Labour Ward Coordinator

My career as a Labour Ward Coordinator

I work as a senior midwife overseeing clinical activity across the maternity unit and supporting the multi-disciplinary team to provide individualised, safe, evidence-based care for everyone.

What does your role involve and what does a typical day look like? I start my shift by receiving handover from the previous shift- this consists of team introductions, a safety briefing and a summary of each patient on labour ward and other clinical areas. I then allocate midwives to each clinical area and ensure the days safety checks are completed. I take part in multi-disciplinary handovers and ward rounds at various points of the day. The rest of my day varies due to the ever-changing nature of a labour ward. One minute I could be assisting at the birth of a baby, the next I could be helping formulate a plan of care and the next I could be leading an emergency situation, such as increased blood loss following birth or neonatal resuscitation. I love supporting midwives to provide holistic, patient centred care and try to advocate for patients and ensure their voice is heard. The role also has a management aspect. I am line manager for a number of midwives and health care assistants, completing appraisals and managing their attendance at work.

Why did you chose a career in Midwifery?

I enjoy working in a practical role and really wanted to spend my life helping people.

What is your education and career background that led you to your current position in CTM?

I completed A Levels in Law, Politics and Geography, then commenced my midwifery degree. I’ve worked as a midwife in a variety of settings- labour ward, midwifery led units, pre/postnatal wards, triage and the community.

I’ve had many career development opportunities. I’ve undertaken secondments as lead digital midwife and audit and guideline midwife, facilitated training in obstetric emergencies and completed further training in newborn examinations, newborn resuscitation and student mentorship. While I was in community I set up and led an antenatal clinic for women who did not speak English as a first language, ensuring access to a translator at every antenatal appointment.

In March 2020 I began my role as labour ward coordinator. Since then, I have completed a Masters in Professional Practice. This developed my knowledge of research, quality improvement, change

management and leadership. I’ve also completed a Royal College of Midwives / Welsh Government Leadership course.

In 2022, I worked with HEIW as a Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Lead to devise the NHS Wales Labour Ward Co-ordinator Framework. This is now used nationally to support labour ward co-ordinators across Wales with their development. I had the opportunity to present this work at a national conference and the framework was shortlisted for an NHS Wales Award.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a job in Midwifery?

Midwifery is a great career and opens many pathways. I would advise anyone considering it to try and gain as much relevant experience as possible.

What are your next steps of future career aspirations?

I would like to work towards becoming a Consultant Midwife.