Whsct Infant Feeding Lead Specialist Midwife Band 7 in Enniskillen

JOB TITLE

Infant Feeding Lead Specialist Midwife

BAND

7

DIRECTORATE

Surgery, Paediatrics & Women’s Health

LOCATION

South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen

REPORTS TO

Lead Midwife

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Head of Midwifery & Gynaecology

JOB SUMMARY

This post is to promote, support and co‑ordinate breastfeeding services and the implementation of best practice for breastfeeding using current best practice standards with a view to improving breastfeeding outcomes across the acute setting within the Southern Sector of the WHSCT. The post holder will work with the Head of Midwifery, Lead Midwives and other clinical and health improvement personnel taking forward the Infant feeding strategy within the Trust.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and specialist advice for professionals, women and their families on all issues relating to lactation.
• Work in collaboration with other professionals and agencies to promote best practice in breastfeeding.
• Develop, monitor and maintain best practice which supports implementation of UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Maternity and Neonatal Standards.
• Develop, implement and monitor staff knowledge and skills through an education programme in partnership with the Neonatal Unit Breastfeeding Lead. Maintain an accurate training database.
• Audit practice using the Baby Friendly Initiative Maternity Audit Tool and report at staff meetings on progress and challenges. Complete annual audit to UNICEF BFI UK.
• Create an environment that provides learning and professional development of midwives and support staff.
• Lead and facilitate professional person‑centred decision making in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Implement recommendations from government and professional bodies in relation to breastfeeding.
• Establish and maintain tongue tie service.
• Deliver multidisciplinary teaching sessions related to infant feeding and tongue tie both internally and externally to the Trust.
• Review, respond and investigate any incidents and or complaints related to Infant Feeding or the Tongue Tie Service.
• Ensure all records and documentation including any electronic records, are accurate, legible and completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in in‑service training programmes, orientation of new staff and students offering mentorship, support and clinical guidance where applicable.
• Work with Trust volunteer services to ensure the appropriate training, screening and support of peer support volunteers.
• Adhere to relevant Trust guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Liaise with Senior Managers regarding professional midwifery issues.
• Adhere to DoH and NMC guidelines for practice requirements and standards, e.g. safe handling, administration, storage and custody of drugs.
• Adhere to the Data Protection Act (2018), the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Records Management and that they must not disclose, withhold, retain or dispose of any information unless legally authorised.
• Provide leadership and management of the Tongue Tie Service.

MANAGERIAL / LEADERSHIP

• Lead by example, demonstrating a proven record of sound leadership, communication skills, management skills, courtesy and diplomacy, when dealing with colleagues and the general public.
• Develop personal resource, to be a role model for the maternity services, show self confidence and confidence in team. Maintain staff morale and promote good working relationships.
• Motivate staff, understanding the needs to motivate staff and identify various ways to acknowledge their efforts and achievements inspire through action and example.
• Articulate vision, communicate vision for breastfeeding services, and encourage staff to take this view on.
• Assist in maintaining the database of staff development/educational activities.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff.
• Assist Ward Sisters to ensure that all staff are familiarised with new equipment.
• Attend departmental and hospital meetings.

EDUCATION

• Assist in preparation and implementation of an induction/orientation programme for newly appointed midwifery, medical, healthcare assistants and peer support volunteers.
• Work with newly registered midwives/MSW/Maternity Assistants and students to develop their infant feeding skills, confidence in decision-making and sound application of theory to practice.
• Promote an environment which supports a culture of life‑long learning and reflective practice for all staff.
• In conjunction with Ward Sisters, identify training needs for staff and participate in the implementation of these programmes where appropriate.
• Assist in provision, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of post‑registration training/courses.
• Act as a resource for midwives participating in audit/research projects providing support and guidance.
• Work in conjunction with other breastfeeding coordinators, Health Improvement and PHA both locally and regionally to support the breastfeeding peer support network and initiatives relating to it.

GOVERNANCE

• Attend and participate in clinical governance meetings to promote good midwifery practice, learn from events and disseminate findings to colleagues.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of risk management and untoward incident reporting and policies and procedures.
• Participate in the reviews of clinical incidents and give feedback to individuals or groups on any recommendations.
• Liaise with Supervisors of Midwives on practice issues.
• Safeguarding: ensure knowledge of procedures; and to be competent to support midwives with referrals to social services and their attendance at case conferences.
• Identify areas of practice, which require further investigation and initiate and participate in both midwifery and medical research and audit programmes.
• Participate in the development of clinical and educational guidelines and policies to improve clinical practice.
• Assist with monitoring quality of care in the maternity service and participate in audit programme as required.
• Collect and record data and statistical information as required by local and national bodies.
• Work in collaboration with the Head of Midwifery/Risk Midwives to ensure compliance with agreed standards.

ENHANCE THE PATIENTS' / CLIENTS' EXPERIENCE

• Monitor and report on patients/clients progress and maintain contemporaneous records.
• Maintain a culture of person‑centred care within the department.
• Promote a caring environment where equality and diversity issues are respected and patients/clients are enabled to be partners in their care.
• Facilitate communication between all members of the multi‑disciplinary/multi‑agency team, and across care settings.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with ‘Your right to raise a concern (Whistleblowing) policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
• Co‑operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
• Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example: Smoke Free policy, IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct, Standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour, Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work, Co‑operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.
• All employees of the Western Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the WHSCT including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper‑based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the WHSCT policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
• Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
• Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

PPI & VALUES

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE HSC

Competitive remuneration package and terms and conditions of employment. Detailed information available at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/scuagenda-2

ANNUAL LEAVE AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• On appointment: 27 days plus 10 public holidays.
• After 5 years service: 29 days plus 10 public holidays.
• After 10 years service: 33 days plus 10 public holidays.

HSC PENSION SCHEME / HPSS SUPERANNUATION SCHEME

Trust staff are automatically enrolled in the Health & Social Care Pension Scheme upon taking up employment within the HSCNI. Further information may be obtained from the HSC Pension Service Website at www.hscpensions.hscni.net. Applicants who are already members of the HPSS Superannuation Scheme may continue with their current arrangements.

HR POLICIES

The Trust offers a wide range of Human Resource Policies to underpin the value that is placed on our staff such as a range of Work Life Balance/Flexible Working Policies; Child Care Voucher Scheme etc. Further information is available on Trust website.

COMMITTED TO EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

The Trust recognises and values the diversity of its workforce and the population it serves and is committed to a working environment free from intimidation of any kind. Through a systematic and objective recruitment & selection process the Trust is committed to ensuring appointment decisions are taken solely on the basis of merit.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Currently registered as a midwife on the NMC Register.
• Nursing Degree AND 3 years post registration experience within Midwifery OR 5 years post registration experience as a Band 5 including 3 years within Midwifery OR 5 years post registration experience which must include a minimum of 2 years at Band 6 within Midwifery.
• Ability to demonstrate participation in a service improvement and/or practice development within the last 2 years.
• Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car is essential. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION – DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Degree in Midwifery or other health related subject or equivalent.
• Trained in frenulotomy.
• Have a Lactation Consultant Course or equivalent.

FLEXIBLE WORKING

Are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full‑time working, Fixed working patterns, Part‑time working, Flexi‑time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term‑time working, Job‑share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment. All staff are expected to display the HSC values at all times. The Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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