Maternity Support Worker

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communication

·       Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and service users in a warm, friendly and approachable manner.

·       Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and through active listening, interpret information and escalate concerns to registered staff as required. Report any change in the condition of service users physical, mental and behavioural wellbeing to the registered midwife/MDT.  Report any changes to a baby’s overall wellbeing to the registered midwife/MDT.

·       Document clinical care accurately and contemporaneously in clinical records, utilising digital platforms in accordance with Trust policy and guidelines.   

·       Communicate sensitively, respectfully and with compassion when service users are distressed for example when in labour or when the family unit is separated e.g. when mothers/birthing people and/or babies are critically ill. 

·       Communicate sensitively, respectfully and with compassion during times of bereavement or loss.

·       Obtain suitable communication methods to communicate with service users e.g. booking interpreters and sign language services.

·       Report all incidents, complaints, enquiries or accidents to the midwife in charge/team leader.

·       Recognise obstetric or neonatal emergencies, summon assistance and act as a member of the MDT in managing scenario within parameters of own competence and defined role.  Utilise communication tools such as ‘closed loop communication’ during emergency situations. 

·       Report and if necessary, challenge behaviour that infringes the rights of others.

Service Delivery and Improvement

·       Demonstrate ability to prioritise own workload.

·       Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Midwife (or other registered care professional) with a focus on promoting health and informed choice. 

·       Assist in the implementation of agreed plans of care in line with guidance, policies and protocols, in conjunction with the wider MDT and in collaboration with service users.

·       Contribute to and promote service improvements such as audits, research, team meetings and benchmarking activities.

·       Adhere to Trust infection control policy.

·       Adhere to Trust uniform/non-uniform policy.

·       Demonstrate a commitment to the UHSussex Patient First agenda and Trust Values.

People Management and Development

·      Participate in the promotion of a positive learning environment, acting as a role model and supporting the orientation of new MSWs in collaboration with the wider team.

Patient Care Delivery/Skills

·       Demonstrate safe, evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required of role.

·       Respect privacy, dignity and individual choice.

·       Empower service users to safely and effectively care for themselves and their babies.  Assist service users with personal hygiene as required.

·       Care for baby’s wellbeing and hygiene whilst in the hospital.

·       Prepare clinical areas with necessary equipment.

·       Assist members of the wider team to set up and perform clinical procedures.

·       Ensure that clinical areas remain clean and tidy, ensuring equipment is cleaned on a regular basis and report any deficits to the midwife in charge.

·       Ensure stock levels are maintained and replenished.  Replace sharps boxes using safe general working practice.

·       Assist with the transfer of service users to different areas within the maternity department and wider hospital.

·       Collect and transport equipment and specimens.  Collect blood from the Blood bank following Trust policies and procedures.

·       Answer the telephone, door and call bells.

·       Contribute to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the maternity unit.

·       Following appropriate training and achieved competence:

·       Undertake basic vital signs recordings e.g. blood pressure, pulse, temperature and escalate to registered member of staff when outside normal limits.

·       Remove urinary catheters and cannulas.

·       Perform venepuncture (taking blood).

·       Take, label and send swabs.

·       Bladder scanning.

·       Perform cannulation in non-emergency situations.

·       ECG monitoring.

·       Undertake basic vital signs recordings on a baby e.g. heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature.

·       Support and teach parents the skills required to establish and maintain infant feeding.

·       Provide breastfeeding advice and support in accordance with Trust policies.  Help service users gain confidence with positioning and attachment.  Understand safety and risk issues and assist in making appropriate referrals when needed e.g. tongue tie, reluctant feeders.

Learning and Development

·      Commitment to own learning and development including:

o   Completion of Trust and maternity statutory and mandatory training

o   Completion of National Care Certificate within 3 months of starting

o   Completion of Venepuncture (taking blood) within 4 months of starting

·      Undertake additional training as required and agreed with line manager as part of the personal development process.

·      Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager.

·      Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help deliver any changes in service.

·      Contribute to and promote service improvement and development through the Patient First approach.