The Maternity Support Worker (MSW) programme pilot has been running sucessfully since June 2007. Skill UP London, in partnership with Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital and Project Midwife, Lynn Maycroft, have developed this bespoke educational/employment programme in order to create a much needed exciting new Maternity Support Worker role within the midwifery team.
On this initial pilot four Maternity Support Workers were recruited, three from Guy's & St Thomas' (GSTT) and one from The Homerton,
The programme involves 30 weeks training, one day a week, includes an NVQ Level 3 in Health (Maternity/Paediatric Support) and covers the following topics:
• Effective communication skills
• Baseline observations
• Infection Control
• Child protection
• The role of the midwife
• Preparation for parenthood
• Maternal nutrition
• Breast feeding helpers course
• The diverse needs of women
• A week’s placement in the hospital
The four MSWs completed their NVQs in June 08.
Interview with Jessima Cavaye, one of our Maternity Support Workers
Jessima, 21, lives in North London, she completed an access to midwifery course before seeing the advert for the MSW programme. Although Jessima was offered a place on a full midwifery training it wasn’t at a University close enough to her home, so she decided to apply for the MSW programme instead.
Jessima was the first to complete the programme and has now won a place to train as a midwife at King's College Hospital.
Why did you apply for the post of Maternity Support Worker?
When surfing the web I saw the Trust’s advert and thought the post of MSW offered a fantastic opportunity, I applied and got a place.
What was the hardest part of organising your study?
Because I already had recent experience of studying as a result of completing an Access course, I didn’t find it too difficult. The programme was well structured and we were very well supported. Because we were the first MSWs in the Trust Lynn took a very flexible approach and adapted the programme to meet our needs.
What’s the most challenging aspect of the qualification?
I did a lot of internet based research on certain topics, which was new for me.
And the most fulfilling?
Being out there, in the community, using my skills and being able to help women. As part of the programme we did the 6 week breast feeding helpers course and I really learned a lot from it. I also enjoyed getting work experience in the hospital.
Is your career path progressing as you hoped? Where next?
I have been accepted to study midwifery at King’s and I start in September (it is a 3 year course). I originally had a five year plan which included the Access course and then going on to do Midwifery. Taking up the opportunity to become a MSW delayed that plan by over a year. But I am very glad that did end up doing it this way. I know I will find it easier to do the midwifery qualification – I will have a head start on the other students as I can already do baseline observations including taking blood and urine anaylsis. And the experience I have gained in communicating with women has been fantastic. For me, it put everything into perspective.
Was it what you expected?
It was and is better than I expected. We were able to develop our roles as MSWs as we learned new skills. We were very well supported and I take my hat off to Lynn, she’s done a great job getting the role of MSW off the ground.
Advice for people aiming to do a similar course?
I would definitely recommend that anyone thinking about becoming a midwife should consider becoming an MSW first. Becoming an MSW gives a very thorough and in-depth insight into midwifery and team working. You get the experience and a qualification together.And if you don’t want to become a Midwife, being an MSW is a great job.
If you are interested in the role and want to find out more please contact Skill UP London.