Infant Feeding Practitioner (Midwife)

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Infant Feeding Practitioner (Midwife) within the Women’s and Children's Divisional Infant Feeding Team . We have a 22.5 hour post available covering a six-day service Monday-Saturday.

The postholder will support our BFI Stage 3 accredited service and provide care and advice to women with infant feeding concerns/challenges. The role will also include supporting staff training and audits and improvement work associated with BFI compliance

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The post holder will practice throughout the Women’s and Children's Division (maternity, neonatal unit and child and adolescent unit) providing specialist clinical feeding support for patients with complex or ongoing challenges. The role also includes clinical duties within the trust’s frenulotomy service following supported training if required.

The post holder will work under direction of the Infant Feeding Lead and closely with Neonatal and Paediatric Infant Feeding Practitioners supporting the implementation and maintenance of the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation.

Working for our organisation

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.

Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area’s largest employers.

Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System.

As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we’re reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.

At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will:

- Demonstrate clinical expertise and knowledge with a positive approach to infant feeding across the women’s and children’s division.

- Management of feeding support for complex or ongoing concerns (antenatal and postnatal period).

- Ensure infant feeding practice/plans are evidence based and appropriate for each family.

- Participate in implementing and maintaining the UNICEF BFI UK programme (policies, guidelines, audit and training).

- Communicate with all staff groups to support their knowledge and implementation of infant feeding practices within their clinical area.

- Ensure clinical areas are supported by infant feeding support workers as required by clinical need.

- Provide antenatal education to parents and families related to infant feeding and relationship building.

- Participate in Frenulotomy Service (or be willing to train)

- At times, deputise for the Band 7 infant feeding lead

- Provide mentorship and guidance to students and preceptee’s

- To ensure infant feeding stock levels are adequate and appropriate.

- Attend internal and external meetings as required by the infant feeding lead.

- Maintain own professional status and ensure that the NMC requirements for registration is met.

- You may be required to support the unit clinically in times of escalation

Key Messages

We are a forces-friendly employers.

Candidates should ensure that all submissions and interactions reflect the candidate’s own skills, experience, and understanding. Any use of AI that compromises the integrity, fairness, or authenticity of the recruitment process may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of offer, or dismissal if this these circumstances come to light post hire.

Candidates that require sponsorship to work in the UK are strongly advised to check the Government website for up-to-date information about whether the role they are applying for (incl. offered salary) is eligible.

Please let us know if you require an adjustment to our recruitment process and we'll be happy to discuss this with you.

We actively promote flexible working so please discuss any requirements you may have with us.

Secondments will be considered for fixed term positions when both parties agree. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before application.

· All correspondence will be sent via the email address you have registered as your TRAC account. Selection is based on the Trust's values, and the criteria outlined in the Job Description for the role.

· Appointments are subject to a 6-month probationary period. LED Doctors are subject to a 3-month probationary period.

· You are required to pay for a DBS disclosure where the post requires one, and we encourage applicants to join and remain registered with the DBS update service.

· We do not reimburse travel to interview expenses.

· Some posts may have implications on existing NHS Pension Scheme arrangements. For further information please visit the NHS Pensions Agency website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-pensions

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