Support for new staff

How North Middlesex University Associated Hospital Trust reduced their vacancy rate in the midwifery unit by providing additional support for new staff.

Name of organisation

North Middlesex University Associated Hospital Trust.

Background

The trust provides consultant and midwifery care in outer London, within the North Central Strategic Health Authority.

Reasons for the initiative

A review of services following a high vacancy rate in 2001 identified that the culture within midwifery was lacking support and leadership. A review of the Royal College of Midwives publication 'Why Midwives Leave' also took place.

The process

A session is held once a month for new staff followed by monthly reflection opportunities. The orientation session is held to welcome all new staff this allows them to:

• meet their colleagues
• discuss the role of the supervisor of midwives, introduces maternity unit profile and philosophy
• find out about emergency numbers and bleep system
• find out about training is available
• tour the unit
• learn how to complete the record keeping audit tool
• learn about the risk management strategy for maternity.

The monthly reflective session is targeted at midwives using a focus group approach. These meetings are confidential and ground rules are agreed within the group. Critical incidents are also reviewed in these sessions.

As of 2005, monthly sessions have been planned for the following year and have been circulated to be included in the orientation pack.

Outcomes

Evaluation and verbal feedback from those attending found the sessions helped them cope with issues and identify the way forward. Feedback from participants has been positive and these sessions are valued.

Evaluation

Initial evaluation took place after 18 months using London LSA survey tool 'view of supervision' and verbal feedback.

In the 2003 annual audit by LSA midwives reported a positive experience of supervision.

The October 2004 annual audit by LSA and survey of midwives reported that the trust is a friendly environment with support from both supervisors of midwives and managers. Three words used by midwives to describe the culture were 'friendly', 'supportive and positive.

The June 2004 midwifery managers received the trust's team of the month award.

Contact for further information

Alison Oldfield

Supervisor of Midwives

North Middlesex University Associated Hospital Trust

Sterling Way

Edmonton

London N18 1QX

Email: alison.oldfield@nmh.nhs.uk

(Details were correct up to the time of publishing. NHS Employers aims to check data on a six-monthly basis to ensure information and contact details are correct but cannot guarantee their accuracy.)