Maternity Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Assist with the care of women and their babies as requested by the midwife/nurse.
2. To carry out fundamental nursing procedures as are delegated by trained members of midwifery and nursing staff, which has been taught, subsequently supervised and in which the Maternity Support Worker has proved him or herself competent.
3. Carry out basic maternal observations of temperature, pulse, blood pressure, SOS scoring, blood glucose monitoring (once Trust training attended and Trust competency completed). And urinalysis, documenting them accurately in the womans maternal records and reporting deviations from the normal to the midwife.
4. Obtain maternal blood samples on request in line with trust policy and procedure. (once attended Trust Venepuncture training and completed Trust competency)
5. Provide emotional support to woman and birthing partner during labour as required.
6. Provide basic maternal post-operative care including, basic wound care
7. Carry out neonatal observations of temperature, respiratory rate, colour and weight documenting them in the appropriate records and reporting any deviations from normal to the midwife or an appropriate person i.e. GP or hospital doctor.
8. Assist women with breastfeeding and other methods of feeding (infant cup feeding) as required following appropriate training and in line with local policy Provide education and support to mothers with breastfeeding issues within the hospital and community, in line with plan of care.
9. Carry out New-born Blood Spot Screening following discussion with the parents and in line with policies and procedures.
10. Obtain capillary blood samples and carry out new-born blood glucose monitoring on request of Midwife or Paediatric Team following discussion with the parents and in line with policies and procedures. (once Trust blood glucose training attended and Trust competency completed.
11. Provide support for the midwife during the discharge process, assisting with administration and patient education/advice. Keep accurate written & computerised records ensuring all care and advice given is documented concisely and clearly as per trust guidelines.
12. In consultation with the caseload holder or appropriate person refers and liaises with other agencies and professionals as appropriate, according to individual patient needs.
13. To act as chaperone when required, maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.
14. To act as runner in Maternity Unit Operating Theatre.
15. To undertake essential ward housekeeping tasks (including cleaning and restocking of supplies) in parallel with the domestic ward staff in order to maintain a pleasant and safe environment including some cleaning and stocking of clinical areas.
16. To support safe delivery of care across the maternity unit by working flexibly providing care where required including supporting the community team.
17. To answer the telephone and take messages in accordance with Trust Communication Policy.
18. To assist women with personal hygiene requirements.
19. To assist with the patients meals as directed by members of midwifery staff.
20. To assist in the provision of beverages and light refreshments for patients and relatives as instructed by midwifery/nursing staff.
21. To assist in escorting patients to other departments.
22. To report promptly any concerns relating to mother or baby to a midwife.
23. To communicate effectively with mothers, families and all members of multi-disciplinary team.
24. To perform parenting classes to a large group or on a one to one basis.
25. Post holder is expected to deal with patients/clients in a polite and helpful manner, ensuring confidentiality, should the need arise.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Care certificate (with evidence of completion)
• NVQ 2 in Healthcare or equivalent committed to within first 12 months undertaking trust training programme including some private study, building a portfolio and completing competency framework

Desirable

• Studying towards NVQ Level 3 in a health-related subject or equivalent
• Training and/or competency in the following: Patient vital sign observations, blood glucose monitoring

Experience

Essential

• Significant and relevant work/social experience within a health care environment, which has utilised skills and knowledge that could be of benefit to the post
• Previous experience of working with members of the public.
• A basic understanding of the organisation of midwifery care

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a childcare/women's field

Knowledge

Essential

• Can demonstrate commitment to provide women with good standards of care.
• Good written, verbal and IT communication skills.
• Good numeric and literacy skills.
• Demonstrates understanding of need for confidentiality
• Demonstrates understanding of safeguarding.
• Demonstrate knowledge of supporting women with infant feeding

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB

Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)