Download Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Band 7 Fetal Monitoring/Better Births Specialist Midwife Women Services
DIVISION:
SALARY BAND:
REPORTING
TO/RESPONSIBLE TO:
Women & Children’s
BAND 7
Consultant Midwife
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology
HOURS PER WEEK:
15
MANAGES:
Directly:
Indirectly:
Nil
Nil
JOB SUMMARY:
The postholder will lead on the implementation of the ‘Stillbirth Bundle’, improving standards of
fetal heart rate monitoring, interpretation, escalation and appropriate management of care,
reporting to the Consultant Midwife. Working with the multidisciplinary team they will work
closely with the Consultant Midwife to take on a lead role in promoting normality for women in
labour, in line with the Better Births vision for maternity services.
As part of the Midwifery Education Team the postholder will support cardiotocography
interpretation and training throughout the unit. The successful candidate will specifically lead in
promoting and supporting the department’s programme of education for cardiotocography,
increasing uptake and compliance in competency assessments in interpretation to achieve
better birth outcomes for our service users. The postholder will be able to demonstrate
expertise in cardiotography interpretation both in the clinical context with educational evidence
of further cardiotography training.
The postholder will be responsible for supporting midwifery staff, within the practice
environment, to be competent in fetal heart rate monitoring and use of ‘Fresh Eyes’ and ‘Fresh
Ears’ whilst delivering care in line with the Better Births vision of choice and continuity of care.
In particular, they will also assist in the development and implementation of further fetal
monitoring training and support, working with the Consultant Midwife and multidisciplinary team
in both implementing the Stillbirth Bundle and demonstrating the impact of this.
Key to this role, the post holder will lead and facilitate a programme aimed at equipping
midwives to increase and improve their knowledge and competence in cardiotocography and
assessing fetal well-being within the practice environment, identifying potential fetal
compromise and actual fetal compromise in all clinical settings and improve clinical decision
making.
The post holder will be an expert in the assessment, planning and implementation of all areas
of midwifery care for women throughout the childbirth continuum. They will work closely with
other health professionals aligned to midwifery to ensure continuity of care.
The post holder will be required to provide support within a 24/7 shift work system including
day and night duty. The role will be based predominantly in the clinical environment (>90%
clinical, <10% non clinical).
D:\478163153.Doc
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. RESPONSIBILITIES
 Assess competence in the assessment and management of cardiotocography
 Support staff in clinical practice to consolidate clinical skills learning and skill development.
 As part of the midwifery Education Team, reporting to and working closely with the Consultant
Midwife to develop a robust communication network between clinical teams, practice development
and management to ensure effective support systems are in place.
 The post holder will lead and facilitate the departments approved programme aimed at equipping
midwives to increase their knowledge and competence in both intermittent auscultation and
cardiotocography training.
 Ensure that midwives are compliant in their assessments of competency in their training/updating in
fetal heart rate monitoring to demonstrate an increased in their knowledge and competence in both
the assessment of fetal well-being and identification of potential fetal compromise.
 Ensure that midwives are supported in their development of clinical decision making in cases such
as actual fetal compromise in all clinical settings.
 Work in collaboration with the consultant midwife, midwifery education team, labour ward
coordinators, and obstetricians, to develop the departments comprehensive training and
competency assessment package to give assurance that all midwifery staff responsible for fetal
assessment and wellbeing are competent
 With the midwifery education team, lead obstetrician, labour ward manager build on the current
competency assessment to assess the knowledge and skills of all staff providing intrapartum care
including practical assessments and sign-off
 Ensure that all midwives and obstetricians providing antenatal care whether in the antenatal ward,
clinic, day assessment unit and or triage undertake the competency test in assessing fetal wellbeing
 Provide teaching and support for staff who need to repeat competency tests/assessments or where
further support is identified as required for individual practitioners (eg through Risk management)
 Lead cardiotocography workshops, maintaining and submitting (to the Consultant Midwife and
Practice Development Midwife) attendance registers to submit to ensure compliance to the
mandatory requirement for midwives and medical staff. Disseminate learning.
 Work with the Midwifery Education Team to organise the cardiotocography master classes ensuring
the attendance of all eligible staff
 Act as a resource for evidence based knowledge for practice development for all staff.
 Ensure that individuals specific learning needs are addressed, related to clinical placements, skill
development and teaching.
 Maintain a database of staff skills and competencies in fetal heart rate monitoring.
 In clinical practice act as a role model and provide advice on evidence based practice with a focus
on fetal heart rate monitoring (cardiotocography and intermittent auscultation).
 Support the development and implementation of the Divisional governance plan.
 Work in conjunction with the midwifery management and education team towards achieving
corporate standards as well as meeting the relevant criteria as described in the standards set by the
Care Quality Commission and any other National or local performance frameworks.
 Identify problems, variations or areas of concern relating to clinical practice and liaise with the lead
professionals to agree remedial action where appropriate and assist in the setting and maintaining
of standards.
 Reporting to the Consultant Midwife and as part of the midwifery education team, work with the
Lead Clinicians, Senior Midwives and Specialists to ensure the implementation of the ‘Stillbirth
Bundle’.
 Facilitate, perform and implement risk assessments on an ongoing basis and work with staff to
identify and resolve problems.
 Identify and feedback learning from risks identified relating to fetal heart rate monitoring identifying
themes and learning from cases on an ongoing basis as well as provide feedback to individuals as
required.
D:\478163153.Doc


Identify own training and development needs and undertake appropriate training/education as
required, supported by regular PDP.
Maintain professional PREP requirements for midwifery registration.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS
 Reporting to the Consultant Midwife, take on a lead role in the promotion women centred care in
line with the vision set out in ‘Better Births’
 Promote normality whilst providing ante, intra partum care, which is reflective of research-based
evidence in an appropriate setting.
 Act as an advocate for women and their families and make appropriate referral where necessary.
 Liaise with other appropriate multidisciplinary teams and organisations for effective collaborative
care as appropriate.
 Promote and lead on the introduction of any new initiatives such as ‘Fresh Eyes and Fresh Ears’ to
ensure staff are assessing fetal well-being in the context of the woman's individual risk assessment
inclusive of her health, pregnancy, gestation and stage of labour.
 Develop midwives' competence in undertaking intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart in low risk
women as per NICE guidelines.
 Support staff in enhancing their skills in reducing risk within clinical practice.
 Communicate sensitive and complex information effectively and support the care pathway.
 Identify and offer appropriate services to women and babies who are high risk.
 To assist the Directorate Management team in the provision and use of information available from
all the relevant sources in such a way so that patient care improves. In particular, attend Divisional
meetings and provide a summary report on clinical issues.
3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
a) Training
 Ensure attendance at training as appropriate to the needs of the role.
 Maintain comprehensive training records of who has been trained in fetal monitoring,
submitting this to the midwifery education team, and where appropriate provide exception
reporting where there are concerns identified.
 Actively participate in local and corporate induction training with a lead role in provision of
fetal heart rate training.
 Support the delivery of the departments approved fetal heart rate monitoring training.
 Practice within agreed policies and protocols of Luton and Dunstable Hospital and adhere to
the NMC Professional Code of Conduct, Standards and guidelines
 Maintain an awareness of professional and organisational developments attending
professional and operational meetings as agreed and insure own professional development.
 Link the development of knowledge, ideas and work practice to the role of the midwife and
midwifery support worker roles.
b) Administrative Management
 Ensure the security and confidentiality of patient information is maintained at all times
 Produce high quality documentation in the agreed timescale to support staff by using
appropriate Microsoft software.
c) Professional
 Ensure that at all times duties are carried out in a safe manner in order to maintain a high
standard of midwifery practice for all women and their babies by:
o Being responsible for maintaining PREPP requirements.
o Being conversant with all documentation issued by NMC.
o Practicing within the NMC rules and codes of conduct.
D:\478163153.Doc
o
o
o
o
o
o
Being guided by clinical guidelines and adhere to policies of the Trust and to be
aware of any changes that affect midwifery practice.
Maintaining contemporaneous records in an accurate and legible manner.
Being aware of all current child protection procedures.
Making appropriate judgments on a range of complex midwifery and child protection
issues, which require assessing, analysing, investigation and action.
Actively participating in clinical governance strategy, audit and risk management.
Notifying his/her intention to practice annually to her/his Supervisor of Midwives and
meet with named Supervisor of Midwives for annual review. (Remove from JD after
31.03.2017)
d) Audit
 Work closely with the audit and guidelines midwife/team to implement changes in practice
and measure the extent to which quality has been improved in fetal heart rate monitoring on
a quarterly basis
 Ongoing audit of educational initiatives related to the implementation and monitoring of
action plans in order to achieve and maintain educational objectives.
 Provide regular written report of progress to local management team
 Contribute effectively to evaluation studies (e.g patient evaluation surveys)
 Present findings locally and nationally as requested by line manager.
 Produce action from Fetal heart rate/CTG quality initiatives and programmes
e) Partnership Working/Service Development
 Adhere to and evaluate current policies and procedures and identify the impact they have
within their clinical environment and midwifery service
 Maintain close links with the midwifery education team and the clinical skill
facilitators/preceptors and contribute to the development of programmes across the
department.
 Evaluate the fetal heart rate monitoring education programmes, identify outcomes and offer
constructive advice on how the service could improve.
 Take an active role in the implementation of the emerging Nursing & Midwifery agenda.
 Work closely with the lead Midwife for Public Health to embrace the public health agenda
and support the delivery of local plans as appropriate, leading on the implementation of the
Stillbirth Bundle.
 Implement and propose changes to policies and practices in the midwifery unit in line with
evidence based practice.
 Implement Clinical Governance initiatives by acting as a change agent and taking a
proactive role in the service development.
 Work closely with the clinical risk management lead and be actively involved in clinical risk
management issues and investigations, particularly with issues relating to featl heart rate
monitoring.
f) Better Births
 With a key focus on the vision set out in Better Births, identify and promote the key themes
in the standards of provision of care:
o personalised care- ensure that personalised care planning is promoted
o promotion of continuity of carer with joined up care
o safer care- ensure women are informed of risks and are supported to make decisions
which would keep them as safe as possible
o better postnatal and perinatal mental health care- ensure postnatal care is in place in
line with individualised needs
o multi-professional working- promote and work with the midwifery education team to
develop multi-professional training
o working across boundaries- participate in the planning and development of services
D:\478163153.Doc
o
payment system- where appropriate/required, support the departments planning for
funding arrangements of maternity care.
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
 Work in a way which is efficient and effective and adds value to the organisation
 Support budget holders by providing information as required
5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING
 Supporting lead clinicians in the clinical areas
 Supporting clinical staff in their management/decision making of fetal heart rate monitoring in
all clinical areas
 Take on a lead role in coordinating/supporting clinical areas in accordance with the needs of
the service and in line with a Band 7 midwifery role
 Managing administrative staff as appropriate
6. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES
 Ensure the processes are in place to identify, collect and evaluate information in order to
support clinical decision-making
 Undertake data collection/input effectively using the agreed systems.
7. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 To work in partnership with others to ensure continuous improvement and best practice.
 To identify opportunities for shared learning from incident investigation and analysis
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Personal Development
All staff are required to be appraised by their line managers at least once a year at a personal
development review meeting where progress made over the last year is discussed and agreed. Focus
on the following year’s departmental and personal objectives will be identified, discussed and agreed.
Where necessary, help and support will be provided and development opportunities agreed in line with
service provision and knowledge and skills competency framework.
AMENDING THE JOB DESCRIPTION: As this is a newly created role and it is expected that as the
organisation develops and changes, it may be necessary to vary the tasks and/or the responsibilities of
the postholder. This will be done in consultation by the Consultant Midwife with the postholder and it is
hoped that agreement can be reached to any reasonable changes.
Mandatory Trust Responsibilities
Infection Control
Infection control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere
to the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and the Health Act (2006) Code of
Practice for the prevention and control healthcare associated infections and make every effort to maintain
high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the risk of Healthcare Associated infections.
D:\478163153.Doc
It is the duty of every member of staff to take personal responsibility for the prevention and control of
infection, as laid down in the Trust’s policies and procedures which reflect the statutory requirements of the
Hygiene Code.





To work in close collaboration with the Infection Control Team.
To ensure that monitoring of clinical practice is undertaken at the agreed frequency.
To ensure that the ward environments are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards;
ensuring that shortfalls are rectified, or escalate as necessary.
To ensure that all relevant monitoring data and issues are provided to the Directorate’s
Governance structures.
To ensure that all staff are released to attend infection control-related educational sessions
and staff with specialist roles, e.g. link practitioners, are released to undertake their duties.
Health and Safety at Work
The post holder is required to:
 Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself/herself and other persons who
may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.
 Co-operate with the employer in ensuring that all statutory and other requirements are
complied with.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
The post holder has a responsibility to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and maintain
confidentiality of staff, patients and Trust business.
If you are required to process information, you should do so in a fair and lawful way, ensuring accuracy is
maintained. You should hold information only for the specific registered purpose and not use or disclose it
in any way incompatible with such a purpose.
You should disclose information only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed. Breaches of
confidentiality in relation to information will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.
Employees are expected to comply with all Trust policies and procedures and to work in accordance of the
Data Protection Act 1998. For those posts where there is management or supervision of other staff it is the
responsibility of that employee to ensure that their staff receive appropriate training (e.g. HISS induction,
organising refresher sessions for staff when necessary.)
The postholder must at all times maintain a complete confidentiality of the material and information that
they handle. Any matters of a confidential nature, or in particular, information relating to diagnoses and
treatment of patients and individual staff records must not, under any circumstances, be divulged or passed
on to any unauthorised person or persons. The postholder must respect patient named confidentiality in
keeping with “Caldicott principles”.
Conflict of Interest
The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the services for patients in its care meet the highest standards.
Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position, to gain or benefit
themselves, their family or friends.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. It is committed to
promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to
ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in the Trust are recognised. The Trust aims to ensure
that all job applicants, employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital
status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin, social background
or employment status, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, HIV status, gender reassignment, political
affiliation or trade union membership. Selection for training and development and promotion will be on the
basis of the individual’s ability to meet the requirements for the job.
You are responsible for ensuring that the Trust’s policies, procedures and obligation in respect of promoting
equality and diversity are adhered to in relation to both staff and services.
D:\478163153.Doc
Vulnerable Groups
 To carry out responsibilities in such a way as to minimise risk of harm to children, young
people and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare in accordance with the Children
Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2006) and No Secrets guidance (DH
2000).
 To demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the trust’s child protection policies.
Policies and Procedures
The postholder will be expected to comply with all statutory legislation, Trust Financial Framework
Guidance and approved national and local policy. The postholder is also expected to be aware of the
Trust’s Risk Management Strategy which includes the responsibilities placed on them by the Health &
Safety at Work etc Act (1974) and the Clinical Governance Framework. All employees are expected to
comply with all Trust Policies and Procedures.
GENERAL:
To comply at all times with any regulations issued by the Trust, especially those governing Health
and Safety at work and to ensure that any defects which may affect safety at work are brought to the
attention of the appropriate manager.
It is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling
wherever possible, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use,
minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly.
This job description reflects the present requirements and objectives of the post. As the duties of the
post change and develop the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment, in
consultation with the postholder.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:
Professional healthcare staff are responsible for complying with the relevant standards set by their
regulatory or professional bodies (for example the GMC’s Good Medical Practice, and for nurses and
midwives, the NMC’s Code of Professional Conduct). A breach of such standards may lead to action
by NHS bodies independent of any taken by the regulatory or professional body concerned. It would
be investigated fairly, and appropriate steps taken to prevent a recurrence and address any wider
causes.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS:
All employees and volunteers working within the Trust have a responsibility for safeguarding and
promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
INFORMATION GOVERNANCE:
(This includes Patient Confidentiality, IT Security, Data Protection and Freedom of Information)
You are required to respect the confidentiality of all patients, carers and staff, by not sharing any
information (including data) obtained during the course of your duties. You have an obligation to
report any non compliance through the Trusts Incident Reporting process.
D:\478163153.Doc
All staff MUST comply with the legal obligations and statutory requirements of the Data Protection
Act 1998, the Trusts IT Security and Information Governance Policies, Codes of Conduct and Best
Practice Guidelines. These are available on the staff Intranet site.
INFECTION CONTROL:
You are required to comply with the Trust’s strategy regarding infection control, as set out in the
document “Principles and Responsibilities for Delivering No Avoidable Infections”, a copy of which
is available on the intranet.
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS:
A risk assessment has indicated that a Disclosure and Barring Services “Disclosure” is both
proportionate and relevant to this position. Any person who is conditionally offered this post will be
required to undertake a criminal records check in this respect.
The Trust guarantees that this information will be seen only by those who need to see it as part of
the recruitment process.
The Trust ensures that an open and measured discussion will take place on the subject of any
offences or other matter that might be relevant to this position. Failure to reveal information that is
directly relevant to the position sought could lead to a withdrawal of an offer of employment.
We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the subject of that Disclosure
before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment. Having a criminal record will not
necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position or
circumstances and background of your offence.
Please be aware that the Trust has a Policy containing a more detailed Code Of Practice that
meets the standards specified by the Disclosure and Barring Service relating to the fair use of
criminal record information and the appointment of persons having a criminal record. A copy of
The Luton & Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Code can be obtained from the Human
Resources Department.
Note: Failure by an applicant to provide accurate and truthful information is considered to be a
serious matter. Where it is found that a person has recklessly provided inaccurate information or
withheld information relevant to their position, this may disqualify them from appointment. It may
also result in dismissal or disciplinary action and referral to the appropriate professional
registration body.
If you would like to discuss what effect any criminal record or fitness to practise proceeding might
have on your application, you may telephone the Recruitment Team Leader in the Human
Resources Department on 01582 497241, in confidence, for advice.
Functional Aspects of this post.
This information leaflet is to help clarify what this post might involve in terms of mental and
physical effort etc. This may help you decide if the role is one you would be interested in.
D:\478163153.Doc
Your recruiting manager will have ticked key, functional, characteristics of the job (left hand
column) and on the right hand column there is a brief description of health conditions that might
affect those duties, or vice versa.
Please remember that these criteria are not used in the selection process.
Whilst these descriptions are intended to be representative of the functional aspects of the role
you have applied for they are not comprehensive. If you need any clarification please contact:
Stella Roberts
Functional requirement
Health conditions that might impact on work
√ Direct regular contact with
If you have reduced, or low immunity e.g. HIV, steroid
medication, and cancer treatment etc you might be more
vulnerable to infection, particularly in certain clinical areas.
This does not necessarily mean that you cannot work in
those areas, but some restrictions/adjustments might be
recommended.
patients and/or specimens
e.g. blood, or other bodily
fluids etc.
√Direct, regular contact with
immunosuppressed patients,
pregnant women and young
babies
√Exposure prone procedure
(EPP) work e.g. operating
theatres, A&E, obstetric
delivery suite.
It is important that you attend OHWS as soon as possible
after your start date for a vaccination update to help protect
you from infections.
Patients in this group are at greater risk from infections
including those that might be transmitted by healthcare
workers.
You will need to comply with vaccination/immunity
requirements or if unable to meet these, consideration of
redeployment to another role might be necessary.
The Department of Health requires that all healthcare
workers performing EPP must not be infected with the bloodborne viruses HIV, hepatitis B or C.
You must be willing to be screened for HIV, hepatitis B and
hepatitis C.
At the moment HIV infected healthcare workers cannot
perform EPP work, but from April 2014 this is likely to change
so long as certain criteria can be met.
Certain additional blood tests might be required if you are
hepatitis B, or C positive.
Should any test prove positive, it may still be possible, with
restrictions, to allow you to work.
√ Ability to undertake
general physically
demanding work including
regularly moving/handling
patients, lifting or moving
loads > 5kg, frequent walking
(or running in an emergency)
√Resilience to workplace
pressures including working
to deadlines or in stressful
environments.
D:\478163153.Doc
If you have a musculoskeletal problems e.g. with your back,
shoulders, knees etc or have a condition that weakens the
strength of your arms/legs e.g. multiple sclerosis, you may
find some aspects of this type of work more difficult.
As a rough guide, if you have problems performing normal
day to day activities e.g. cleaning, cooking and shopping etc.
or require frequent rest-breaks from them this might indicate
potential problems with the physical requirements of this role.
Working in the health service is rewarding, but at times can
be demanding due to time constraints or might be distressing
if dealing with seriously ill or dying patients and their families.
Mental health conditions e.g. depression, bipolar illness,
anxiety, schizophrenia etc might make you more vulnerable
to feelings of stress or your condition might become worse.
Certain physical conditions might also be exacerbated by
stress and these include epilepsy and diabetes.
√ Regular night work
including on-calls
□ Working alone, in confined
Gastro-intestinal or heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes and
sleep disorders.
spaces or at heights
Various health conditions may prevent you from being able to
safely undertake work involving one or more of these tasks
e.g. panic attacks, claustrophobia, vertigo, epilepsy, diabetes.
□ Ability to drive Trust
Musculoskeletal conditions, vision problems, epilepsy,
diabetes.
vehicles
√ Activities requiring good
hand strength, or dexterity
√ Regular computer-based
work or desk-based work
√ Good hearing, vision and
speech including accurate
colour vision.
Musculoskeletal conditions arm / shoulder/wrist/hand
problems, or neurological conditions such as multiple
sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Musculoskeletal conditions arm/ shoulder/wrist/hand
problems, or neurological conditions such as multiple
sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Please ensure you let the OHWS know if you have, or have
had any ‘repetitive strain’ type problems in the past.
Uncorrected sensory problems e.g. eye conditions not
corrected by spectacles, or hearing loss not corrected by a
hearing aid.
Dyslexia
Speech impairments e.g. following a stroke.
√ Working with chemicals,
Dermatitis/eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions.
substances or work
processes that can affect the
skin or respiratory tract.
Asthma or other breathing problems.
D:\478163153.Doc