Maternity Infant Feeding Team Support Worker - NHS

Construction of the new integrated critical care unit was completed in 2018, extension of a Neonatal Unit and an approved plan to build a brand new, state of the art Emergency Department which commenced in 2021

We provide high quality, friendly and effective community health services from multiple sites covering Walsall. Our multidisciplinary services include rapid response and homebased care, so that those with long term conditions and the frail elderly can remain in their own homes.

We are recommended by colleagues as a place to work which is supported by the trusts values to work as part of a team, being respectful, compassionate and professional. We are committed to investing in our workforce

Following our recent CQC visit the Trust was rated as outstanding for care and this has been recognised by NHS Improvement.

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including: salary sacrifice scheme; car leasing scheme; on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability); the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme; and the opportunity to develop and implement your expertise in an encouraging yet challenging environment

We would particularly welcome applications from people from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and from people with a disability; these groups are currently under-represented at senior level, we value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.

There is a current Government consultation underway which will determine whether some new starters may need to be vaccinated.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Trust currently holds the Bronze Award which underlines the Trust’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community. As an organisation, we are aiming to achieve the next level Silver award, with our sights firmly on Gold.

RESPECT - COMPASSION - TEAMWORK - PROFESSIONALISM

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and committed person to join the Infant Feeding team at Walsall Manor Hospital.

The post holder will be working as part of the Walsall Manor Hospital (Maternity Directorate) Infant Feeding Team, contributing to all aspects of the service, but focusing on working on Ward 25 and within the community, working closely with midwives and maternity support workers to assist in achievement of full baby Friendly Initiative Accreditation for Walsall Maternity and Neonatal Units.

Main duties of the job

The Infant Feeding Maternity Team Support Worker (IFMTSW) will work together with the members of the maternity and neonatal team to provide a high standard of care to women and their families to provide infant feeding support and information.

The role will involve both clinical work with families on the postnatal ward and within community to achieve their infant feeding goals as well as participation of Baby Friendly staff and family audits. There is an opportunity to be involved with delivering training to staff and to attend Baby Friendly Conferences.

Working for our organisation

Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The £170 million development was completed in 2010 and the continued upgrading of existing areas ensures the Trust now has a state-of-the-art Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit facilities.

A new Urgent Emergency Care Centre was opened in March 2023. The two-storey development has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity and has provided almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Duties

1. To provide infant feeding support and information to enable parents to make informed feeding choices and to support them with their chosen method of feeding.
2. To provide a high standard and quality of care to women and babies in accordance with Trust clinical policies, procedures and guidelines.
3. To observe women/baby and report to the midwife/ nurse responsible for care, any signs of discomfort, distress or concern.
4. To provide advice and information on discharge planning in accordance with agreed procedures.
5. To take emergency action as necessary to safeguard women and babies and notify the midwife/nurse of the situation as soon as possible.
6. To bleep medical staff (and others) when requested to do so by nursing/midwifery staff. Also to answer general telephone enquiries.
7. To refer to the appropriate health professional when deviation from the normal occurs and to work in partnership with that health professional to ensure safe standards of care.
8. To provide lactation and breastfeeding support following local and national guidance.
9. Take part in the audit of the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Neonatal standards.
10. Be involved in the delivery of infant feeding training, support the organisation and delivery of practical skills reviews for relevant staff.
11. To support women who have chosen to formula feed. Provide information about the different types of formula, how to sterilise equipment and prepare feeds correctly and responsive bottle feeding.
12. To support families when their baby is transitioning from tube feeds to breastfeeding, to work with families, nurses and neonatologists to develop feeding plans appropriate to the baby’s stage.
13. Exercise compassionate counselling and information giving skills.
14. To assist in the safekeeping of the families’ property or personal belongings in accordance with hospital policies.
15. To deal with waste and soiled linen in the appropriate way and in accordance with hospital policy.
16. To maintain a clean and pleasant and safe clinical environment.
17. To communicate with women, relatives and colleagues in a courteous and helpful way.
18. To assist in the monitoring and restocking of supplies and ensure adequate levels including leaflets, in clinical areas and community.
19. To assist in the maintenance of equipment.
20. Check breast pump equipment and report any discrepancies to midwives/nurses including action taken.
21. To maintain infant feeding stocks in the clinical environment, ensuring adequate stock levels at all times.
22. To carry out any other reasonable duties as may be required, which are commensurate with the post, to meet the needs of the service. This will include cover of appropriate duties during the absences of colleagues.
23. Communicating via a range of multi-disciplinary agencies.
24. To be familiar with the P.A.S system, to assist in clerical duties including input of data following appropriate training.
25. To maintain accurate contemporaneous legible records and statistical data as required. To have knowledge of transport of patient information in the community setting.
26. To assist and support the continual review, development and improvement of maternity services.
27. To participate in clinical incident reporting within maternity.
28. To be competent in taking Blood glucose monitoring (BG’s) samples on Neonates following appropriate training.
29. To be competent in alternative means of feeding, such as tube and cup within the transitional care environment following appropriate training.

1. To maintain standards of organisational conduct e.g. correct wearing of uniform, punctuality etc.
2. To work effectively within a team and assist in maintaining a good working atmosphere.
3. To present a positive attitude and demonstrate a commitment to the Trust.
4. Keep up to date with changes in Trust policies and comply with these in carrying out duties, in particular

• your personal responsibilities as defined in the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• The requirements of 'The Lone Worker' Policy.
• the requirements in the Fire Safety Policy.
• the requirements in the Sickness and Absence Policy and your responsibility.
• The requirements of the Working Time Directive and Trust policy HR 33 working time regulation.

1. To attend Mandatory lectures relating to Lifting & Handling, Fire and Basic Life Support annually and any others identified.
2. To undertake any identified training to ensure compliance with the role.

LOCATION

Based in the Maternity Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital and to work within the community of Walsall which may include other local premises (i.e. health centres, children's centres and women's homes).

Person specification

Qualifications

• A recognized externally validated breastfeeding course such as the Breastfeeding Network Helpers/Supporters course

Qualifications

• Recent experience of supporting breastfeeding in a healthcare setting

Key Competency

• Ability to work within policies and procedures/guidelines and act accordingly

Please note your application will be transferred from the NHS Jobs system to internal Walsall Healthcare Trac System. All correspondence will be sent via Trac

Following our recent CQC visit the Trust was rated as outstanding for care and this has been recognised by NHS Improvement.

** Please Note that this post may be identified as suitable and a preference given for Internal at Risk Employees**

We would particularly welcome applications from people from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and from people with a disability; these groups are currently under-represented at senior level, we value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON COMPLETION OF REFERENCE SECTION OF APPLICATION FORM

Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.

Please review the attached Job description and person specification carefully before applying to ensure that you meet the essential job requirements.

Candidates should be aware that, regardless of country of origin, their ability to communicate in written and spoken English to the standard required to carry out the post, will be assessed during the selection process.

Referee email addresses should be provided on your application form.

Following the closing date, if you have not heard from us within 6 weeks you may assume your application has been unsuccessful.

We reserve the right to close this job early. Interested applicants are therefore advised to apply as early as possible.

If a large number of applicants meet the essential criteria then random selection will be applied.

We are committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible and committed to equal opportunities.