathways, outbreak prevention strategies, and hospital design improvements that support safe care delivery. She is a strong advocate for antimicrobial stewardship, robust audit and compliance frameworks, and workforce development through education and supportive leadership. Recognised for her collaborative, hands-on leadership style, Kris is known for nurturing talent and creating high-performing teams. Her contributions have been nationally recognised, including the Infection Prevention Society Award for Nurturing IPC Talent (2025), and she was a finalist in the Nursing Times Awards (2025). Kris brings deep expertise in clinical governance, digital innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, and is passionate about driving excellence in patient safety and quality of care at both organisational and system level.