Labour Ward Coordinator in Harlow

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic midwife with significant experience in high-risk midwifery to join our friendly team as a Labour Ward Coordinator within the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

We are looking for someone who is willing to accept the wide range of operational challenges in delivering midwifery strategy, public health agenda, service efficiency and Trust Values.

Labour Ward has a core team of experienced and highly skilled midwives providing expert care to the high-risk client.

The post holder will be responsible for providing midwifery care, shift leader responsibilities and developing services provided to pregnant women and babies in a variety of practice settings within the Maternity Unit, to provide a high quality, safe service that is effective and efficient, as well as contribute to the delivery of the organisations objectives.

The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management and clinical leadership and standards of the midwifery services, including the Maternity Nurses and Maternity Care Assistants, within the Labour Ward and carry continuing responsibility for the management and coordination of these teams.

Main duties of the job

• Counsel and care for the parents and relatives, of babies born with abnormalities, or who have been bereaved.
• Participate in educating the expectant mother and her partner in all aspects of childbirth and parenting skills, including informed choice of the services available.
• Participate, lead and have a proactive role in obstetric emergencies. Delegate responsibility to staff and involve the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Work in partnership and liaise with all members of the staff, the Primary Health Care Team, the medical and midwifery staff in the Maternity Unit to endeavour to foster team spirit and ensure continuity of care.

Advice on Public Health issues, e. g. smoking cessation and breast feeding promotion.

• Play a lead role in the setting, implementing and monitoring of clinical standards.
• Be proficient in, and implement, the extended role of the Midwife, including teaching junior members of the Medical/midwifery staff to perform: Epidural top-up.
• Episiotomy and perineal repair. Application of fetal scalp electrodes. Applying, interpreting and reporting on fetal cardiotocograph readings.
• Resuscitation of the newborn. Administering IV drugs. Cannulation. Scrubbing at a Caesarean Section in an emergenc

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services.

We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people.

We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing.

As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

• Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• Exercise leadership and control in the day-to-day co-ordination of the Midwifery Service for the duration of the shift, ensuring and efficient and effective service within the resources available, including the supervision and deployment of staff.
• Facilitate effective communication within the Directorate, involving other agencies and disciplines as necessary.
• Identify future day-to-day needs of the service, based on projected workloads, available statistics and the predicted demographic influences considering the resources of staff, equipment and facilities.
• Analyse statistical data that will facilitate delivery of the service and participate in the analysis of information for clinical audit.
• Responsible for Personal Review Development Plans, as outlined in Trust policy.
• Participate in the recruitment of nursing and midwifery staff. Communicate any Health and Safety issues within the ward environment to the appropriate line manager.
• Co-ordinate and manage the ward, and give support as required for the Early Pregnancy Unit, for the duration of the shift.
• Exercise leadership in the management of the Ward/Department, including the supervision and deployment of staff.
• Provide the Midwifery Managers with information relevant to the formulation of Ward/Department policies and guidelines.

Be involved in Working Parties that implement and change policies.

• Liaise with Team Midwives to ensure continuity of care for mothers and babies transferring in and out of the community environment.
• Report accidents, incidents or complaints to the Midwifery Manager, Clinical Risk and Non-Clinical Risk Midwives in accordance with Health and Safety Policy.

Diffuse difficult situations, which may elevate to formal complaints or aggressive behaviour.

• Be responsible for duty rotas as required
• Act on concerns reported by team members or service users.
• Compile and communicate monthly reports on a consistent basis.
• Participate in an On-Call rota within Maternity Services.
• Rotate to support other Ward/Departments within Maternity Services.
• Ensure the escalation policy is implemented.
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