Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences
Version 1/2013
Date 06/09/2013
Programme Handbook
The Programme Handbook provides you with a reference point throughout your
studies at UWE
Programme Name:
BSC (HONS) MIDWIFERY 3 YEAR
Programme Leader: Geraldine Lucas
Campus and Cohort: Glenside September 2013
Academic Year: 2013/14
Version 6.1 26/06/13
Aim of the Handbook
The handbook is designed to provide information relevant to the programme. The
information in the handbook may also be provided in a number of other electronic or
paper sources and this document provides links to the definitive data sources
wherever possible.
The B.Sc.(Hons) Midwifery programme has been designed to produce
midwives who, upon registration, offer women and their families safe and holistic
care, which recognises individual emotional, cultural and socio-economic needs. The
programme offers a variety of opportunities to develop the professional skills,
knowledge and values necessary for effective midwifery practice; which include skills
in leadership and advocacy, a critical awareness of issues impacting upon maternity
services and the ability to seek out and critique the evidence that informs practice.
The development of these key elements are carefully constructed through academic
personal tutoring, shared and inter-professional learning and opportunities to engage
in skills simulations. During your period of education at this University, you will be
encouraged to adopt a professional approach to your learning and to ensure that
your interactions with the general public, women and families in your care, mentors
and tutors fully reflect the Code of Practice that governs midwifery practice.
The midwifery profession is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
This professional body exists to safeguard the health and well-being of the public. To
facilitate this objective, a register of all qualified midwives is maintained and
midwives are required to complete an intention to practice (ITP) form on an annual
basis, once qualified. The NMC sets standards for midwifery practice and the
education of midwives, one of which is that each Higher Education Institute (HEI)
assigns a Lead Midwife for Education (LME). The appointed LME at this university is
Teresa Shalofsky. The LME is the strategic lead for all midwifery education
programmes within the HEI and is accountable to the NMC for leading and
monitoring education and workforce development. To do this, the LME liaises closely
with the Head of Department, Sarah Green, local supervisors and heads of
midwifery. At the end of a programme of midwifery studies, the LME is responsible
for determining that a student is competent to perform the role of the midwife and is
required to sign a declaration of good health and character, for that student, prior to
his or her entry to the register. For more information about the NMC Code of Practice
for Nurses and Midwives, Midwives rules and standards and the standards for preregistration midwifery education you should visit the NMC website www.nmc-uk.org.
Throughout your programme of education these documents will be constantly
referred to.
The Midwifery programme is part of the University’s interprofessional undergraduate
modular framework which includes various nursing, social work, physiotherapy and
radiology programmes. These programmes consist of a number of differing types of
modules:
2



Professional pathway modules These are the modules that are focused on
midwifery theory and practice where you will develop the core skills and
knowledge required of midwives;
Interprofessional modules These are modules where you will, together with
other health and social care professionals, be introduced and assisted to
develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that actively promote interprofessional
and interagency collaboration: There is one IP module in year 2 and one in
year 3;
Shared learning modules These are modules where you share the same
knowledge base as other health and social care professionals and therefore
learn together. In the midwifery programme, there are 5 shared modules: 1 in
year one (shared across all nursing branches and midwifery ), a shared
research module in year 2, and a shared dissertation module in
year 3.
During the programme you will spend at least 50% of your time in clinical placement.
UWE currently links to a number of different NHS trusts and placement areas in
Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire. You will
experience midwifery and other associated practice in both primary and acute care
settings, spending time in community midwifery teams, midwifery led units, hospital
wards and clinics and delivery suites. This will involve daily travel and shift patterns,
which span the requirements of the service, and which will involve nights, weekends
and bank holiday periods. You are expected to follow the shift pattern of your
assigned mentor but may, in exceptional circumstances, request to alter a
shift. Permission to change your shift is granted at the discretion of the
midwife responsible for co-ordinating student off-duty. It is important that you
make the most of placement opportunities in order to make the necessary links
between theory and practice to enable you to meet NMC pre-registration midwifery
standards against which you will be assessed.
The programme is co-ordinated by programme manager, Geraldine Lucas and coprogramme manager Susan Davis. Individual modules are managed by module
leaders. You should familiarise yourself with the systems for referral within this
handbook, should you find you have any concerns. You will be allocated an
academic personal tutor who will work with you to develop your graduate and clinical
skills and who will signpost you to further, more targeted, support as required. This
relationship is largely directed by you and you are expected to keep your academic
personal tutor appraised of significant changes in your circumstances which may
affect your performance.
3
On behalf of the midwifery team, we hope that you enjoy the midwifery programme
and find it both challenging and rewarding.
Lead Midwife for Education
Programme Manager
Co Programme Manager
[Add other relevant links here]
Please note that the electronic version of the handbook will be kept up to date and
you will be notified of any significant changes. If you have taken a hard copy of any
information please remember to refer back to the electronic version to ensure that
you are working with the most up to date information.
[To update table of contents and page numbers below, click into the table until the
tab update table appears (just above the word ‘content’, click update table then
select page numbers only].
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Contents
1. Programme team contact information .................................................................. 6
2. Programme specific information .......................................................................... 8
3. Additional Information ........................................................................................ 24
4. Key Faculty Staff................................................................................................ 36
5. Communication .................................................................................................. 38
6. Regulations/Policies .......................................................................................... 39
7. Advice and Support ........................................................................................... 43
8. Insurance Guidelines ......................................................................................... 45
5
1.
Programme team contact information
At UWE Bristol, the programme manager is a core member of the team. They are
responsible for overseeing the quality of the relevant courses. They will work closely
with academics and practice colleague to achieve this. An important role of the
programme manager is to support their team to design and deliver innovative and
creative curriculums. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including the use of
technology and service users. Programme managers take an active role in the
revalidation process, ensuring that students are fit to practice upon qualification.
Programme managers will also work in close collaboration with academic personal
tutors to ensure that students are being supported, and receive guidance with their
training. The programme manager in midwifery is supported by a co programme
manager for quality of placements
Programme Manager Geraldine Lucas
Programme Team: - Please below for team members and contact information
To dial direct, use Bristol code 0117 (if necessary) followed by 32 and the
extension number
Name
Surname
Marian
Bailey
1A04
Andy
Yelland
2A07
Jo
Jones
2A06
88587
Jo.Jones@uwe.ac.uk
Sue
Davis
1A07
88639
Susan.Davis@uwe.ac.uk
Jane
Pilston
1A07
88333
2A05
88694
Rona.Lockyersheppsheppard@uwe.ac.uk
Rona
LockyerShes sheppard
Room No
Ext No
88524
88776
6
email address
marian2.Bailey@uwe.ac.uk.uk
Andrew.yelland@uwe.ac.uk
Jane.Pilston@uwe.ac.uk
Jenny
Hall
2A02
88586
Jenny.Hall@uwe.ac.uk
Teresa
Shalofsky
2A01
88579
Teresa.Shalofsky@uwe.ac.uk
Sian
n
Mclaughli
2A02
88519
Sian.Mclaughlin@uwe.ac.uk
Mary
Mitchell
2A06
88892
Mary.Mitchell@uwe.ac.uk
Gerry
Lucas
2A03
88578
Geraldine.Lucas@uwe.ac.uk
Caroline Rutter
2A07
88798
Caroline.Rutter@uwe.ac.uk
Gillian
1A04
88963
2B24
88560
Fax
88811
Ottley
Administration Contact
Jenny
Phillips
7
Gillian.Otttley@uwe.ac.uk
2.
Programme specific information
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Section 1: Basic Data
Awarding institution/body
University of the West of England
Teaching institution
University of the West of England
Delivery Location(s)
University of the West of England
Faculty responsible for programme
Health and Life Sciences
Modular Scheme title
Professional Statutory or Regulatory
Body Links (type and dates)
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Highest award title
BSc(Hons) Midwifery
Default award title
None
Interim award titles
Cert HE Health and Social Studies
Dip HE Health and Social Studies
BSc Health and Social Studies
8
UWE progression route
Mode(s) of delivery
Full-time
Codes
UCAS code B711
JACS code
ISIS code
HESA code
Relevant QAA subject benchmark
statements
Midwifery (2001)
On-going/valid until* (*delete as
appropriate/insert end date)
01/09/2010 – for students enrolling on this
programme on or after 1st Sept 2010
Valid from (insert date if appropriate)
Original Validation Date:
Latest Committee Approval…
Date:…
Version Code
9
Section 2:
Philosophy of the Programme
Midwifery is a practice based profession. The essential values and beliefs on which the
award is founded are inextricably linked to the philosophy of midwifery care. This is based
upon the assertion that midwifery is both an art and a science, with practice that is
grounded in evidence. The focus is upon a woman-centred, midwifery model of care in
which normality and the naturalness of pregnancy is promoted and women are supported
in achieving positive and emotionally fulfilling childbirth experiences.
The curriculum is therefore designed to prepare students to become self-aware, reflective,
competent, contemplative midwives who are able to support and care for women in ways
which echo this philosophy.
It also involves knowing when and how to intervene to promote safety if this becomes
necessary. It acknowledges the need to work with other professional groups and agencies
within safe boundaries to provide effective, holistic and equitable care for women in all
situations.
Educational aims of the programme

To prepare the student for entry to Part 2 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s
Professional Register in accordance with the professional and statutory
requirements.

To enable the student to become a safe, competent and reliable practitioner who, on
the point of registration, will be able to provide holistic and high quality care which is
both empowering and respectful of individual needs.

To develop a midwife who is able to study independently and who is committed to
the concept of lifelong learning in both his/her personal and professional
development.

To promote the development of a reflective and reflexive practitioner.

To enable the student, at the point of registration, to be an accountable, critical
thinking midwife, able to communicate information and ideas, and whose practice is
informed by a range of sources of evidence.
10

To actively participate in and strengthen shared learning within the Faculty.

To provide wide ranging clinical experience which prepares the student to develop
the skills required to fulfil the responsibilities of a midwife in a variety of clinical and
non-clinical practice settings.

To provide a programme that focuses on a model of care in which normality and the
naturalness of pregnancy and childbirth is promoted, but also acknowledges the
need to be “with woman” when complex issues arise.

To actively involve students in caseload midwifery and prepare them for
autonomous practice.

To utilise innovative teaching and learning strategies which enable student to value
theory and practice.

To develop a midwife who is able to work flexibly within both a national and
international context.
Section 3: Learning outcomes of the programme
The award route provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate
knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following
areas: …
A Knowledge and understanding
Learning outcomes
A Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Strategies
Teaching/learning
strategies:
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methods
and
1. The skills and attitudes
appropriate to providing midwifery
care.
2. The impact of psychological,
sociological, political and spiritual
factors and how these affect the
woman, her neonate and family
3. The biological sciences which
underpin and support midwifery
practice
Acquisition of 1-5 is through structured
study days within the University and the
content of these may include lectures,
student-led seminars, reflection, skills
sessions, discussions, workbooks and
work-based learning days.
Additional support is provided through
library and IT sessions to develop study
and computer skills.
4. The contribution of the midwife to
public health
5. The principles and practice of
medicines management for
women accessing midwifery care
Throughout, the student is encouraged to
undertake independent reading both to
supplement and consolidate what is
being taught/ 2learnt and to broaden
individual knowledge and understanding
of the subject.
Assessment
Testing of the knowledge base (1-5) is
through assessed coursework which
includes; written assignments, tasks
undertaken under examination
conditions, and by the achievement of
the required NMC proficiencies and E.U.
directives.
12
B Intellectual Skills
B Intellectual Skills
Teaching/learning methods and
strategies
On successful completion of the
Intellectual skills (1-5) are developed
programme the student will be able to: through the use of problem solving
scenarios and other activities that
facilitate clinical decision making and
evaluation of practice issues. The
1. Integrate theory with midwifery
integration of theory with practice is by
practice
the use of reflective and reflexive
approaches in both the University and
2. Develop an enquiring, analytical
practice settings e.g. use of the reflective
and creative approach to all
portfolio.
aspects of midwifery care.
Assessment
3. Utilise independent judgement,
critical self- awareness and
reflective and reflexive practice.
4. Apply appropriate sources of
evidence and information
technology to inform midwifery
theory and practice.
5. Develop the skills of critical
analysis, reasoning and problem
solving to enhance practice
A variety of assessment methods are
employed, including OSCE’s, (objective
structured clinical examinations), written
assignments and exams.
Students will undertake a dissertation
focussed on a service improvement issue
and this will enable them to demonstrate
creativity and synthesis of relevant
information.
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C Subject, Professional and Practical Skills
C Subject/Professional/Practical Skills
Teaching/learning methods and
On successful completion of the
programme the student will be able to: strategies
Teaching and learning takes place in a
variety of forms across all modules.
1. Provide seamless, woman-centred
Practical sessions in a skills laboratory
care and respond to the needs of
are reinforced in the practice placement
the woman, her newborn and the
family.
by triggers and work based learning
sessions to help students reflect on their
2. Analyse critical knowledge of
placement experiences.
physiological, psychological and
pathological factors which
influence the wellbeing of the
The students also build on their prior
women and their families and
experiences as they revisit their
safely apply this knowledge in
midwifery placements every year, and
midwifery practice
additionally have the opportunity of
3. Demonstrate the ability to critically placements in related specialist practice
evaluate maternity care provision
areas such as Gynaecology, Day
by themselves and others
Assessment Units, Children’s Centres,
including Sure Start. In addition, there is
4. Communicate effectively, both
an elective placement opportunity where
orally and in writing with women
students can arrange a placement to
and their families throughout the
further explore midwifery practices within
childbearing process
a national / international context.
5. Promote an effective
interprofessional and multi-agency Students will also care for a small
approach to the provision of
caseload of women where they will
midwifery care
identify and provide care for them during
the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal
6. Recognise and effectively
periods.
undertake a range of management
options for women and their
newborn when there are complex
needs / complications
Throughout the programme, students are
encouraged to undertake independent
7. Apply the principles and practice
reading both to supplement and
of effective medicines
consolidate what is being learned and to
management
broaden their individual knowledge and
understanding of the subject
8. Demonstrate an awareness and
understanding of their professional
obligations as a registered
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midwife.
Assessment
Skills (1 - 7) are primarily assessed using
the practice document, which includes
grading of clinical practice grids for each
year of the programme.
Additionally skills (2, 3 and 5) are
assessed using the OSCE (Objective
Structured Clinical Examination.)
15
D Transferable Skills and other attributes
D Transferable skills and other
attributes
On successful completion of the
programme the student will be able to:
Teaching/learning methods and
strategies
The transferable skills (1 – 10) are
inherent within the modules. Skill 2 is
1. Actively participate in clinical
particularly addressed in the shared
decision making by taking a
module Evidence Based Practice in
problem solving approach
Nursing and Midwifery. Skills 3 and 7
are addressed in the shared module
2. Demonstrate skills in research and Communication in a Diverse World. A
variety of teaching/ learning strategies
critical appraisal of sources of
evidence in order to optimise
are used as identified in the specific
clinical effectiveness
module specifications.
3. Demonstrate the ability to
integrate interpersonal skills and
partnership working to create an
environment which facilitates
effective relationships with the
woman, her family and other
members of the interprofessional
team.
Skill 4 is addressed every year through
the professional practice modules.
Assessment
Numeracy is assessed on a yearly basis
4. Apply numeracy concepts within
as part of the required proficiencies in the
the context of midwifery practice in practice documentation. The students
order to provide therapeutic
are given a Numeracy workbook and
interventions
additionally, they undertake an online
numeracy test requiring a specific
5. Achieve information technology
skills to support learning and
percentage to pass. In order for them to
practice
achieve their drug calculations
proficiency they must take evidence of
6. Work effectively within a team
their online mark to their mentor and
complete a drug calculation in practice in
7. Demonstrate the ability to
order for them to have this proficiency
accommodate diversity in
signed off.
collaborative working
8. Demonstrate personal leadership
skills, including time management,
prioritisation of workload, the
Opportunities to develop transferable
16
ability to self evaluate and the
ability to organise others
9. Demonstrate skills of reflective
writing
10. Incorporate ethical principles to
inform learning and practice
skills will be evident throughout the
programme and activities that assess the
competence of the students will be
visible through formative and summative
assessment within modules e.g. on-line
patchwork assessment, case study and
reflective portfolio.
Assessment regulations -The NMC requirements for the programme are
as follows:




All outcomes within a progression point period (for example an academic
year) have to be achieved and confirmed within 12 weeks of entering the next
academic level. (Standard 15)
All assessments must be completed and have been passed prior to
successful completion of the programme
Full-time delivery should be no less than 3 years and each year shall contain
45 programmed weeks. Delivery is to be completed in not more than 5 years
including interruptions. For the 78 week programme, the programme shall be
not less than 78 weeks with delivery completed in not more than 2 years and
6 months(Standard 10)
Clinical practice must be graded and be counted as part of the academic
award (Standard 15)
In order to transfer programmes, students need to meet the University criteria.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE MODULES CONTRIBUTING
TO THE PROGRAMME
Communication in a diverse world
This is a shared module with all nursing and midwifery students. The essence of this
module will be the facilitation of communication skills and self-awareness appropriate
to meet the needs of a diverse society.
Fundamentals of midwifery care
This module introduces the students to fundamental midwifery theory and will enable
the students to build and develop their midwifery knowledge with application to
Practice which will be further enhanced in the Introducing Midwifery practice
module.
17
Introducing Midwifery Practice
In this module, the students will be introduced to fundamental midwifery practice
skills and they will engage with a range of clinical opportunities that will enable them
to achieve the prescribed proficiencies required by the first progression point. An
element of the assessment of this module will be graded and this has been
developed from the professional requirement to grade clinical practice (NMC 2009)
as already discussed in this document.
Professional Development of Midwifery
This module will focus on the factors influencing the development of the profession
whilst acknowledging the value of inter-professional working. In this module the
students will also gain an understanding of the current national and international
government policy drivers for maternity care.
The Purpose, Scope and Context of Interprofessional Collaboration
This module will further enhance partnership working and a commitment to work
effectively within and across professional boundaries. This module is shared across
the undergraduate provision within the School of Health and Social Care. As the title
of the module suggests, the syllabus covers a range of interprofessional issues
including equal opportunities, service user and carer perspectives and
communicating and working in partnership with other professionals
Complexities of Midwifery Care
This module will respond to the current challenges midwives face supporting women
with medical/obstetric problems. This module also takes into consideration the
socio-psychological dimension and a family wide perspective
Developing Midwifery Practice
This module, the second of the three 40 credit practice modules, will build on the
fundamental clinical skills and competencies acquired by the students in their first
year. Again, in this module, an element of the assessment of the module will be
graded. The synergy between the aforementioned modules will facilitate the student
midwives’ development of more complex skills.
18
Evidence based practice for Nursing and Midwifery
This module is part of a suite of modules designed to facilitate nursing and midwifery
students’ understanding, and use of, sources of evidence that may inform and
challenge professional practice. Rather than designing the standard type of
research module that would equip students with a fundamental understanding of the
research process and critiquing skills, this innovative module takes a wider
perspective. It promotes the importance of students’ understanding the need for
health service improvement through the implementation of evidence-based
practices. Thus students will attain the necessary knowledge, understanding and
skills to appraise a wide range of sources of evidence that may inform practice.
Grounding this module in the reality of practice has the potential to make it more
meaningful for students than the standard type of research module.
Exploring Quality Practice for Interprofessional / Inter-agency Collaboration
This module continues some of the themes developed in the first inter-professional
module. It also explores international, national and local policies affecting intraagency collaboration in the light of the changing landscape of health and social care
provision.
Meeting Contemporary Challenges in Midwifery
This module builds on the policy issues already covered in the year 1 module
Professional Development of Midwifery. It also explores the provision of current
services both within and out of the NHS including particular political visions (Oakley
2009). Therefore in this module, students will develop an understanding of a range
of management styles and leadership roles. Midwives are professional practitioners
and as such are required to maintain professional competence and public confidence
at all times. Therefore legal, professional and ethical issues are also explicit in this
module.
Consolidating Midwifery Practice
This module will build on the midwifery practice skills developed in the Years 1 and 2
practice modules. In this module the students will acquire the skills and proficiencies
to equip them for practice as registered midwives and the grading of practice
assessment centres on care for a woman in their caseload. Service user
involvement in this assessment is an innovation planned for the new curriculum
Nursing and Midwifery Dissertation
19
This module is designed to enable students to critically evaluate evidence for the
purpose of instigating change in practice (NHS 2006). Engaging with evidence in
this way makes the project dynamic in nature and highlights both the opportunities
and the barriers inherent in change management processes. Commensurate with
the ‘Evidence Based Practice for Nursing and Midwifery’ module, it is
acknowledged that the development of critical appraisal skills is integral to the
process. It is envisaged that the common principles of the module will be delivered
through the medium of shared learning. The professional and subject specific
context of the module will be through independent study supported by appropriate
supervision.
Course overview. Year one
Acad
Week
No
(inc)
Overview of Theory
Overview of Practice
8
Induction Week
9-11
Communication in a Diverse
World (module)
12-21
Fundamentals of Midwifery Care
(module)
Introducing Midwifery Practice
(module)
19
22-23
Annual Leave 2 weeks
24-30
Introducing Midwifery Practice
(module)
First practice period (6 weeks) –birth
unit and community experience. 1
Work Based Learning Day
20
31-33
Professional Development of
Midwifery (module)
34
Reading week
35-37
Fundamentals of Midwifery Care
(module)
Professional Development of
Midwifery (module)
38
Annual Leave one week
39
Reading week
40-1
Second practice period (14 weeks) birth unit and community experience.
Introducing Midwifery Practice
(module)
2-5
Annual Leave 4 weeks
6-7
Second year
Please note some students may have
to move zones to obtain birth unit
experience. 2 Work Based Learning
Days will be scheduled during this
period. During this placement period
GRADING OF PRACTICE will take
place and this will be arranged by the
student in agreement with the Sign-off
Mentor.
Study period.
Please refer to your module handbooks to confirm submission
dates
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How your degree will be calculated
Due to variations between the total credit requirements for different degree with
honours awards, a single University-wide formula, which uses the same number of
credits for all students, is used to calculate degree classifications. This is unless a
professional or statutory body requires the use of a different method. Your
Programme Leader will be able to advise you if this is the case for your award. The
key features of the formula are:

Only the marks for 100 credits at level 3 and 100 credits at level 2 (or other
level 3 credits) are included.

Marks for the 100 level 3 credits are weighted three times those at level 2.

Marks used are the best overall module marks a student has achieved.
Please see the UWE website for more information:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/degreeclassification
Non-standard calculations
If the total credit value of the best module marks at level 3 add up to more than 100,
only part of the credit for the module with the lowest mark will be used in the level 3
calculation. The remaining credit will be carried over to the level 2 set of marks and
treated as a level 2 module. The partial module credit and the mark may then be
included in the best overall marks if it falls into the best 100 credits at level 2.
For example:
A student has 5 x 30 credit modules at Level 3 and 3 x 30 credit modules at Level 2.
Level 3 marks
(ranked in order –
highest first)
Credit size
Running total (100 max)
69%
Module A – 30 credits
30 credits
58.1%
Module B 30 credits
60 credits
56%
Module C – 30 credits
90 credits
52.2%
Module D – 30 credits
100 credits (10 of the 30
credits are used in the
level 3 calculation)
22
48.8%
Module E – 30 credits
Not included in the
calculation as this is the
lowest mark
Level
2
marks
(ranked in order –
highest first)
Credit size
Running total (100 max)
65%
Module F – 30 credits
30
60.9%
Module G – 30 credits
60
55.3%
Module H – 30 credits
90
52.2%
(level
3
module, moved down
to level 2)
Module D – 30 credits
100 (10 of the 30 credits
are used in the level 2
calculation)
In exceptional circumstances, for example, where some of module marks are not
expressed as percentages, or where the credit total includes modules awarded as
Accredited Learning, the total credits counting towards the classification at one or
both levels may be lower than 100 credits. In these circumstances the degree will be
calculated on the basis of all available marks at each level.
Foundation Degree
A Foundation degree contributes 240 credits towards the total of 360 for an honours
degree, and students take the remaining 120 credits in year 3. The classification for
students who progress from a Foundation Degree to the final year of an honours
degree will be calculated based only on the marks achieved in that year.
In the Calculation, the best overall module marks for 100 credits achieved at level 3
are weighted there times those of the remaining 20 credits.
23
3.
Additional Information link to placement handbook
Placement Information
Much of the information you will require for working in the practice
setting is available via the Student Practice Information Document
(SPID) and the Practice Support Net
http://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/student/Default.aspx?pageid=327 It is
important that you refer to this prior to practice
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Additional information as listed below will be found in the placements
handbook.
Practice hours
Shift patterns
Bank holidays / Annual leave
Adverse weather (snow / Flooding)
Private study days
Duty Rosters
Can I go early?
Supernumary status in clinical placement
Meal breaks
Working with your mentor
Timesheets
Making up hours
Absence due to:
Sickness
Compassionate leave –
Jury service –
Military reserve personnel –
Authorised absence –
Interview days
What counts as practice hours?
Pregnancy, Maternity Leave and Maternity Support Award (Paternity
Leave)
Accommodation whilst on Placement
Accidents in clinical practice
24
Work based learning days
During practice placements the link between theory and practice will be enhanced by
prescribed work based learning days in your zoned (practice) area on certain weeks
of the academic year. These sessions will use your clinical experience as a trigger
to review and consolidate your learning, and as a springboard for further exploration
and discovery.
The philosophy that underpins the curriculum not only recognises the importance of
a programme of preparation that is practice centred, but acknowledges the need to
promote the integration of theory and practice for the achievement of professional
competence.
The work based learning days aim at strengthening this theory practice integration in
a number of ways:
1. expanding the opportunity for students to develop independence, autonomy,
flexibility and reflective thinking;
2. using real life scenarios to facilitate student learning;
3. accessing sources of information to support midwifery practice as it is
delivered;
The focus of the Work Based Learning Days will be on incidents emerging from
practice. These could range from broad situations such as advocacy and
empowerment to specific case studies. What is important is they are deemed
appropriate to the learning outcomes of the Professional Practice module the student
is undertaking.
Since these Work Based Learning Days occur within each practice placement
experience, more information about the dates and organisation of these days will be
contained within the relevant practice module handbook.
Attendance at work based learning days is compulsory and absence requires
you to contact your Academic Personal Tutor with an explanation.
.
25
Brief description of practice allocations.
Throughout the three years, you will be provided with practice placements that
facilitate your development of midwifery skills, knowledge and values and the
achievement of the learning outcomes as outlined in each year of the Student
assessment document
Whilst recognising that health care is increasing being delivered in Community
settings. You will have the opportunity to deliver midwifery care in the home, birth
units and in hospital. A varied number of learning opportunities will therefore be
possible during these allocations to meet the required learning outcomes within
different care settings.
In order to provide you with this variation, midwifery students at UWE are expected
to travel to placements areas across the region. Unfortunately, it is not possible to
guarantee all placements will be geographically close to where you live.
Students allocated a placement for which travel or accommodation may be
necessary are advised to make an appointment with a student advisor to discuss
their eligibility for claiming travel and accommodation costs.
Placements are allocated through the Professional Practice Office and each
placement must meet the NMC requirements of the programme. Students are not
able to request certain placement areas. If a student has a personal reason to not be
allocated a particular placement area/ speciality (for example, family member is a
service user in that area), then they can do so through negotiation with their
programme manager.
Because of the complexity of placements and the need to ensure transparency,
tracking and equity, students will not be allowed to contact and/or organise their own
placements (unless undertaking an elective experience). This includes altering
allocated shifts. Midwifery students are expected to follow the shift pattern of
their mentor to include; early, late, night, weekend and bank holiday shifts.
Requests for shift changes must be made to the appropriate co-ordinating
midwife and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Students are
not allowed to request shift changes to facilitate routine social or family
commitments. Inappropriate requests will be forwarded to the programme
lead.
Retrieval of practice
If you fail the final placement of each year, a retrieval placement will be considered
at the award board. Retrieval must occur in the first 12 weeks of the subsequent year
in order to meet NMC requirements. If this is not possible, the student needs to step
off the programme and return at a later date, if appropriate.
26
Please note, a retrieval placement is not an automatic right and the decision is made
by the award board, not a member of the midwifery programme team.
Retrieval placements are arranged through the Professional Practice Office.
Retrieval placements are usually for a minimum of 5 weeks, but may be longer,
depending on individual student circumstances.
The academic year dates are published on the University website, see:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/termdates/2012-13termdates.aspx
Theory
The theory element of the programme is an NMC requirement and you should be
spending 40- 50% of allocated programme hours engaged in theoretical learning.
Attendance at timetabled sessions is, therefore, essential, and expected, and
for this reason will be monitored closely by the programme lead and LME. A
high level of attendance demonstrates professionalism and good character.
Regular non-attendance may invoke professional suitability procedures.
Clinical Skills Sessions
All students must attend clinical skills sessions in appropriate dress and footwear for
the skill being undertaken. This is particularly important for Manual Handling and
Basic Life Support sessions for health and Safety reasons. Students who arrive more
than 10 minutes late or dressed inappropriately will be asked to leave. Nonattendance at clinical skills sessions will adversely affect your ability to go
into placement
Monitoring Of Absence
Where non-attendance is giving concern students will, in the first instance, discuss
the nature of such absence with their Academic Personal Tutor and, thereafter, with
the Programme Manager and/or the LME.
Students who do not advise the faculty of the reason for their absence and/ or fail to
submit medical certificates, when appropriate, may have their bursary suspended,
and be discontinued from the programme.
Failure to meet the attendance criteria for both theory and practice elements of the
course may result in registration delay or being unable to register as a qualified
midwife.
You must make up theory missed through self-directed activity. Clinical skills session
make up will be organised in negotiation with the module leader. All absence
retrieval activities must be reported to your APT and recorded.
27
PROGRAMME SPECIFIC REGULATIONS RELATING TO WORKING TO THE
CODE :
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, PERFORMANCE AND ETHICS FOR
NURSES AND MIDWIVES (2008)
The Midwifery programme leads to eligibility for professional registration with the
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and, as such, requires a sensitive, reliable and
responsible approach towards others. The student is required to demonstrate these
qualities in general attitude and behaviour towards other students, staff of the
University and in the practice areas towards staff, clients, carers and the general
public. Students are obligated to learn, accept and demonstrate the responsibility
and accountability increasingly demanded of practitioners in health and social care
services. Any student who fails to demonstrate appropriate standards of behaviour,
either at University or on practice placement, may be deemed to be unsuitable to
enter the profession if he/she:-.
1
Has failed to meet the criteria of The Code : Standards of Conduct,
Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives (NMC 2008). Students are
required to comply with ‘Guidance on professional conduct for nursing and
midwifery students’ (NMC 2009).
2
Is deemed to be guilty of an act, practice or breach of conduct that
contravenes the Nursing and Midwifery Code of Professional Ethics that may
involve a patient, client, member of staff or other person with whom the
student is in contact and/or
3
Engages in behaviour, which is deemed to bring the profession into disrepute
and/or engages in behaviour which fails to demonstrate an appropriate
standard of professionalism, either at University or on practice placement.
Falsification of documentation is one such behaviour that falls into this
category.
Unsuitability will be judged from the evidence:1 Reports from University staff and/or practice mentors and/or practice staff.
2 Failure in the Assessment of Practice documentation.
3 Academic censure relating to plagiarism/cheating and or criminal
conviction.
In any of the above criteria a student may be asked to withdraw from the
programme at any stage and will not be eligible for the BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Award with registration. The Award Board will ratify the decision.
28
Returning students.
The NMC requires that students self - declare their good character and health
annually.
In order for this to be accomplished, all nursing and midwifery students must
therefore complete the following declaration:
□
I have read and understood understand the NMC guidance available here
Good Health and Good Character for student nurses and midwives.
□
I understand that I must notify the University and the Programme Manager of
any criminal warnings, cautions, reprimands or a warning recorded on police
central records, which includes both ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’ convictions since
the last Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly Criminal Records
Bureau CRB) or declaration and complete a DBS self-assessment form
available through this link.
http://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/student/disclosurebarring-service-dbs.aspx
□
I have not received any criminal warnings, cautions, reprimands or a warning
recorded on police central records, since the last DBS check (formerly
Criminal Records Bureau CRB) or self-declaration. (Do not include motoring
offences where you receive a fixed penalty unless it lead to your
disqualification)
□
I declare that my health and character are sufficiently good to enable me to
practise safely and effectively and that all of the above information is a true
and accurate record


Good health is necessary to undertake practice as a nurse or a
midwife. Good health means that a person must be capable of safe
practice.
Good character is also important as nurses and midwives must be
honest and trustworthy. Good character is based on a person’s
conduct, behaviour and attitude. It also takes account of any
convictions and cautions that are not considered to be compatible with
29
professional registration and that might bring the profession into
disrepute. A person’s character must be sufficiently good for them to be
capable of safe and effective practice without supervision. It is
important that you are aware that your behaviour and conduct, both
during your programme and in your personal life, including on any
social networks you are part of such as Facebook, may have an impact
on:
o your fitness to practise
o your ability to complete your programme
o the willingness of the university to sign the declaration of
good health and good character for you to become a
registered nurse or midwife.
□
I will practice in accordance with the NMC Guidance on professional conduct
for nursing and midwifery students.pdf
□
I have read and agree to abide by the principles contained within the Faculty
of Health and Applied Sciences UWE student conduct policy
Please note. A false declaration to the above, subsequently discovered, in itself may
lead to a student being investigated through UWE Professional Suitability and
Professional Conduct Policy. This could, in turn, lead to discontinuation from the
relevant programme.
Please note that the on-line declaration form for Good Health and Good
Character is contained within the ARC system. Any student who does not
complete their declaration will subsequently not be allowed to access their
placement details through ARC. As a result the student will therefore not be
allowed to attend placement.
http://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/student/disclosure-barring-service-dbs.aspx
The European Union and Article 40 (training of midwives) of Directive
2005/36/EU from the NMC standards for student midwives

Advising of pregnant women, involving at least 100 prenatal examinations

supervision and care of at least 40 women in labour

the student should personally carry out at least 40 deliveries; where this number
cannot be reached owing to the lack of available women in labour, it may be
30
reduced to a minimum of 30, provided that the student participates actively in 20
further deliveries

Active participation with breech deliveries. Where this is not possible because of
lack of breech deliveries practice may be in a simulated situation

Performance of episiotomy and initiation into suturing. Initiation shall include
theoretical instruction and clinical practice. The practice of suturing includes
suturing of the wound following an episiotomy and a simple perineal laceration.
This may be in a simulated situation if absolutely necessary

supervision and care of 40 women at risk in pregnancy, or labour or postnatal
period

supervision and care (including examination) of at least 100 postnatal women
and healthy newborn infants

observation and care of the newborn requiring special care including those born
pre-term, post-term, underweight or ill

care of women with pathological conditions in the fields of gynaecology and
obstetrics

Initiation into care in the field of medicine and surgery. Initiation shall include
theoretical instruction and clinical practice.
GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETION OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE REGISTERS

At the completion of the programme, the LME must sign a declaration that you
have met the standards required of the programme, in order to be admitted to
the NMC professional register. To facilitate this, you must ensure that you
keep copies of evidence that you have completed EU directives,
competencies and timesheets. Your APT will monitor your progress and
record evidence of clinical experience throughout the programme. Your
clinical register, together with your on-going clinical assessments and
timesheets provides this evidence.

As a professional midwife, part of your responsibility will be to keep accurate,
contemporaneous records. For this reason most of the record keeping
relating to your clinical experience is your own responsibility and, with the
exception of vaginal examinations (VE’s), does not require countersigning by
a midwife. However, suspected dishonest practice will be investigated. A
midwife is required to sign VE’s, so that their accuracy can be authenticated
and a platform for discussion is provided. When you are working in the
31
delivery suite, you should ask your personal tutor to look at these every time
you have an appointment. By the time you have performed 40 VE’s, it is
hoped that competency can be demonstrated. Should proficiency not be
reached, you will be required to perform more, until competence is
demonstrated. VE’s should be performed on women for whom you are
providing care.

For all other clinical experience, your own documentation will be sufficient
proof of achievement. PLEASE REMEMBER TO MAINTAIN
CONFIDENTIALITY. A more detailed explanation of the requirements to be
recorded can be found below. It is useful for your transcript of training if you
continue to record additional experience, especially of deliveries and of
women at risk, even when you have fulfilled the NMC registration criteria. For
simplifying the recognition that all the required clinical experience has been
completed, please record or highlight items that you witness in green, all “at
risk” cases, in red and the remainder in black. So please record all
experiences

100 Antenatal Examinations
These should include advising mothers and performing both a general
examination and abdominal palpation. The 100 should include women at all
stages of pregnancy. One woman can be examined on several occasions as
long as the examinations are made on different days. By seeing the same
woman on several occasions the changes in pregnancy can be more clearly
observed, especially if a week or more elapses between each examination.

Witnessed Births
These should be normal vaginal births and includes the delivery of the
placenta and membranes. You are advised to witness some before
facilitating births personally and you should have been involved in the care of
the mother beforehand. The number that you witness before conducting
deliveries yourself will depend upon the judgement of your midwifery mentor.
Various factors will be considered, such as your progress and the suitability of
the mother and her labour for a learner’s first delivery.

Supervision and Care of at Least 40 Women in Labour
These can include any woman for whom you care for a reasonable length of
time during her labour. The 40 personal deliveries should all be conducted on
mothers for whom you have provided care.

Conduct 40 Personal Deliveries
32
Students are required to conduct 40 deliveries during the course of their
training. Ideally, the pregnancy should be at term (from 37 weeks) and the
placenta and membranes should also be delivered. Students should strive for
this, but record all deliveries from 24 weeks viability and those which
require the manual removal of an adherent placenta, following the
employment of midwifery skills to facilitate delivery and ensure the
safety of the mother. Stillbirths can be recorded only where midwifery
skills have been utilised to facilitate delivery and may be counted only
where the student has been unable to achieve 40 live births. If medical
aid has to be sought in order to complete the delivery of the baby, the
delivery may no longer be counted as a personal birth. However, the
experience can go toward those mothers that you care for who are at
risk. You should examine all the newborn babies of the mothers you deliver.

Performance of Episiotomies and Suturing
Initiation into the performance of episiotomies and perineal suturing must
include both theoretical instruction and clinical practice. Suturing practice
should include repair of both episiotomies and simple perineal lacerations.
This may be in a simulated situation if absolutely necessary.

Supervision and the Care of 40 Women at Risk in Pregnancy, Labour
or the Postnatal Period
In order to ensure a balance this should be divided into: 10 women at risk
antenatally, 10 mothers at risk in labour, 10 deliveries in which the second or
third stage is abnormal and 10 mothers who have a postnatal complication.
The EU directives require a total of 40 women in these categories to be
looked after but for your future transcript of training, please record all such
experiences. The 10 mothers whose deliveries are complicated in the second
or third stage should be in addition to the other 10 women who are at risk in
labour. Some of the mothers should have pathological conditions. It does not
matter how early in pregnancy the care is given. With antenatal and postnatal
mothers, evidence of continuity of care is desirable.

The NMC require you to actively participate in vaginal breech deliveries.
Please take the chance to be involved whenever it occurs. If no opportunity
arises, simulated practice can be undertaken instead. Twin deliveries are not
a specific requirement but are also a useful adjunct to your experience.

At risk labours should include any mother in whom the normal physiology of
labour is altered. These therefore include augmentation and induction of
labour by any means except the use of prostaglandins alone. Epidurals can
also interfere with normal progress. Posterior positions in labour can be
included in the complicated labours. If any mother in a risk category delivers
33
normally and you conduct the delivery, the experience can be counted as both
a personal delivery and as the care of a woman at risk in labour.

The Neonate at Delivery
You are required to be proficient in fulfilling the midwife’s role in relation to the
healthy baby at birth. You should be capable of initiating and maintaining
respiration in the mildly respiratory depressed baby for whom paediatric
assistance is not being sought. Checking resuscitation equipment and
assisting the paediatrician with a compromised baby is valuable experience
which you should endeavour to acquire.

100 Postnatal Examinations
Supervision and care of at least 100 postnatal women: This includes the
examination of both the mothers and their healthy newborn babies,
encompassing all aspects of holistic care. Each mother and baby should only
be counted once. If possible you should follow up postnatal women and their
newborns for at least three days and, where the opportunity exists, for a full
28 days as the midwife may be responsible for care up until that time.

Attendance at Clinics
You should ask your community midwife to arrange these. It is suggested
that a minimum of one family planning and one child health clinic should be
observed. The midwife may be able to suggest other appropriate
observational visits to enhance your understanding of the health needs of the
local child bearing population.

Administration of Drugs
As per the drugs policy
34
Faculty of Health and Applied Life Sciences
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
Policy for
UWE 3 year Midwifery Students
The qualified midwife remains accountable for the correct administration of
the drugs as prescribed on all occasions (NMC Midwives Rules and Standards,
2004).
The 3 year BSc (Hons) Midwifery students are not registered nurses and therefore
they will need active involvement in drug administration from their first clinical
placement. They will be expected to sit a numeracy test and achieve a pass mark of
80% during the initial 20 weeks of the programme. They will also need to meet the
drug/numeric assessment requirements in the clinical assessment documentation for
years 1, 2 and 3. This will not be achievable unless they are actively participating in
drug administration. In year 2 and 3 students will also undergo a written assessment
in preparation of practice registration.
This means:


The student should gain substantial experience of drug administration in the
midwifery practice environment.
The student should be fully aware of the implications of the drugs in relation to
midwifery
The student should also be aware of and comply with local policies and the
patient group directives. Please note that student midwives can be involved with
the administration of drugs covered under MIDWIVES EXEMPTIONS (not
including controlled drugs) only if they are supervised by a SIGN-OFF
MENTOR.
It is an expectation that students will participate in the administration of drugs
including situations when one or two trained persons are required to check the drug
prior to administration. In these circumstances students will be observers for the
checking process. However, they should be encouraged to be the administrator of
the drug under direct supervision provided they have received the appropriate
training as to use, dosage and methods of administration (NMC 2007 Rule 17 pg 33)
(NOT INCLUDING CONTROLLED DRUGS ADMINSTERED UNDER MIDWIVES
EXEMPTIONS). As stated previously, students are not permitted to administer
medicines under a PGD but can be involved with the administration of drugs covered
under MIDWIVES EXEMPTIONS (not including controlled drugs) and a drug
prescription written by a doctor but only if supervised by a Sign-off Mentor.
Drug administration should include:35






IV Fluids.
IV Additives.
Blood and blood products.
Injections (IV drugs = simulation)
Drugs administered to neonates.
Epidural top-up.
Two trained midwives/nurses are required to check the above list; however, one
trained midwife/nurse may be substituted by a pre-registration student midwife
who is in the final year of the programme and has:


Successfully passed the numeracy test.
Attended all the pharmacology lectures for year 1 and 2.
Achieved all the skills related to the administration of drugs in the practice
assessment document for year 3.
This will always be at the discretion of the ward manager/senior midwife on duty.
At all times the student will remain under the supervision of a registered
midwife, who remains accountable for the correct administration of the drug
as prescribed on these occasions.
At no stage during the programme is it expected that 3 year student midwives
will administer drugs without direct supervision.
References
NMC (2012) Midwives Rules and Standards. NMC. London
NMC (2007) Standards for Medicines Management. NMC. London
NMC (2009) Standards for Pre-registration Midwifery Education. NMC. London
NMC Circular 05/2009 Supply and/or administration of medicine by student nurses
and student midwives in relation to Patient Group Directives (PGD’s)
NMC Circular 07/2011 Changes to Midwives Exemptions. NMC. London Issue
date: 17 June 2011
36
4.
Key Faculty Staff
Key faculty Staff
Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean - Helen Langton
Head of Department - Sarah Green Sarah.Green@uwe.ac.uk
Field specific AHoD - Teresa Shalofsky
Field Specific Programme Manager - Geraldine Lucas
Practice Placement Office field specific allocation officer - Annie Pearce
Roles within the Department of Nursing and Midwifery
Head of Nursing and Midwifery:
The Head of Nursing and Midwifery has ultimate responsibility for the course
curriculum. They are required to keep abreast of strategic and political developments
within the health sector, and encourage academics to thread these changes through
the curriculum. They work in close partnership with practice colleagues to deliver a
high quality educational experience. They maintain an overview on key performance
indicators. They support academic staff to deliver the vision of UWE Bristol.
Associate Heads of Department:
The Associate Head of Department acts as a link between the Head of Department
and the academic team, supporting both to deliver high quality education. Associate
heads also have responsibility for overseeing projects within the department which
enhance learning and teaching and develop the curriculum.
Programme Manager:
At UWE Bristol the programme manager is a core member of the team. They are
responsible for overseeing the quality of the relevant courses. They will work closely
with academics and practice colleague to achieve this. An important role of the
programme manager is to support their team to design and deliver innovative and
creative curriculums. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including the use of
technology and service users. Programme managers take an active role in the
revalidation process ensuring that students are fit to practice upon qualification.
Programme managers will also work in close collaboration with academic personal
tutors to ensure that students are being supported, and receive guidance with their
training. The programme manager in midwifery is supported by a co programme
manager for quality of placements .
Academic Personal Tutor (APT):
37
All UWE Bristol students will be allocated to a personal tutor at the start of their
programme. The tutor is an academic member of the team. The student will be given
opportunities to meet with their academic personal tutor during the course of their
studies. There will be opportunities to discuss academic and pastoral support needs.
The tutor will be able to sign post the student to additional support needs, should this
be needed. The academic support tutor will be keen to support the student to
achieve their maximum potential whilst studying at UWE.
Practice Associate lecturer in midwifery (PALM)
These lecturers spend a proportion of their time in clinical practice supporting
students and mentors. They work alongside students who are not achieving and
have been referred or failed in practice. PALMS can support the student and mentor
with development of action plans, and how students can achieve formulated goals. If
students have additional health needs, PALMS s can provide advice, support and
referral.
WHO’S WHO IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
Midwifery Team - Roles and Responsibilities, Pre-registration Programmes
Teresa Shalofsky
Geraldine Lucas
Sue Davis
Jo Jones
Caroline Rutter
Jenny Hall
Andrew Yelland
Sian Mclaughin
Rona Early
Lead Midwife for Education and Professional
Lead
PALM: Gloucestershire NHS Trust
Programme Manager BSc (Hons) 3yr Midwifery
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
PALM: UHB NHS Foundation Trust
Co Programme Manager:
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module Leader: Preparation of Supervisors of
Midwives
PALM: Gloucestershire NHS Trust
Admissions Tutor
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module Leader: Professional Development in
Midwifery
PALM: Gloucestershire NHS Trust
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module Leader: Introducing Midwifery Practice
PALM: GWH NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module Leader: Fundamentals in Midwifery Care
PALM: North Bristol NHS Trust
Midwifery Lecturer
Module Leader: Complexities of Midwifery Care
PALM: UHB NHS Foundation Trust
Midwifery Lecturer
Module leader: Developing Midwifery practice
PALM: UHB NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module leader: Meeting Contemporary
38
Mary Mitchell
Marian Bailey
Jane Pilston
Gillian Ottley
Challenges in Midwifery
Co-module leader: Evidence based Practice For
Nursing and Midwifery
PALM: North Bristol NHS Trust
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module Leader :Nursing and Midwifery
Dissertation
PALM: RUH Bath NHS Trust
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
Module Leader: Consolidating Midwifery Practice
PALM: North Bristol NHS Trust
Lecturer in midwifery (Secondment)
PALM: RUH Bath NHS Trust
Midwifery Lecturer
PALM: GWH NHS Foundation Trust
All the above Midwifery Lecturers will have input into your course. Only the
responsibilities of the Midwife Lecturers relevant to your course have been
included.
5.
Communication
The main communication channel used by the University and the Faculty is the UWE
student portal, myUWE. The myUWE link appears at the top of the University staff
and student intranet home page alongside that of the library and gives you access to
the portal, where much of the information relevant to you will appear, including
important announcements. myUWE gives you access to a wide range of course
information, including links to Blackboard for modules you are currently studying.
Blackboard provides the main communication channel for module specific
information and should be checked regularly for new content and announcements.
Also from myUWE you can access your UWE student email account, which you are
expected to check regularly (at least twice a week) as this is the email address that
the University will use to contact you. If you do not activate this account, or chose to
automatically forward emails to a different email account, then the University will not
be responsible if you miss important information such as details about classes,
assessments, examinations, fees, registration etc.
Please see http://info.uwe.ac.uk/myUWE/guidance/ for further information on all
aspects of your myUWE portal.
6.
Regulations/Policies
39
The University regulations are designed to ensure consistency and equity for
students and to provide clarity in how they will be treated by the University in any
given situation;
Regulations:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/regulationsandproced
ures.aspx
Assessment Offences
In order to ensure that all students are assessed fairly and equitably, it is important
that markers are able to be sure it is your own work which is being assessed and
that all your assessed work is done within the University rules and regulations. If a
marker or invigilator believes that you have committed an assessment offence this
will be reported and the allegation will have to be investigated. The University take
the committing of assessment offences very seriously. Action is always taken to
investigate and follow through any such cases that are reported. The process and
consequences can be found within the UWE Academic Regulations.
An assessment offence is defined by the University as ‘Passing off the work of
others as one’s own including copying (reproducing or imitating), cheating, collusion
(agreement to deceive, using words or ideas of colleagues or other students and
passing them off as your own), plagiarism (stealing someone’s words or ideas and
passing them off as your own) and other breaches of assessment or other
examination regulations or procedures. Cheating, collusion and plagiarism are the
use of unfair means of presenting work for assessment or of aiding another student
to do so.
Plagiarism – Demonstrating that you have read a wide range of material (books,
journals or other sources) in writing a piece of coursework is essential, but so is
ensuring that you acknowledge that work properly through correct referencing i.e. the
naming of authors/sources and the use of paraphrasing, quotation marks or indented
paragraphs.
Collusion – You may be asked to work with other students on a project, in class or
analysing data, it is essential that any work you hand in for assessment purposes is
written up by you on an individual basis. The text and diagrams / pictures etc. you
use must be your own. You must be particularly careful if you are sharing a
computer with another student or passing information between yourself and others in
an electronic format such as by disc or email that you do not use someone else’s
words – or that they use your words.
Non-compliance – it is important that you follow the instructions given to you by staff
and adhere to the regulations of the University. For example, non-compliance could
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include taking unauthorised papers or items into an examination room or falsely
claiming extenuating circumstances or late work.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentoffences.
aspx
In addition to the academic regulations, students should pay particular attention to
the IT Acceptable Use Policy as this defines what you can or cannot do for the
protection of systems and of individual users.
Word count policy
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/policies
Referencing guide
Referencing is the technique used to direct readers of a piece of written work to the
sources of information that have been used in the preparation of the written work.
If you wish to refer to something you have read you MUST give a reference for this
material. The University Library provides advice on managing references, see:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/referencing.aspx
Marking criteria
Year one Midwifery Modules
HASS Marking
Guidance 2012-13 (version 180712).pdf
Feedback
You are asked to pay particular attention to assessment dates and ensure you check
with your academic team if you are unsure when assessments are due. Students
are expected to be available during these periods and absence from scheduled
assessments may have a significant impact on your studies. Please take care to
avoid these dates when planning any holidays.
Health and Safety
Mandatory health and safety sessions are programmed through the course there is
an expectation that you will attend unless you have exceptional circumstances.
Dress Code and Uniform Policy 2011
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
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UWE Academic and Professional Standards of Behaviour Guide
http://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/student/academicandprofessionalstandardsandbehaviour.as
px
Nursing and Midwifery Council Guidance on Professional Conduct for Nursing and
Midwifery Students (NMC, 2009) http://www.nmcuk.org/Documents/Guidance/Guidance-on-professional-conduct-for-nursing-andmidwifery-students.pdf
The relevant policy or guidance from the placement provider, as well as local policies
pertaining to certain practice areas. This includes Infection Control Policies.
As a nursing or midwifery student your conduct is bound by the four principles of the
Nursing and Midwifery Code (NMC, 2008). This dress code / uniform policy is
intended to help you in your efforts to:




Safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public.
Maintain clear professional boundaries in the relationships you have with
others, especially with vulnerable adults and children.
Maintain clear sexual boundaries at all times with the people for whom you
provide care, their families and carers.
Uphold the reputation of your chosen profession at all times.
It is your responsibility to check the uniform requirement when you first make contact
with your placement. If uniform is not required, your dress should reflect your
professional position and support the development of therapeutic relationships with
patients, carers and families.
All uniform or non-uniform dress should be safe, hygienic and modest. The list
below, gives the some general points on developing and maintaining your
professional appearance / identity.
Where there are religious or cultural issues that affect adherence to this policy, or
you have any other questions about your own appearance/dress not covered in this
information, please discuss with your Programme Manager prior to commencing
placement.
Review Date July 2013 General
Appearance
All clothes worn whilst on placement
should be well laundered and
maintained. Whether in uniform or your
own clothes your appearance must be
modest. Where uniform is not required,
jeans; short skirts; shorts; revealing
clothing or clothing with slogans which
may be considered offensive or
provocative, are not permitted. Where
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make-up or body scents are used these
should be discreet. Tattoos should be
covered as far as possible. False eye
lashes must not be worn.
UWE Uniform and Student
Identification
Student Identification should be worn at
all times whilst on placement. Do not
wear your UWE Uniform or Student
Identification when undertaking work for
Bank or Agency.
Hair
All hair should be clean and worn neatly
and should be of a well groomed
appearance. Long hair should be
securely tied back so that it does not
require frequent readjusting. Where hair
bands or tiebacks are used they must
be discreet. For Infection Control
reasons hair-extensions are not
appropriate. If you wear your hair / head
covered for religious or cultural reasons
please refer to the local health
organisation’s policy for the correct
wearing of headscarves. Beards and
moustaches should be clean and neatly
clipped.
Finger Nails
Nails need to be clean, short and
undamaged. False nails; nail
extensions, nail varnish or decorations
are not permitted.
Shoes
Flat, non-slip, black shoes should be
worn. The shoes should cover the whole
of the foot including the toes and heels.
Footwear should be of a protective
material that can be wiped clean and
must be in good repair. Students should
wear black or flesh toned / neutral
coloured tights or socks.
Jewellery/Watches
Jewellery and wrist watches must not be
worn if you are in uniform or when you
are performing physical care, however,
a plain wedding band is acceptable in
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most clinical areas. In areas where
jewellery is permitted these should be
discrete, and consideration should be
paid to personal safety (e.g. necklace).
If you have pierced ears only one pair of
‘stud’ earrings should be worn. You will
be required to cover or remove
piercings in certain clinical
environments.
When travelling to and from as well
as during placement
When travelling to and from placement,
it is preferable to travel in your own
clothes and change into your uniform
when you arrive. If this is not possible,
uniform should be completely covered
and worn for the minimum amount of
time outside your placement.
It is a good idea to purchase a dark (e.g.
blue/black) coloured full-length coat or
raincoat which will completely cover
your uniform whilst travelling. This is
particularly useful when undertaking
community-based placements
It is inadvisable to be seen in public in
uniform as members of the public may
mistake you for registered staff and
seek assistance inappropriate to your
status.
Wearing your uniform in places such as
shops, restaurants and bars whilst offduty, is not only an infection control risk,
it may also undermine the idea that you
are safeguarding the health and
wellbeing of the public.
7.
Advice and Support
Academic Support is provided through a number of roles and students should seek
advice from academic staff on specific matters relating to teaching and learning.
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Programme Manager – programme related issues, issues impacting on a number of
modules within the programme, programme specific activities happening outside
modules
Module Leader – module related issues, issues that affect that module only
Academic personal tutor – broader issues relating to teaching and learning at the
University –
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/academicpersonaltutor
Online resources and learning support, together with advice from Library Services on
managing references and improving your learning, writing and research skills are
available, see: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills.aspx
If you need help with a particular mathematical or statistical problem, then just pop
along to an espressoMaths session, sit down at the espressoMaths table, and have
a chat with one of the staff on duty; this person will be able to provide you with free
user-friendly advice concerning your problem see: http://www.cems.uwe.ac.uk/mslc/
The University also provides support to students relating to a range of matters
through the Information Points see:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/informationpoints.aspx and specialist advisers.
Advice on study-related issues including assessments can be found at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/academicappeals.aspx and
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/extenuatingcircumsta
nces.aspx affecting your ability to study
Advice on transferring courses, taking time out or withdrawing from study can be
found at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/changingdirection.aspx
Preparing for your final year? Information can be found at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/inyourfinalyear.aspx
Prepare for life after university with advice and support from UWE.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/careersandemployability.aspx Careers advice and
guidance before, during and after your studies.
Preparing to go on placement whilst at UWE:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/careersandemployability/placements/findingaplacem
ent.aspx - Advice on opportunities for placements or finding placements.
Explore and practice faith and spirituality at UWE
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/healthandwellbeing/faithandspirituality.aspx
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Tuition fees and information on bursaries and scholarships.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding.aspx
Residents’ guides and accommodation options.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/accommodation.aspx
Wellbeing advice, from staying healthy to counselling.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/healthandwellbeing.aspx
Advice and guidance for international students at UWE.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/comingtouwe/internationalstudents/internationalstudentsuppo
rt.aspx
Information on student feedback and surveys.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studentexperience.aspx
Link for information for the student Union and how to become a student
representative. http://www.uwesu.org/representation/
Equality and Diversity http://www.uwe.ac.uk/groups/equalityanddiversity/
Preganancy
In the event of a student pregnancy a risk assessment will need to be undertaken
please inform your personal tutor and programme manager. If in clinical practice the
trust will need to complete a risk assessment of practice.
Social media
The NMC Code of Practice states that registrants must uphold the reputation of the
profession in their daily lives and inappropriate behaviour outside of work may be
considered potential misconduct.
http://www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/The-code/The-code-in-full/
8.
Insurance Guidelines
The University has a range of insurance policies which provide cover to both the
University, it’s employees and to students. The following guidelines provide
information on the operation of the policies in the context of University activities. If
you required further information please contact J Elliott, Insurance and Data
Protection Compliance Officer in Financial Services, or click on the following link for
the University’s Insurance Guidelines:
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/finance/sec/insurance/intranet/docs/InsGuide.pdf
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Student on University Premises
Indemnification of the University
The University has arranged insurance which provides indemnity in respect of the
University’s legal liabilities, which it may incur as a result of injury to students on its
premises. There is no cover for accidents which are nobody’s fault.
Assistance in emergencies to students with a disability
A Student will be indemnified against the University’s legal liability when assisting a
student with a disability during emergency evacuations, or drills for them, in the
following circumstances:
a) Where he/she has acted under the supervision of, or following instructions
given by a member of the University’s staff.
b) Where he/she has acted in a voluntary capacity and in a reasonable manner
in the absence of instructions from authorised persons.
Extra mural activities
Insurance protection is in place where an accident occurs during the course of an
event and where the University is legally liable. In the case of events such as those
organised by the Students’ Union or by outside bodies where an accident occurs as
a result of negligence on the part of the organisers, any claim would normally be
brought against them as it would be unlikely that the University would be held legally
liable.
Personal accident
Although an element of Personal Accident insurance is included in the University’s
Overseas Travel policy the University does not provide general Personal Accident
Insurance for students. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their own cover
should they wish to do so. However, Personal Accident Insurance is available for
students belonging to the various Students’ Union sports clubs. For further details
please contact the Students’ Unions Finance Manager.
Students visits to outside organisations
When visits are made to exhibitions and places open to the general public, no
application for insurance should be made. Many firms, particularly the larger ones,
encourage visits by the public in organised parties and although the premises may
include workshops and laboratories the majority of host organisations will not require
to be indemnified.
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Should firms require a written indemnity they should be asked to indicate precisely
what they wish to be indemnified against. The Administrative/Advisory Officer must
then be asked to provide the appropriate statement of indemnity.
Student Overseas Travel
General
The University has automatic travel insurance cover for employees and students.
This policy provides cover for employees travelling overseas on official University
business and students who travel overseas as part of their UWE course. Employees
are defined as persons with a contract of employment with the University. Our
Insurers have confirmed that the cover will also apply to external examiners if
travelling on University business and being paid by the University for their services.
However it will not apply to other persons who are sub-contracting their services to
the University
No cover applies for holidays or other personal travel. Staff/students should make
alternative insurance arrangements for that part of their travel which is not University
business.
How to arrange cover
Cover is automatic for UWE staff and students who travel overseas on designated
University activities. There is no requirement to complete a proposal form or pay a
premium. Summary of insurance cover and pre travel advice, please click on the
following link: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/finance/sec/insurance/intranet/docs/btravel2.pdf
How to make claims
Claim forms can be accessed via the Financial Services (insurance) web page
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/finance/sec/insurance/. Students will be expected to settle their
own claims directly with Insurers. However, you may contact the
Administrative/Advisory Officer on ext. 82607 for advice. The contact number for the
Insurers, U.M. Association Ltd. Is 0207 847 8681.
The Global Security Centre Security & Incident Management Support Service
This support service is provided as part of the travel cover to assist travellers caught
up in any security or other major incidents whilst overseas on University business.
The Global Security Centre also provides online destination advice, e.g. Country
Risk Forecasts and City Briefs, to travellers prior to starting their journey. Please
see the summary of cover for details of this service by clicking on the following link:
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/finance/sec/insurance/intranet/docs/btravel2.pdf
Students travelling by private, public or University transport
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Where students drive private cars or are passengers in private cares, whether they
are travelling to or from the University for the purpose of attending classes, or from
the University in connection with visits arranged by teaching staff, the University has
no insurance responsibility. Any motor claims would be processed under the
insurance policy covering the motor vehicle. Similarly, where students travel in a
party by coach or train, claims would be dealt with through the carrier’s insurance.
Students are not regarded as being in the University’s employment so their cars do
not need to be insured for business use. Any passengers will be covered by the
normal third party insurance (part of the Motor policy) effected by the student.
Where students are passengers in a car driven by a member of staff and are on
University business, they should check that the driver’s insurance permits the use of
the car on the employer’s business. In practice, insurance companies prefer to
extend cover to include business use and this may have been done on a standard
basis but, if this is not the case, the driver may not be covered by insurance while
carrying students.
Overseas visits or study periods
Travel insurance cover is provided for students who are required to travel overseas
for part of their course.
Claims
Details of any occurrence from which a claim may result must be sent immediately to
John Elliott, Insurance and Data Protection Compliance Officer who must be kept
fully informed of all developments. This is particularly important concerning possible
liability claims (e.g. following accidents on UWE premises). Any intimation of claim
or other correspondence must be forwarded to John Elliott, Insurance and Data
Protection Compliance Officer immediately and without acknowledgement to the
other party. An appropriate acknowledgement will be sent by him.
Study Days (Conferences)
It is not possible to undertake study days, or attend conferences when they occur at
the same time as clinical placement, or university lectures. The exception to this
would be the RCM conference. In the first instance, please liaise with your personal
tutor.
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