Midwife for Newborn Screening and BCG Immunisation

Position Overview

Job Title: Midwife for Newborn Screening and BCG Immunisation

Grade: 6

The role focuses on fostering a compassionate and methodical approach to the oversight of the Newborn Screening and Infant Examination, Newborn Bloodspot Testing, and BCG Immunisation initiatives.

The successful candidate will be responsible for administering and overseeing the screening programs, ensuring compliance with the guidelines set forth by the UK National Screening Committee and relevant Service Specifications.

This position plays a vital role in supporting the quality and governance framework within Maternity, ensuring that midwifery practices are safe, evidence-based, and up-to-date. The post holder will assist the screening lead Midwife in monitoring standards through audits and key performance indicators, reporting to stakeholders such as the Screening board.

The role comprises 50% non-clinical responsibilities within the screening team and 50% clinical duties within the maternity unit, focusing on screening and BCG immunisation efforts. The post holder will operate under the guidance of the antenatal screening lead midwife and collaborate with the broader screening team.

Main Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Engage in clinical work within the maternity unit for 50% of the role.
• Collaborate with midwives to support the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) and Newborn Screening Test (NST).
• Conduct BCG immunisation clinics.
• Provide information and support to service users.
• Communicate sensitive information appropriately to women, families, and midwives.
• Handle emotionally challenging situations with clients and take necessary actions when faced with aggressive clients or relatives.
• Demonstrate awareness of communication barriers and adapt behavior accordingly.
• Manage complex situations with sensitivity, ensuring effective communication with the multi-professional team and clients, and engage interpreting services when language barriers exist.
• Promote woman-centered care and independent midwifery practice across all clinical settings.
• Participate in Public Health England meetings.
• Utilize the S4 N system effectively.
• Assist in the preparation of annual reports for NST and NIPE.
• Navigate and act on the Northgate fail-safe blood spot system.

Service Delivery & Improvement

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of care standards, including guideline formulation, audits, and quality improvement initiatives related to newborn screening and immunisation.
• Engage in service development utilizing quality improvement methodologies.
• Participate in multi-professional and team meetings.
• Notify the screening lead midwife of any emerging safety or quality concerns regarding the newborn screening or immunisation programs.
• Provide emergency cover for unexpected absences across the maternity service and screening team.
• Understand the Trust's vision statement and its relevance to maternity services.
• Ensure adherence to the Trust's behavior standards.
• Assist in implementing the Trust's Maternity strategy.

Risk Management & Governance

• Monitor and uphold quality standards for newborn screening and BCG immunisation.
• Oversee the use of the NIPE SMART system, ensuring all relevant staff are trained in its application.
• Ensure robust systems are in place for compliance with newborn screening programs.
• Follow up on all positive screening tests to ensure appropriate follow-up for the baby and record all outcomes on NIPE.
• Collaborate with other multi-professionals to ensure effective communication.
• Identify, compile, analyze, and interpret quantitative data as part of quarterly monitoring of key performance indicators under the direction of the screening lead.
• Investigate and report on screening incidents, making suitable recommendations using the Trust's safeguard reporting system.

Corporate Responsibilities

• Deliver updates to staff regarding newborn screening and BCG immunisation.
• Act as a mentor for midwives undertaking the NIPE course.
• Contribute to the education and development of student midwives.
• Serve as a role model, promoting high standards of safe and effective care based on best evidence.
• Participate in the maternity quality improvement journey.

General Duties

• Perform any other duties as requested that align with the banding of the post.
• Act in the absence of the screening lead midwife.
• Foster a culture of respectful relationships.
• Conduct oneself in accordance with the NMC Code and Trust policies.
• Take responsibility for personal development through the appraisal system and complete the agreed personal development plan.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

• Qualified and experienced in NIPE.
• Trained and experienced in BCG.
• Knowledge and experience in all areas of maternity services developed through ongoing professional knowledge and practice.

Desirable:

• Evidence of sound knowledge of governance and risk.
• Evidence of excellent presentation, teaching, verbal, written, and report writing skills.

Skills Requirements

Essential:

• Ability to teach and supervise learners.
• Well-developed IT skills.
• Effective communication skills.

Desirable:

• Counseling skills.

Qualifications Requirements

Essential:

• Registered Midwife with current NMC Registration.

Desirable:

• Successful completion of a mentorship course.

Knowledge Requirements

Essential:

• Knowledge of service specifications related to newborn screening and immunisations.
• Awareness of relevant key performance indicators.