Lead Midwife

Job summary

The post holder will be the lead professional for the development and continuing development of the community maternity services including meeting local and national target for continuity of care.

To have an understanding of the Maternity Incentive Scheme, NHS Three year plan delivery plan, Saving Babies Lives version 3 and to work with community midwifery services to enable implementation and sustainability of these programmes.

To support community midwives and the wider multidisciplinary team in offering women and their families' personalised care throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period within the standards laid down by the Families and Integrated Community Care Division.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for managerial decisions regarding community midwifery services to include:

24-hour staff cover Recruitment and retention of staff Be involved in the planned midwifery rotational programme through maternity services. Liaise with the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) and service users to ensure effective collaboration. Ensure staff training is monitored to meet training targets. To work with the Team Leaders for Intrapartum services, Antenatal and Postnatal services, and Outpatient Antenatal services, to effectively manage absence, appraisal, and revalidation. Support the future development of continuity of care teams. Ensuring caseloads are equitable and safe in line with birth rate plus assessment.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty five minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live . In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Fulfil the role of a midwife as defined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Midwifery Rules and Code of Practice and reflect the Trust's guidelines, policies and standards of practice.

To provide clinical and professional leadership and to act as a credible and professional role model and encourage and empower staff to develop personally and professionally to achieve their maximum potential.

To provide effective visible leadership support and management to all staff working within the maternity services.

To maintain effective communication and working relationships within the team and between the team and other health care professionals.

To actively foster strong links with other clinical areas and support wider partner agencies.

To actively participate in local and national audits.

Take a lead role in planning systems of midwifery activity, which satisfy agreed standards at Local or Trust or National levels.

To be responsible for managing risks in the community setting in accordance with Trust risk policies and arrangements.

Advocate for a positive reporting culture, psychological safety and participation in risk governance reporting and learning.

To be visible, accessible, and approachable in the maternity unit and for the community teams so that staff, patients, and their families can access you for assistance, advice, and support.

Participate in the managers out of hours on call rota for Maternity, Childrens Ward and NNU, at least two a month including one weekend.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

Current NMC registration Degree in midwifery or similar Evidence of supporting learners in practice Evidence of continual professional development

Desirable

Evidence of post graduate study PMA

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

Three years' experience as a qualified midwife. Experience of working as a community midwife Broad range of clinical midwifery experience Able to work with and advocate for families Detailed knowledge of current midwifery practices Ability to motivate and lead the team Ability to manage a case load

Desirable

Evidence of managerial and leadership skills. Experience of partnership working

Skills and Ability

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills Excellent time management Excellent leadership skills Excellent presentation skills Knowledge of clinical audit evidenced based practice and research Be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the service.

Desirable

Experience undertaking clinical audit. Experience of developing policies and procedures

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