Your Midwifery Career at Gloucestershire Hospitals

Different types of contracts help to get the right fit for each of our midwives

Most midwives are familiar with the terms ‘Rotational’, ‘Core’ and ‘Community’ but here at Gloucestershire Hospitals, we also offer ‘Hybrid’ and ‘continuity’ contracts. Below is a break-down of all the different types of contract we have on offer.

Rotational

Our Rotational midwives move between departments every 6 months, covering Delivery Suite, our mixed Antenatal and Postnatal ward, Maternity Triage and our Alongside Birth Unit. Our midwives are supported in the transition between departments via a rotation day where they have the opportunity to revisit skills they may not have used for a few months.

Core

We have core midwives in all departments who are highly skilled in their chosen clinical area. They are the experts in what they do and are able to support our new, junior and rotational members of the team.

Community

We have a diverse range of community teams, from the rural such as Stroud and the Forest-of -Dean to inner city, such as Gloucester and Cheltenham. There really is a community team at Gloucester to suite every aspiring community midwife.

Continuity

While most trusts opted to cease continuity, here at Gloucestershire Hospitals, we have two successful teams which have continued to flourish, even during the staffing crisis. This has continued to be a popular contract for many midwives.

Hybrid

The contract type most unique to Gloucestershire and often very popular with our Early Career Midwives is our Hybrid. Our Hybrid contracts allow you to be a community midwife with a caseload whilst maintaining a weekly shift within the hospital. It’s a great way to experience many aspects of midwifery and build your skills up.

Training and support

We have a comprehensive mandatory training programme including PROMPT. We have a strong focus on supporting our midwives to develop personally, whether that be as one of our specialist midwives, taking on research or taking part in audit or a quality improvement.

We have several shared decision-making councils, giving all staff a voice within the department.

We recognise that some staff may experience difficult situations. To support them, we have, alongside our lead midwives and senior midwifery team, an excellent PMA (Professional Midwifery Advocates) team. The PMAs are able to give 1:1 Restorative support and are also providing forums for midwives and maternity care assistants to discuss issues, such as midwifery led care and creating a fair and just culture.

We have recently trained a team of TRiM practitioners who are able to support all staff who have been involved in a situation which may have been traumatic for them.

Supporting every midwife

• The Recruitment and Retention Team will welcome you, set you up with IT system logins, training, and much more
• The Practice Development Team will support you with all your training requirements and queries.
• 4 weeks protected supernumerary time when you start.
• 5 Practice Facilitators to support you with your clinical skills whilst you get used to your new environment and policies.
• A Consultant Midwife to oversee and support
• Bleep system: we have a named bleep holder each day. As a newly Qualified Midwife, new to trust Midwife or new to clinical area Midwife, you can bleep a senior midwife to support you with those clinical skills which are not yet familiar such as going to theatre, cannulation, suturing etc.

Flexible and Family Friendly

We understand that you may have commitments outside of work, often caring for children and family or taking part in clubs and sports. We offer family-friendly shift options and flexible working. This is accommodated on an individual basis and reviewed regularly to make sure it is still working for you. For more information please use the Contact Us form.

Staff Advice and Support Hub

Our staff advice and support hub helps our Midwives to make the right choices for their health because it puts all the information they need in one place. Whether they are looking for information about their physical, emotional or financial wellbeing, our staff advice and support hub is there to help.

Early career midwives

At Gloucestershire Hospitals, we know that becoming a midwife is a huge journey, but we also know that for many, qualifying is only the beginning. We value our midwives and want to see them grow and develop. There are frequent opportunities to learn new skills, become a specialist midwife or take part in training and/or apprenticeships.

New Interview process for student midwives in 2023

We understand that trying to attend interviews at the end of your third year, when you have exams and a dissertation to write, is stressful. That's why we have changed the way we interview. We now offer interviews to students midwives anytime in their 3rd year.

That means you can secure your job with us right at the beginning then relax and leave your mind free to concentrate on your studies. Our dedicated Recruitment and Retention team are on hand to support you through the whole recruitment process and will stay in touch with you between you receiving your job offer and starting as a Newly Qualified Gloucestershire Midwife.

Preceptorship

We'll be introducing our new preceptorship in 2023 which will follow the national preceptorship framework. This includes:

• Minimum 12 months preceptorship
• 4 weeks protected supernumerary time
• Specific, targeted competencies
• Opportunity to obtain credits at Masters level
• Named, specially trained, preceptor

We also have a fantastic, dedicated band 5 Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) who has contact with you right from job-offer until you move onto your band 6.

Mid-career Midwives

Career Development and Progression

At Gloucestershire Hospitals, we're passionate about caring for our Midwives. We understand that a huge part of that is investing in our team. We have a huge range of specialist midwife roles and there are lots of opportunities on offer, anything from Bereavement to Recruitment.

We want to invest in you and your career and help you reach whatever career goal feels right for you.

PMAs (Professional Midwifery Advocates)

We have a fantastic PMA Team who have a regular presence on the wards. They offer regular RCS’s alongside targeted support to those who require or request it.

Find out more about our current opportunities or contact us to speak to one of the Recruitment and Retention midwives.

Late career Midwives

In addition to the varied contracts and support that we offer all our Midwives, we have some additional support for those in the later stages of their career.

Menopause support

As a Trust, we recognise the impact that the menopause can have on you at work. Gloucestershire Hospitals support colleagues with managing menopause symptoms and continue to raise awareness with managers.

Retirement Planning

Support is offered via ‘stay’ conversations with the retention midwives, where you can discuss options relating to a step down to retirement. Come and talk to us and let us help you plan. The pensions office also hold events and provide support.

Legacy Midwives

Our Legacy Mentor roles provide the opportunity to flexibly share your knowledge, skills and experience through coaching and supporting midwives in the early stages of their career.