Job Description
We are looking for motivated, interested people to work collaboratively and in partnership as an integral part of the midwifery team. You will assist and support the Midwife in the care of the mother and baby throughout pregnancy, postnatal and neonatal pathways.
This role does require evidence of achieving competencies against a national framework. Where a successful candidate does not have evidence of the necessary skills at the commencement of employment, a pay banding of Band 2 will be applied until the framework is completed. We offer training and support to complete this Maternity Support Worker Skills Framework and would expect this to be completed prior to 6 months of employment in this role.
Around 3000 babies a year are born at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and we are proud to have been at the forefront of successful service improvements and developments including work with the Department of Health, Better Births, the Baby Friendly Initiative and local charities and support groups.
The Maternity Support Worker will undertake high quality, caring and compassionate personal care and associated duties under the direction, but not direct supervision, of the registered professional and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
The primary role of the Maternity Support Worker (MSW) is to assist, support and work in collaboration with the midwife and the wider multidisciplinary team; in order to provide a safe and holistic approach to women centred care.
The midwife is ultimately responsible for the care of the mother and her new-born(s), and it is under the direction of the midwife/Registered Nurse (RN) that the MSW assists with and provides care following completion of any relevant or appropriate training. The post is rotational and the employee will be provided with appropriate training for the clinical setting in which they are working. These settings include maternity theatres, inpatient care and community.
The post holder is expected to undertake a set of defined competencies; and to possess evidence of completion of the mandatory ‘care certificate’. This certificate ensures the minimum standards for the role are met and can further be incorporated into a competency framework. Support will be given to employees to further develop their skills and explore pathways for progression where appropriate.
Come and join a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC. South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust have been rated as outstanding following our latest inspection by the CQC and we are recruiting new staff to come and help us improve even further.
We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity.
Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are ‘Trusted to provide safe, effective and compassionate care’. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn’t matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.
Professional Values
- To act in a professional manner and ensure Trust standards are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all who come into contact with the services provided by South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
- Uphold the Trust values and standards at all times
- Ensure records and documentation are maintained, kept confidential and meet Trust standards in line with the Data Protection Act
- Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic approach to their work in order to maintain high morale and motivation within the team. Promoting a professional and positive working environment
- To report any accidents or incidents as described by the Trust’s policy and procedures ensuring an open and transparent culture
- To take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and of other persons
- To adhere to the Trust’s dress code policy, maintaining a smart appearance at all times
- To assist other wards, departments and teams within the Trust as and when required by Service needs
- To adhere to the Trust’s IT policies regarding e-mail and internet usage
- To ensure children and adults are protected from abuse and avoidable harm and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust policies and procedures
Clinical Practice
- To accurately and promptly carry out the instructions of the registered professional who is professionally accountable for the delivery of care
- To carry out duties as specified within the Trust’s approved core task list for Clinical Support Workers/Health Care Assistants
- To report to the registered professional any patient who gives cause for concern or any observed changes in the client or patient’s condition
- Provide and deliver a high standard of individualised care under the direction and supervision of the registered professional
- To report all care that has been given to patients within the team to a registered Professional
- To accurately document all care delivered to patients, countersigned by a registered professional, maintaining confidentiality at all times
- To assist in the preparation of patients for treatment, investigations or procedures as directed by the registered professional
- To keep the clinical area clean and tidy, maintaining a safe environment
- To adhere to Trust infection control procedures, demonstrating an understanding of cross infection
- To chaperone or escort patients as needed under the direction of the registered professional
- To support relatives demonstrating compassion and empathy under the guidance of a registered professional
- To assist with the discharge process for patients as directed by the registered professional
Communications and Interpersonal Relationships
- Welcome patients, relatives and visitors to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required. Being aware of barriers to effective communication
- Always introduce yourself in line with the Trusts privacy and dignity promises and the principles of good customer service
- To answer the telephone when necessary in a polite, courteous manner and pass on enquiries to the registered professional
- Communicate effectively within the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that patient care is well planned and coordinated
- Contribute to the reporting, handover and documentation of patient care under the direct supervision of a registered professional maintaining confidentiality at all times
- Report incidents, accidents and complaints as per Trust Policy and to the senior professional on duty, ensuring an open and transparent culture
- Use the Trust information support system and other computer systems as required by the clinical area in accordance with Trust policy
Team Working
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patient’s property in accordance with Trust policy
- Promote a professional, welcoming and uncluttered environment; keep all storage areas safe, clean and tidy
- To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment in the clinical area including all equipment cleaning.
- Ensure all waste and soiled linen is disposed of in line with Trust policy
- Participate in audit under the direction of the registered professional
- Clean and check beds, bed spaces and lockers following discharge and in preparation for admission (inpatient areas only)
- Ensure deliveries are stored correctly and stock maintained to the required level
- Support the house keeper with general housekeeping duties, reporting as necessary essential cleaning needs (inpatient areas only)
Education, Training and Personal Development
- To ensure attendance at mandatory training sessions, i.e. infection control, resuscitation and manual handling training
- To complete the Trust’s Clinical Support Worker/Healthcare Assistant Induction programme
- To participate in the Trust Appraisal process
- To undertake training as necessary for the development of the post and the relevance of the department including IT and clinical skills
- To continue personal development in relation to identified objectives
- Maintain up to date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post.