Senior Specialist Midwife Perinatal Mental Health

The post holder will provide clinical midwifery care to women with mental illness including signposting support and advice if requested for both in and out of area women.

The post holder will be responsible for being a point of contact for staff within women’s services who may need advice or guidance when supporting those with mental illness.

The post holder will ensure that the relevant pathways, policies and processes for women with, or at risk of, mental illness are developed, implemented and audited. This will involve working with a range of relevant professionals, services and agencies.

The post holder must be an experienced midwife who works autonomously in the provision of all areas of midwifery and acting as a resource and support for the multidisciplinary team. This will include the organising of perinatal mental health illness study days, PROMPT, and new starter and MSW updates.

Act as a resource for all staff involved in maternity care (obstetricians, midwives, student midwives, maternity support workers, health visitors, social workers and local 3rd sector workers).

Provide maternity care for a caseload of women and birthing people experiencing mental illness, prioritising holistic care which encompasses choice for the woman or birthing person.

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of £1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Provide evidence-based advice, support and information with regards to the appropriate support and referral of women with mental health illness. Care pathways to be in place for all levels of mental health severities (low, moderate and high); developed in active collaboration with specialist perinatal mental health services, women’s services and women and families accessing our care.

Provide a service link between midwives, GPs, health visiting service, obstetricians, specialist mental health services, child safeguarding team and other agencies in relation to the care of pregnant women and new mothers with mental health illness.

Attend triannual meetings with UK Perinatal Mental Health Midwives forum where able. Work with colleagues to ensure that there is routine screening and early identification of women with, or at risk of a mental illness.

Attend triannual risk meetings with MDT to review and share learning points in relation to perinatal mental illness. Attend weekly perinatal mental health meetings where possible. Attend staff huddles to offer skill sharing and allow for staff to access face to face support.

Identify areas for research, audit and development relevant to mental health. Initiate and participate in research and clinical audit programmes, and encourage other midwives to do the same. Engage with service users and family members to gain feedback on their experiences. Use this feedback to inform development of services.

The post holder will work in collaboration with the Lead Consultant Obstetrician, the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team, the Perinatal Mental Health Network, the Adult Mental Health Services, Crisis Team and Safeguarding Team. Be aware of the spiritual, psychological and emotional needs of the family and endeavour to meet these at all times within the maternal mental health context.

Undertakes and completes audits as necessary. Ensure local community support and out of area perinatal mental health team contacts are up to date and accessible to all. Foster and maintain close links with University in relation to perinatal mental health practice and education. Attend mandatory training in line with Trust and Directorate Policies.

Act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Professional Conduct and Midwives Rules.