Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communications

 •       Communicate effectively with dignity and respect to all birthing people and their families giving consideration to potential barriers to understanding including history of trauma and adversity.

•       Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.

•       Liaising with the Multi-disciplinary Team in relation to care and needs.

•       Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.

•       Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints following Trust policies/procedures.

•       Contribute to a culture where all staff feel safe to raise their concerns and the ability to speak up about what these concerns are is a normal part of their routine.

•       Maintain accurate and timely records in line with trust documentation guidance.

•       Report information concerning the women that is relevant for their care delivery and well-being to  

            other members of the team, including Midwives and Coordinator, in a timely manner

•       Maintain effective working relationships with ward colleagues, particularly those highlighted within

            the organisation chart above

• Assist in preparing patient notes, relevant charts/documentation.

Responsibility for Patient Care

•  Be responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of delegated personal care support to women within the ward/department team according to their individual needs with specific concern for their religious, cultural, and personal preference.

• Use a range of techniques for infection prevention and control including waste management, hand washing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Under the direction of a Registered Midwife implement programmes of care, for example, to safely undertake procedures relevant to inpatient care including recording and interpreting vital signs, wound care, pressure area care, nutrition, hydration, and mood identification. 
• Recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions and report appropriately.
• Undertake safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with Trust policy for Assistant Practitioners.
• Comply with Trust policy for safe administration of time critical medicines by Assistant Practitioners.  
• Monitor the condition and health needs of patients within their care following administration of medication.
• Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes related to medicines management.
• Assist in preparing patients notes, relevant charts/documentation and ensure identity name bands and allergy bands are in place on admission.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to the undertaking of care procedures.

Planning and organising

• Liaise with the Lead midwife for elective theatres in the planning of the workload to meet the demands of the service.
• Liaise with the Midwife in charge on the postnatal area to support postnatal checks to patients post elective caesarean sections, aiding discharge and providing continuity of care.
• Actively contribute and participate in the Trust Clinical Governance Agenda.
• Support the planning of the pre-operative appointment and election section diaries.

Responsibilities for Physical and / or Financial Resources

·      Ensure safe and efficient use of equipment, resources and consumables always.

·      Participate in ensuring appropriate usage and monitoring of departmental resources.

• Monitor, control and store resources/supplies according to the requirements/specifications of the clinical environment

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development and Implementation

• The Assistant practitioner will always demonstrate a knowledge of and behave in a manner consistent and uphold the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Behaviours and Values.
• Adhere to local and professional policies and guidelines in relation to the safe custody, control and administration of medications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant trust policies and procedures and ensure these are followed accordingly.
• To offer constructive views on how the existing service and teamwork can be evaluated and improved upon.
• Maintain a professional manner and maintain uniform in line with trust policy.

 Responsibilities for Human Resources and Leadership

• Support new or less experienced work colleagues to adapt to the workplace.
• Ensure that equality and diversity issues are recognised, addressed in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Maintain own continuing professional development in accordance CPD requirements and contribute to formulation of own objectives and personal development plan
• Contribute to a culture where all staff feel safe to raise their concerns and that speaking up about

            what these are is a normal part of their routine.

Responsibilities for Teaching and Training

·         Comply with statutory mandatory competencies in line with Trust policy.

·         To engage in completing competency documents as requested by Midwifery lead.

·         Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improving.

·         Undertake further training as required, prior to carrying out any additional duties identified as relevant to the role, to comply with Trust policies and procedures.

·         Participate in training and development activities that are relevant to the job role.

·         Provide health promotion advice to women and their partners, as appropriate.

·         Support the onboarding and development of staff, sharing knowledge and being a role model for trust values.

Responsibilities for data and information resources

• Use IT systems as appropriately, completing training as required.
• Responsible for use of and security of assets within the department including own use and

            correct use by others e.g., IT equipment.

• Have a responsibility to ensure all information processed for patients and staff is kept

            confidential, accurate and in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Caldecott principles

Research, Development and Audit

• Participate in ward/ departmental audit activity as required e.g., Ward Accreditation.
• Critically consider and analyse their own practice considering best available evidence.
• Contribute to surveys, audits, research activity as required to own role, supporting recommended changes in practice.

Physical Skills and Effort

• Use of physical effort to carry out the demands of the job role (eg pushing and pulling trolleys/support to manoeuvre patients)
• Promote standards of health and safety in working practice and the workplace, by being responsible for self and others through identifying risks, undertaking work activities in a safe manner and keeping up to date with training.
• Use a range of techniques for infection prevention and control including waste management,
• Hand washing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Maintain cleanliness in the work environment in line with Trust Health and Safety and Infection  Prevention Practice policies.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trust’s policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately.

If successful this vacancy will require an enhanced DBS check at a cost of £54.50. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary

In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £16.