L Clinical Midwife Specialist

L7904 Clinical Midwife Specialist (CMS) / Candidate Clinical Midwife Specialist (cCMS) (Obstetric/Gynaecology Sonographer)

• Full time, Permanent

Who We Are

Letterkenny University Hospital is an acute general and maternity hospital delivering a patient-centred, quality-driven focused service and a wide range of diagnostic and support services. LUH is a teaching hospital with links to the University of Galway, the Royal College of Surgeons, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Atlantic Technological University. Undergraduate Nurse, Midwifery, and AHP training and clinical placements are also provided at the hospital along with post grad

Letterkenny University Hospital is an acute general and maternity hospital delivering a patient-centred, quality-driven focused service and a wide range of diagnostic and support services. LUH is a teaching hospital with links to the University of Galway, the Royal College of Surgeons, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Atlantic Technological University. Undergraduate Nurse, Midwifery, and AHP training and clinical placements are also provided at the hospital along with post grad Show more

Description

• The post holder will support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree
• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
• Performance management systems are part of the role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme

A Clinical Midwife Specialist’s practice is based on the five core concepts of the CNSp/CMSp role as defined by the NCNM 4th edition (2008) in order to fulfil the role. The concepts are:

Clinical Focus

Education and Training

Audit and Research

Consultant

The Obstetric/ Gynaecology Sonographer will:

Clinical Focus

A Clinical Midwife Specialist/Candidate CMS will have a strong patient focus whereby the specialty defines itself as midwifery and subscribes to the overall purpose, functions and ethical standards of midwifery. The clinical practice role may be divided into direct and indirect care. Direct care comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to the patient, family and/or carer. Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care

• Have the ability to work independently and report on all ultrasound examinations performed
• Provide a specialist service for women who require ultrasound investigation in all trimesters of pregnancy as per referral pathways

· Be responsible for providing direct clinical involvement and specialist advice on foetal assessment.

• Undertake comprehensive patient assessment to include physical, psychological, social and spiritual elements of care using best evidence based practice in Obstetric Ultrasoundcare
• Work as a member of a multidisciplinary team providing specialist foetal ultrasound assessment.
• Diagnose foetal abnormalities with subsequent counselling and management of the patient care during pregnancy involving all the relevant multidisciplinary teams.

· Use the outcomes of patient assessment to plan and initiate care and treatment modalities within agreed interdisciplinary protocols to achieve patient / client centred outcomes; evaluate their effectiveness.

• Make alterations in the management of patient’s condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines (PPPG’s).
• Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues
• Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up
• Communicate with patients, family and /or carer as appropriate, to assess patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as required
• Where appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate
• Participate in medication reconciliation and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medication management
• Identify and promote specific symptom management strategies as well as the identification of triggers which may cause exacerbation of symptoms. Provide patients with appropriate self-management strategies and escalation pathways.
• Manage Obstetric Ultrasound clinics with MDTinput
• Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets women’s needs
• Support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.

Indirect Care

• Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways for all pregnant women – identifying their specific needs and initiating a plan of care appropriate to the clinical picture
• Participate in case review with MDT colleagues
• Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaboration with MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate
• Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGs relating to optimal care and pertaining to the use of ultrasound as an aid to diagnosis
• Take a lead role in ensuring the service for patients with any high risk condition is in line with best practice guidelines and the Safer Better Healthcare Standards (HIQA, 2012)

· Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s family and/or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate

· Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options

· Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carer

· Establish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care and Voluntary Organisations as appropriate

· Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients

Education and Training

· Present interesting cases for learning purposes which demonstrate optimal care using ultrasound

· Maintain clinical competence in the area of obstetric ultrasound sonography

· Provide the woman, family and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill and confidence in managing any complication of their condition.

· Contribute to the design, development and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer in relation to complications affecting pregnancy outcome thus empowering them to self-manage their condition.

· Provide mentorship, preceptorship, teaching, facilitation and professional supervisory skills for healthcare professional colleagues as appropriate.

· Participate in training programmes for MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate

· Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based obstetric ultrasound care delivery through journal clubs, conferences etc.

· A Clinical Midwife Specialist will develop and maintain links with Regional Centres for Nursing & Midwifery Education (RCNMEs), the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Units (NMPDUs) and relevant third level Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the design, development and delivery of educational programmes in care of the high risk obstetric patient.

· Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs

Audit and Research

· Establish and maintain a register of patients within all groupings of pregnancy failure and all cases of congenital foetal anomalies of the Specialist Caseload. This register follows directives/Key Performance Indicators as outlined by local and strategic directives.

· Identify, initiate and conduct audit and research projects relevant to the area of practice.

· Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to standards of Ultrasound examinations into practice

· Contribute to research on all aspects of the use of obstetric ultrasound.

· Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision

· Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data and specialist knowledge

· Monitor, access, utilise and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence based practice

Audit expected outcomes including:

· Collate data which will provide evidence of the effectiveness of Obstetric Ultrasound interventions undertaken (Clinical Midwife Specialist -refer to the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery final report - Evaluation of a Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialist and Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioner roles in Ireland (SCAPE Report, 2010))

· Refer to the National KPIs associated with the obstetric ultrasound sonography. They should have a clinical focus as well as a breakdown of activity - patients seen and treated.

· Evaluate audit results and research findings to identify areas for quality improvement in collaboration with midwifery management and MDT colleagues (Primary and Secondary Care).

Consultant

· Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for the optimal practice of Obstetric Ultrasound.

· Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation

· Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist midwifery practice

· TA CNSp will develop collaborative working relationships with local Clinical Midwife Specialist (Obstetric Ultrasound)’s/Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.

· With the support of the Director of Midwifery, attend integrated care planning meetings as required.

· Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in organisations which support patients in the community.

· Liaise with other health service providers in the development and on-going delivery of the National Maternity Strategy.

· Network with other Obstetric Ultrasound Sonographers roles through the Maternity Strategy 2016-2026and in related professional associations.

Management/Administration

· Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient, family and/or carer

· Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet changing and developing service needs

· Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs

· Implement and manage identified changes

· Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient records is maintained

· Represent the specialist service at local, national and international fora as required

· Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records and data on all matters pertaining to the planning, management, delivery and evaluation of care and ensure that this service is in line with HSE requirements.

· Contribute to the service planning process as appropriate and as directed by the DoM

Key Performance Indicators

· The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the hospital’s service plan targets.

· The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.

· Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.

· In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.

· The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

· Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.

· All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.

· Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.

· In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 2005 and 2010 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.

· In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings is not permitted.

· Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.

· Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

· To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

· The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

· The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

· The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

o Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives

o Document Control Information Management Systems

o Risk Management Strategy and Policies

o Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards

o Decontamination Code of Practice

o Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure

o Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

· The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.

· The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.

· The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.

· The post holders’ responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.

· The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.

· The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.

· The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.

· It is the post holder’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management/Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.

Letterkenny University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer