Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography)
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography)
(Grade Code 2313)
Campaign Reference
NRS02287
Closing Date
Wednesday July 8th 2015 at 12 Noon.
Proposed Interview
date(s)
Taking up
Appointment
Organisational Area
Week commencing Monday August 17th 2015.
Location of Post
Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
Dublin Midlands Hospital Group
Details of Service
The Maternity Services at Portlaoise is an Obstetric led unit. The Hospital provides maternity
services to the catchment area of Counties Laois, Kilkenny, Kildare, and Offaly.
The Maternity Unit has approximately 1900 births per year.
To be indicated at job offer stage
Health Service Executive (HSE) Dublin Mid Leinster
The Obstetric Unit provides:
 Antenatal booking and return clinics
 Antenatal Diabetic clinics
 Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
 Antenatal in-patient care from early pregnancy
 Antenatal Parent craft Education
 Low and high dependency intranatal care including 24 hour epidural service
 Breastfeeding support and advice in line with BFHI
 Postnatal Intrapartum and Postnatal care to mothers and babies
 Gynaecological Services
 Neonatal and Special Care Baby Unit Service also provided.
Reporting
Relationship
Purpose of the Post
The vision of our maternity service is to offer women a quality service which is safe,
accessible and sustainable.
Reports to the Consultant with responsibility for Ultrasound.
The post holder is professionally accountable to the Director of Midwifery.
The Clinical Midwife Specialist Ultrasonography will provide clinical expertise and support to
staff working in the Maternity Services. S/he will provide leadership in the delivery of
specialised services and will ensure the Ultrasound service is part of a dynamic and growing
health care facility catering for the health needs of women at all stages during pregnancy
and the postnatal period-in addition to gynaecological assessment.
The CMS Ultrasonography will carry out the duties appropriate to a CMS Ultrasonography in
this specialised area and support and supervise staff in training.
Clinical Focus
Principal Duties and
Responsibilities
Direct and Indirect Care
The person holding this post at the Maternity Service, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will
approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a
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reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Have responsibility for a client group of women attending the Maternity Services at the
Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) requiring ultrasonography services.

Be responsible for providing direct clinical involvement and specialist advice on foetal
assessment.

Will ensure that all medication are managed and administered as per Nursing and
Midwifery Board of Ireland regulations.

Ensure that order and control stocks of medications are kept at a reasonable level in
line with the Health Services Executive, Midland Regions 2002, Policies,
Recommendations for Best Practice and Protocols Relating to Medical Preparations
for Registered Nurses/Midwives & Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Guidelines.

Work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, providing specialised foetal ultrasound
assessment.

Diagnosing foetal abnormalities with subsequent counselling and management of the
patient care during pregnancy involving all the relevant multidisciplinary teams.

Monitor high risk pregnancies

Make professional autonomous decisions within agreed protocols is to consultation with
the lead Clinician for ultrasound service at the MRHP.

Adhere to nursing/midwifery policies within the hospital

Maintain confidentiality relating to patients and their families

Manage patient care to ensure the highest professional standards using an evidence
based, care planning approach

Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership in the delivery of Fetal
Medicine / Ultrasonography specialised services at MRHP.

Provide safe, comprehensive care to service users within the guidelines laid out by
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) Practice nursing according to:
Professional Clinical Guidelines, National and Area Health Services Executive (HSE
Guidelines),Local Policies, Procedures and Guidelines (PPGs) and Current Legislation

Manage own caseload of clients attending the Fetal Medicine / Ultrasound/Sonography
Specialised Services at MRHP in accordance with the needs of the post.

Participate in teams/meetings/committees as appropriate, communicating and working
in co-operation with other team members.

Facilitate co-ordination, co-operation and liaison across healthcare teams and
programmes in relation the Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography specialised services at
MRHP.

Collaborate with service users, family carers and other staff in treatment/care planning
and in the provision of support and advice in relation to Ultrasonography.

Communicate verbally and/or in writing results of assessments, treatment/care
programmes and recommendations to the team and relevant others in accordance with
service policy.
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
Ensure that service users and others are treated with dignity and respect

Maintain all records in accordance with local service and professional standards

Adhere to and contribute to the development and maintenance of nursing standards,
protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of patient care.

Control and usage of stocks and equipment in the Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography
specialised services at MRHP.

Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation

In consultation with Midwifery Administration and other disciplines, implement and
assess quality management programmes.

Initiate and participate in research studies and clinical audit for the Fetal Medicine /
Ultrasonography specialised services at MRHP.

Audit activities levels within the units and produce annual reports/Quality Assurance
report for the Maternity Services at the MRHP.

Identify Health Promotion priorities in the area of Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography
specialised services at MRHP.

Operate within the scope of practice-seek advice and assistance from his/her manager
with any cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of his/her professional
competence in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance
Patient/Client Advocate
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Act as a patient advocate within the multidisciplinary team in Fetal Medicine /
Ultrasonography specialised Services at MRHP.

Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s values and decisions in collaboration
with other professionals and family members.

Support Patients in their decision making.
Education and Training:
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Provide mentorship, teaching, facilitation and professional supervisory skills for
midwives and nurses and other health care providers.

Educate patients / clients, families in relation to their healthcare needs in the specialist
area of Ultrasonography.

Engage in performance review processes including personal professional development
planning as appropriate.
Audit and Research
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Provide a service which optimises quality and continuity of care between primary and
secondary care.
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
Carry out regular audit of service with patient questionnaire / feedback. Use this as a
springboard to assess future service / patient service needs.

Assist in collecting statistical information and data in order to audit/evaluate/develop the
service and aid in the planning process.

Identify areas of continuous quality improvement

Use the outcome of audit to improve service provision

In conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team devise and update written protocols for
patients in relation to Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography specialised services at MRHP.

Promote research and clinical audit to improve standards of care for patients, with
regular literature review and update of hospital guidelines.

Contribute to the acute hospital safer better healthcare standards validation process and
evaluate the effectiveness of quality initiatives undertaken and where necessary make
recommendations to improve patient care in the Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography
specialised services at MRHP.

Contribute to midwifery nursing research in Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography aimed at
optimising patient care.
Consultant
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Maintain a network of contacts and communication links with other
professionals/organisations in the field of Ultrasonography.

Act as a resource nurse for matters relating to obstetric care and attend managerial and
clinical meetings that require specialist Ultrasonography input.
Health and Safety
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:
 Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional
practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
 Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role, for example
Standards for Healthcare, Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare
Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards, and comply with associated HSE protocols
for implementing and maintaining these standards

Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste
initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
Administrative / Managerial
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Provide staff leadership and motivation which is conducive to good working relations
and work performance in the Ultrasonography department.

Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the Fetal Medicine /
Ultrasonography specialised services at MRHP.
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
Manage all resources efficiently and effectively within agreed budget

Assist on practice development within the Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography specialised
services at MRHP.

Assist and implement change where identified in the Fetal Medicine / Ultrasonography
specialised services at MRHP.

Ensure compliance with legal requirements, policies and procedures affecting service
users, staff and other hospital matters.

Maintain all necessary clinical and administrative records and reporting arrangements

Engage in Information Technology (IT) developments as they apply to service user and
service administration.
Performance Management
The Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography) will:

Participate in promoting and supporting a Performance Management culture

Identify and develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the
Hospital’s service plan targets.

The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective in Fetal
Medicine / Ultrasonography specialised services at MRHP.

The development of Action Plans to address non-attainment of KPI targets in the Fetal
Medicine / Ultrasonography specialised services at MRHP.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:
 Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders

All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately

Infection Control Policies must be adhered to

In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with
all safety regulations and audits.

In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the
Hospital Building is not permitted.

Hospital Dress Code must be adhered to

Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.
Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety
 The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is
the responsibility of the post holder and will be achieved within a progressive, honest
and open environment.

The post holder will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to
enable them to meet this responsibility.

The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational
Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following
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areas:
 Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives
 Document Control Information Management Systems
 Risk Management Strategy and Policies
 Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards
 Decontamination Code of Practice
 Infection Control Policies
 Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure
 Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services
requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment
and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste,
sharps and equipment.
All staff are responsible for identifying, assessing and reporting all risks and for contributing
to the management and review of all risks
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties
involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties
as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to
contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/
or experience
Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the
post:

Be registered in the Midwives Division of the Register of Nurses & Midwives maintained
by Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of
Ireland) or be entitled to be so registered
and

Have at least 5 years post registration experience in the division of the register in which
the applicant is currently practising
and

Have a minimum of 2 years experience in the specialist area of obstetric and
gynaecology ultrasound
and

Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional
responsibility within his / her scope of practice
and

Must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development
and

From the 1st September 2010 must have a level 8 (or higher) post-registration National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland major academic award (or equivalent) relevant to the
specialist area of ultrasound
Age
No age restriction shall only apply to a candidate except where he/she is not classified as a
new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act, 2004). In this case the candidate must be under 65 years of age on the first
day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the
office occurs.
Health
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of
undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would
indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
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Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Please note that appointment to and continuation in posts that require statutory registration
is dependent upon the post holder maintaining annual registration in the relevant division of
the register maintained by Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing
Midwifery Board Ireland)
Post Specific
Requirements
Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in the area of obstetric and gynaecology
ultrasound as relevant to the role
Other requirements
specific to the post
Skills, competencies
and/or knowledge
n/a
Candidates must:

Demonstrate knowledge of the implementation and evaluation of care for women
using ultrasound technology as per obstetric and gynaecological qualification.

Demonstrate knowledge and experience in the assessment of:
-
Competition Specific
Selection Process
Shortlisting /
Interview
Early pregnancy loss
Obstetric complications
Foetal Anomalies
Foetal demise

Demonstrate a willingness to develop Information technology skills relevant to the
role.

Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage resources effectively.

Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain relationships including the ability to
work effectively as part of a multi disciplinary team

Demonstrate effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.

Demonstrate strong communication and influencing skills

Demonstrate integrity and ethical stance

Demonstrate resilience and composure

Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development

Knowledge of quality assurance practices and their application to nursing
procedures

Awareness of relevant legislation and policy e.g. legislation relevant to the service
area, health and safety, infection control etc.
 Awareness of the Health Service Transformation Programme
Short listing may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.
The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the
eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.
Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those
requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being
called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the shortlisting stage of this process (where applied) will be called
forward to interview.
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Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice
prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice
sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a
principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback
facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines
procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and
review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information
on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled
“Code Of Practice, Information For Candidates”.
Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie in the
document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information For Candidates”
or on www.cpsa-online.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the
job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be
neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
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Clinical Midwife Specialist (Ultrasonography)
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The initial vacancies for this post are permanent and whole time. This post is
pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose
vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be
indicated at “expression of interest” stage.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health
Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act
2004.
Remuneration
The Salary Scale (as at 01/01/10) for the post is:
Euro 47,089 – 47,886 – 48,559 – 49,659 – 50,874 – 52,067 – 53,260 – 54,604 –
55,852 (pro rata)
Working Week
The standard working week is 39 hours per week (pro rata)
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended
Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4
of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff
appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed
roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of
work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet
the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Job Offer stage.
Superannuation
This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon
appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension
scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of
pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01 st January 2005
pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit
terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were
entitled to at 31st December 2004.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health
Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of
12 months.
Protection of Persons
Reporting Child
Abuse Act 1998
This post is one of those designated in accordance with Section 2 of the Protection of
Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998. You will remain a designated officer for the
duration of your appointment in this post or for the duration of your appointment to such
other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. Such
officers will, on receiving a report of child abuse, formally notify the Senior Social
Worker in the community care area in which the child is living.
Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)
Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National
Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene
Standards etc.
Infection Control
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