Delivery Suite Manager – Band 7

Job/Role Summary

Responsible and accountable for the management of the delivery suite and the obstetric theatre.

• Ensure adequate staff levels and skill mix
• Encourage and support innovative practice and teamwork
• Act as a role model to inspire colleagues to improve standards and quality
• Advocate for women
• Provide Leadership within the team
• Promote good communication with the whole multidisciplinary team

Specific qualifications and experience required

NMC Registered Midwife with 5 years midwifery experience.

Experience in Intrapartum care.

Career Milestones

During my nursing training I had the opportunity to visit Africa on my flexible placement. It was during this trip that my love and interest in midwifery developed. On return I completed my nursing degree and worked as a nurse for 3 years before applying for midwifery. I completed my midwifery degree in early 2001 and have worked in midwifery since this time. I had the opportunity to take up a band 7 postion to implement a midwifery system within the westerntrust and this gave me the confidence and competence to grow into the managerial role that I now hold today.

What attracted you to this job?

I had a real interest in the area of intrapartum care and in providing high standards of care for all women and their families.

I felt I could influence changes within this department for the benefit of women and staff.

I enjoyed the leadership/managerial aspects of my previous post and wanted to continue to develop these skills.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

Working alongside the delivery suite team. Its an excellent team of highly skilled midwives.

Caring for women in labour and sharing my skills/experience with students and junior members of the team.

Teaching.

Managing the delivery suite team and challenging midwives to further develop their skills.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

Managing staff with practice issues.

Writing business cases for the purchase of necessary equipment/ financial constraints.

Keeping staff up to date with mandatory training.

Staff shortages.

Never enough time.

Important success factors

Introduction of weekly staff meetings -improvement in communication.

Introduction of OASIS technique to reduce the incidence of third and fourth degree tears.

Change in pain relief used in labour – introduction of Diamorphine.

Close working relationship with management team.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

I would encourage staff to assess their own strengths and weaknesses in relation to leadership and management before applying for this role.

This post is very challenging, yet rewarding at the same time.

Time management is difficult – Unlike a staff midwife you rarely get to start and complete a task in one day.

It will take time, many months and perhaps years to develop into your full potential.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Very good listening, negotiating, coaching and communication skills.

Networking with other departments, locally and regionally.

Managing conflict situations.

Managing risk.

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