Womens services: As the only NHS Trust in London with womens and specialist childrens services on one site we have unique opportunities to provide excellent, high-quality, integrated care for mothers, babies and children. Our directorate provides high quality care to patients across South East London, as well as delivering a range of specialist services both nationally and internationally. We treat approximately 40,000 gynaecology patients, and deliver 6,400 NHS births and 350 private births a year. We have one of the largest NHS IVF units in the UK, which includes our flagship Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis services. Alongside our clinical services, we are integrated with colleagues at Kings College London, delivering a significant programme of research and development. Summary of post The post holder will provide total midwifery care to women both high and low risk under the direction of the Midwifery Practice Leader (MPL) and with his/her support, this will include the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of maternity care over a 24-hour period. The post holder will facilitate on behalf of the MPL the development of midwifery and non-midwifery staff. Key Relationships Community Matron, Community midwives, Inpatient matrons, obstetricians, neonatologist, GP practice managers, Consultant midwife, Maternity Support Workers Duties and Responsibilities The post holder will Work in accordance with the NMC rules and code of conduct for midwives. Maintain and develop their professional knowledge and competence in accordance within the NMC recommendations. Work with the Trust policies and protocols and enable all members of the practice to carry out care within these guidelines. Maintain good standards of care within their designated practice and assist in the implementation of recommendations from Government and professional bodies in relation to maternity care. Work with the MPL in the monitoring of standards of care. Maintain efficient and effective communication and working relationships with other professional groups and staff working within the Trust. Utilise the full skills of a midwife (both integral and extended) in the provision of care to a named caseload of women. Provide total care to a caseload of women booked with the midwifery practice in liaison with the other staff and under the direction of the MPL In liaison with the MPL ensure that midwifery practice is in keeping with current research findings and is appropriate for each individual woman for whom care is being provided. Participate in both medical and midwifery education programmes, participating in the teaching of all learners and new members of staff attached to the practice. Assume responsibility for the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with the District Policies and Statutory Rules and Regulations. Assist the MPL with the co-ordination of the clinical activities of the practice and 'act up' when required. Assist with orientation programmes which familiarise new members of staff with the organisational and clinical demands of the unit and group practice. Supervise the work of the non-midwife, qualified or unqualified staff as well as midwifery, medical and nursing students. Maintain stores and equipment ensuring proper economic use. Report complaints, incidents and accidents to the MPL or midwifery manager and assist in their investigation and resolution. Ensure that working conditions are safe in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act. To be fully informed of the risk management strategy, be responsible for reporting incidents, risk assessment and development of action plans to reduce risk. The post holder is required to follow Trust policies and procedures which are regularly updated including: Confidentiality / Data Protection / Freedom of Information Post holders must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 1998. Post holders must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding patients or staff. If any member of staff has communicated any such information to an unauthorised person those staff will be liable to dismissal. Moreover, the Data Protection Act 1998 also renders an individual liable for prosecution in the event of unauthorised disclosure of information. Following the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2005, post holders must apply the Trusts FOI procedure if they receive a written request for information. Equal Opportunities Post holders must at all times fulfil their responsibilities with regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy and equality laws. Health and Safety All post holders have a responsibility, under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and subsequently published regulations, to ensure that the Trusts health and safety policies and procedures are complied with to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees. Infection Control All post holders have a personal obligation to act to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). They must attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures required by the Trust to reduce HCAIs. Post holders must be familiar with the Trusts Infection Control Policies, including those that apply to their duties, such as Hand Decontamination Policy, Personal Protective Equipment Policy, safe procedures for using aseptic techniques and safe disposal of sharps. Risk Management All post holders have a responsibility to report risks such as clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly. They are expected to be familiar with the Trusts use of risk assessments to predict and control risk, as well as the incident reporting system for learning from mistakes and near misses in order to improve services. Post holders must also attend training identified by their manager, or stated by the Trust to be mandatory. Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults Post holders have a general responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role. Smoking Policy It is the Trusts policy to promote health. Smoking, therefore, is actively discouraged. It is illegal within Trust buildings and vehicles. NHS Plan We are committed to meeting the rights and standards required by the NHS plan. We expect our staff to be aware of these rights and standards and to be fully involved and co-operative in meeting them. Terms and Conditions of Employment This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and this means that any criminal conviction must be made known at the time of application.