An exciting opportunity has arisen within our West Middlesex perinatal pelvic health service for an experienced specialist advanced practitioner (midwife), with expert knowledge and skills in the field of perineal pelvic health.
The successful candidate must have a drive for improving perineal and postnatal care of women as a whole and be willing to learn and become a specialist practitioner in this area.
As the post holder, you will be working as the lead midwifery practitioner responsible for the development and oversight of high quality midwifery led interventions which aim to reduce anal sphincter damage, perineal injury and improve repair during childbirth. You will also be responsible for ensuring appropriate care pathways for those women who experience pelvic girdle pain.
The post holder will work in partnership with the specialist physiotherapist within gynaecology and maternity outpatients and the Lead Nurse / Midwife for Perineal and Uro-gynaecology, whilst supporting the overall perineal / pelvic health service. You will also be teaching, training and auditing to support the ongoing innovative care for postnatal women.
The post holder will be working directly with complex patients, promoting health improvements for them in both prevention and recovery. You will be working at a strategic level to identify gaps in midwifery and obstetric practice and contribute to the improvement of services locally and nationally.
The key priority areas for action are:
1. Antenatal:
To set up and run a midwifery led clinic for pregnant women with complex needs (such as a previous anal sphincter injury) and recommend the mode of next delivery.
Design and then use a clear pathway in collaboration with the colorectal and obstetric teams.
2. Postnatal follow-up:
Improve support for women who have sustained an Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI) or have a perineal breakdown promoting a healthy and quick recovery using evidenced-based research and multidisciplinary working.
3. Audit :
Audit women who have sustained an OASI and integrate recommendations into colleagues training to reduce rates. Complete a service evaluation of the training programme and cascade to OASI care bundle if needed.
4. Education :
Teach OASI prevention and suturing skills to midwives, students and obstetricians.
The role of the perineal specialist midwife will not be limited to these priority areas but will develop overtime and may include developing FGM and uro-gynaecology skills to compliment the service.
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven’t heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
The main duties of the role include clinical and direct care practice, leadership and management, monitoring and improving quality and developing practice, developing self and others, research and development.
Please see attached job description.
