Labour Ward Lead Co-Ordinator

Labour Ward Lead Co-Ordinator
The closing date is 27 July 2026

Job summary
At University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD), approximately 4000 babies are born across our conurbation each year.

The role as labour ward Coordinator midwife is a pivotal part of the team and this is a perfect opportunity for career development or change. We have staff who are kind, caring and compassionate, and who want to deliver exceptional care together for every person who needs us - and that remains our aspiration.

As a University trust we value learning, teaching, and training so that we help you to be the best that you can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, and we always want to treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves.

Rota: You will be expected to do unsocial hours as the role requires providing a 24 hour, 365 day service.
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Interview Date: 12th August 2026
This is a 6 month fixed term role or available as a secondment for an internal member of staff.

Main duties of the job
We are looking for labour ward Coordinator to join our existing team with a focus on the health and wellbeing of our patients and staff, reducing risk and encouraging patient flow.

The role will enable 2 leads on labour ward, separately defined with a focus on safety, one to oversee the labour ward in the "shift lead" role, the second to oversee the department supporting students and preceptors with cannulation and suturing, encouraging patient flow, reducing "red flags", receiving phones calls at night from staff regarding absence, overseeing breaks, supporting in times of escalation and undertaking midwifery duties where requiring to support patient care.

About us
UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Midwife with NMC registration
• Education to degree level
• Completed preceptorship program
• Specialist post-graduate training

Desirable

• Examination of the newborn
• Leadership/Management Qualification

Experience
Essential

• Extensive clinical experience across all areas of maternity services, with evidence of rotation through labour ward, antenatal, postnatal, triage/day assessment and community
• Demonstrable clinical knowledge and recent experience on a consultant-led labour ward
• Able to demonstrate advanced problem-solving and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate clinical excellence in the coordination and management of midwifery and obstetric emergencies.
• Attendance at PROMPT (or equivalent) and CTG interpretation training within the past 12 months
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the maternity pathway and the ability to coordinate services effectively

Desirable

• Risk management experience
• Audit Experience
• Experience of research projects

Skills
Essential

• Computer literate along with good keyboard skills
• Practice Supervisor and assessor training
• Up to date mandatory training

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.