Whether it’s talking through a mum’s experience of giving birth or working with midwives to cope in challenging situations, Walsall Healthcare’s Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMAs) are on hand to help.
A new role, replacing the traditional ‘Midwifery Supervisors,’ a PMA will provide professional support for both staff and service users.
For staff, PMAs will focus on learning and development alongside offering emotional and practical support to those involved in complex cases or serious incidents.
Carla Jones-Charles, Deputy Divisional Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health, explained: “Sometimes the midwives can find themselves faced with a really poorly mum or baby, other times they might on the receiving end of a distressed relative; these are all situations that can be rather upsetting.
“We’re teaching the midwives to be resilient and working to grow their confidence so that they can deal with these difficult situations.
“By offering this to staff, we can ensure that they feel supported to do their jobs well and as a result, the care they provide will be of a high standard.”
All Band 5 midwives will be partnered with a PMA, giving staff a point of contact should they need help, however Band 6s and 7s who are worried or needing support are welcome and will have full access to chat to a member of the team.
As for mums and their families, anyone with concerns relating to their pregnancy and birthing experience can ask to discuss this with a PMA.
“If a woman has had a difficult time then they may wish to raise this with the department.
“A PMA will be able to answer any questions they may have and can signpost the women to the trust’s Health in Pregnancy team should they need support around breastfeeding, finances, mental health and more.”
Our PMAs are:
- Natalie Wilkes, Team Leader
- Leanne Walker, team Leader
- Jo Brain, Band 6 Midwife
- Carla Jones-Charles, Deputy Divisional Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health
A PMA strategy statement is currently in development.
Women can contact the PMAs via the trust’s Patient Relations Team on 01922 656463 or by emailing patientrelations@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk