East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation trust (EKHUFT) is a large, diverse and complex organisation with an active and vibrant research programme. As part of the Research & Innovation (R&I) department, you can expect to work with a dynamic and proactive team, who recognise and integrate research as a core aspect of care delivery.
The Research Midwife role will be part of the research workforce within the Trust and will support the delivery of high-quality maternity research studies. We are looking for an experienced midwife to help support and expand the large portfolio of NIHR maternity research studies within the Trust.
The role will also include working clinically as a midwife within the maternity department 2 days per week
The post-holder will be based at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, between the R&I department (0.6 WTE) and the maternity department (0.4 WTE).
The post holder will provide clinical research support to various individuals and teams conducting research within the Trust. This will include taking responsibility for the co-ordination, facilitation and delivery of concurrent research studies.
In addition to the clinic/patient-based tasks, this role includes document generation and control, project tracking and logistics, data collection, adherence to Good Clinical Practice and research governance and contributing to the continued improvement in the care of research participants and quality of research data.
Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential for this post, along with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
Due to the nature of research and potential fluctuations in study demands and/or workload and staffing levels, it may be necessary for the post-holder to cover additional specialities and/or sites as required, therefore flexibility is essential.
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
Professional (Research)
To manage allocated projects, set timescales and resolve problems. Responsibilities within a particular trial must be discussed, agreed and documented within the study file before conducting any trial related activities.
To provide research midwife support for individual studies being conducted within the Trust. It is expected that this will involve working on a number of projects at a time.
To ensure that training pertinent to research is kept up to date, e.g. Good Clinical Practice (GCP), informed consent, and to attend and maintain training for skills, as required.
To be flexible in approach to work as the role may require flexibility in time, e.g. for specific treatments.
To work unsupervised and self- directed in all areas of practice relating to the conduct of clinical trials and research studies.
To assist with the preparation and presentation of abstracts and papers for meetings, conferences and publication.
Professional (Midwifery)
Provide professional leadership, advice and guidance to junior midwives and healthcare assistants and foster collaborative partnerships with other disciplines.
Communicate effectively with patients and their relatives, ensuring accurate and seamless information is conveyed and documented
Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of agreed standards, ensuring that any shortfall is brought to the attention of the line manager.
Ensure that all quality initiatives within the midwifery environment are adhered to and that the highest standards of care are maintained at all times.
Assist in the development of clinical protocols ensuring that these are reviewed in accordance with the needs of the service in conjunction with the Ward/Unit manager
Ensure that accurate and legible patient records are kept in line with professional and legal requirements.
Promote and maintain effective working relationships and communications with consultants, medical staff, midwifery colleagues and other multi-agency professionals.
Adhere to the professional standards of practice and behaviour for midwives, as required by the NMC Code, and demonstrate the skills, knowledge and attributes described in the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Midwives.
Maintain own professional development and competence to practice whilst actively supporting others.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and attend meetings whist promoting a positive team spirit.
KEY RESULT AREAS
Research
To assist in the feasibility and selection of appropriate studies for the Trust’s portfolio of maternity research studies.
To support the coordination, preparation, submission of research proposals for approval.
To coordinate with others, including departmental managers, clinical teams, Research & Innovation Central Office staff and study teams to ensure that relevant information is submitted in a timely and compliant manner.
Ensure that all relevant approvals are in place prior to commencing each trial.
Seek opportunities to create changes, which will enhance standards of care and practice.
Clinical (Research)
To identify patients suitable for entry into research studies. This may include attending clinics and Multidisciplinary (MDT) team meetings, reviewing medical notes and the study-specific inclusion/exclusion criteria
To confidently and knowledgeably discuss and explain the research study to patients, their carers/relatives, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure that patients are enabled to make an informed decision about whether they wish to participate
To assist evaluation of patient eligibility for entry into clinical trials and research studies, by co-ordinating pre-study tests, obtaining results and arranging appropriate appointments, according to the study protocol.
To undertake trial specific and routine assessments, as per study protocol, e.g. venepuncture / cannulation, vital signs, ECGs drug administration etc.
To ensure safe and appropriate storage of specimens, in accordance with the study protocol and in conjunction with specialist teams
To arrange appointments for patient visits, as per study protocol, with consideration to the patient’s requirements, e.g. transport requirements, other clinic appointments.
To support and advise others in the process of identifying the care needs of a patient with complex problems.
To assess, monitor and follow up the patients prior to, during and after trial treatment, in accordance with the protocol.
To act as a resource to patients and their relatives / carers, providing information & support and referring to other professionals, as appropriate.
To record and report any adverse events and serious adverse events, according to study protocol and local procedures
Clinical (Midwifery)
To utilise the full skills of a midwife as laid down in the World Health Organisation’s definition of a midwife, to ensure individualised care for women and families.
To be responsible for the management of individualised care to a defined group of mothers and babies by using the assessing, planning and implementing and evaluating process within the multi- disciplinary framework.
To make efficient and effective use of resources with regular review of personal and service objectives.
Act as the identified midwife for a group of patients by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating their care.
Supervise more junior members of staff in giving and maintaining high standards of care.
Act as the patients’ advocate.
Liaise with all members of the multidisciplinary team
Participate in taking an active role in planning effective, timely, and safe discharges.
Be clinically competent in all areas of advanced practice relevant to the post.
Work to eliminate all avoidable infection by acting as a role model in infection prevention and control prevention to all staff, visitors and patients.
Maintaining Complete and Accurate Records.
To maintain study files, taking responsibility for the day to day project, administration and document control, ensuring that documentation is completed, as determined by study protocol, GCP and Research governance.
To upload and collate research data and prepare reports when required.
To ensure that Case Report Forms (CRFs) for the studies are completed fully, accurately and legibly
To maintain adequate patient records and ensure that all relevant information is documented in the patient’s medical and nursing notes
This advert closes on Monday 27 Jan 2025