Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Duties

These relate to all areas unless specifically stated.

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.

Personal responsibilities

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.

5.      To attend Mandatory lectures relating to Lifting & Handling, Fire and Basic Life Support annually and any others identified.

6.      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).