Labour Ward Co-ordinator

Job responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Maintain a high profile in the clinical area by co-ordinating and allocating staff efficiently and as a role model working clinically where appropriate and by being accessible to women and their families.
• Support the midwifery team in the development of assessment, implementation and evaluation of the needs of women and babies within the LDRP and Maternity Theatre. Promote the delivery of evidence based care pathways for women and babies.
• Ensure the delivery of safe care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using persuasion and negotiation skills.
• Provide clinical advice within midwifery services, working closely with the CMM, Matrons, Deputy HOM, Head of Midwifery to further develop Team Based Care on LDRP.
• On shift, lead midwifery practice on the LDRP working closely with the CMM and SCMM to ensure protocols, guidelines, policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Implement change agreed with Head of Midwifery in order to improve and maintain a high quality service in line with the national agenda.
• Bring to the immediate attention of the CMM, Matron, Deputy HOM and Head of Midwifery any issues, which are impeding the provision of an efficient or high quality service, adhering to the escalation policy and the Trusts Incident reporting as relevant.
• Participate in Audit and Research leading to the development of research based practices, development of Trust midwifery policies and ensure its effective implementation maintaining standards in accordance with the UK Law, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Trust and EU guidelines.
• Receive information which may cause emotional distress to all parties and disseminate contentious, complex and sensitive information appropriately.
• In the absence of the CMM provide representation advice and guidance to the Multidisciplinary Team and attends regional network groups as appropriate, e.g. the labour ward co-ordinator network.
• Promote flexible and integrated working, liaising closely with the Clinical Managers in all areas of the service to promote collaborative working relationships which will improve womens experiences.
• Link and liaise with the Safeguarding Team on safeguarding issues to recognise and respond appropriately and effectively to concerns relating to women, children and the unborn baby.
• Ensure the provision of excellent infection control practices as defined by national recommendations and local policies and maintenance of high standards of cleanliness throughout. Provide a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control and improving clinical care standards.
• Complete Rapid Assurance Checklists, Root Cause Analysis and take appropriate action.
• Link with the Trust Band 7s to address corporate issues within the Division as necessary.

Professional Duties

• Work within the Nursing and Midwifery code of professional practice.
• Contribute when planning services to meet organisational and national targets particularly with regards to complex care in acute maternity services and to promote positive experiences whilst in the acute care setting. Ensure that midwives contribute to the achievement of Directorate, Divisional and Trust objectives and strategic planning, within the areas of responsibility.
• Maintain an environment in which individuals can develop their skills and knowledge to their full potential. Ensure midwives maintain mentorship registration. Providing excellent support for students on clinical placements.
• Respect womens equality taking into account diversity and rights, ensuring that vulnerable women and families receive equitable care including those who are subject to domestic abuse, homelessness and/or language barriers.
• Act as an innovative and enthusiastic role model, promoting an open, honest and transparent culture. Demonstrate excellent leadership skills.
• Maintain strong links with other agencies in cases of safeguarding children, domestic abuse and substance misuse.
• Support staff to be aware of and contribute to Common Assessment Frameworks to ensure multi-agency support for women, children and families.
• Work closely with the CMM and Matron to liaise with the PLFs and Senior Lecturers at the University to ensure that the service needs and educational requirements of students and learners are met.
• Work closely with the CMM to support and ensure staff actively participate in personal development through mentorship, preceptorship, mandatory training and appraisals.
• Maintain and promote an environment conducive to learning. Link with networks beyond the clinical area, sharing good practice and information.
• Link with Patient and Public Involvement strategies within Maternity Services.
• As a Trust representative promote the service and the service vision.
• Work in close liaison with the CMM and Matrons to promote excellent, constructive communication resulting in seamless care provision across pathways of care.

Managerial Duties

• Work within the Nursing and Midwifery code of professional practice.
• Contribute when planning services to meet organisational and national targets particularly with regards to complex care in acute maternity services and to promote positive experiences whilst in the acute care setting. Ensure that midwives contribute to the achievement of Directorate, Divisional and Trust objectives and strategic planning, within the areas of responsibility.
• Maintain an environment in which individuals can develop their skills and knowledge to their full potential. Ensure midwives maintain mentorship registration. Providing excellent support for students on clinical placements.
• Respect womens equality taking into account diversity and rights, ensuring that vulnerable women and families receive equitable care including those who are subject to domestic abuse, homelessness and/or language barriers.
• Act as an innovative and enthusiastic role model, promoting an open, honest and transparent culture. Demonstrate excellent leadership skills.
• Maintain strong links with other agencies in cases of safeguarding children, domestic abuse and substance misuse.
• Support staff to be aware of and contribute to Common Assessment Frameworks to ensure multi-agency support for women, children and families.
• Work closely with the CMM and Matrons to liaise with the PLFs and Senior Lecturers at the University to ensure that the service needs and educational requirements of students and learners are met.
• Work closely with the CMM to support and ensure staff actively participate in personal development through mentorship, preceptorship, mandatory training and appraisals.
• Maintain and promote an environment conducive to learning. Link with networks beyond the clinical area, sharing good practice and information.
• Link with Patient and Public Involvement strategies within Maternity Services.
• As a Trust representative promote the service and the service vision.
• Work in close liaison with the CMM and Matrons to promote excellent, constructive communication resulting in seamless care provision across pathways of care.

Financial Duties

• Support the CMM to effectively manage the financial plan for LDRP.
• Support the CMM in the overall management of the staffing resource and cover over 24 hours within the allocated financial resources and ensure that appropriate levels of staffing are in place at all times escalating concerns as necessary

Managing Self

• Participate in regular supervision.
• Attend all mandatory training.
• Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal.
• Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols.
• Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy.
• Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary.
• Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.
• Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration.

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

• Registered Midwife
• Teaching / Mentoring accreditation: ENB 997/ PGCE or equivalent

Desirable

• Professional Midwifery Advocate or willingness to undertake
• Accredited management training course
• NIPE practitioner
• ALSO course
• NLS course
• PROMPT trainer

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

• Significant experience of Midwifery practice with recent relevant experience in a more senior role
• Ability to demonstrate experience in midwifery practice especially in the coordination and running of the LDRP
• Leading elements of service provision and of supporting staff in the clinical environment.
• Knowledge, skill and competence in complex care as well as supporting and promoting midwifery led care
• IT expertise
• Ability to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• High Dependency Experience or relevant course for women requiring complex maternity care
• Demonstrable achievement in: I.Changing clinical practice II.Developing self and others III.Mentorship and ensuring others maintain current registration
• Expertise and ability to lead in an emergency where there are no doctors

Desirable

• Able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of health policy in relation to midwifery
• Evidence of innovative practice that involves research or audit
• Evidence of research experience
• Experience of multi-agency working
• Demonstrable achievement in Leadership e.g. LEO or equivalent
• Demonstrates links with senior lecturers and PLF's on site

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Ability to influence and motivate others
• Negotiating skills and ability to resolve conflict
• Ability to make decisions and be accountable for them
• Highly motivated with a positive attitude
• To be committed and reliable
• Knowledge of midwifery issues and their impact on service delivery

Desirable

• Networking

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).