University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has achieved a national award for the high-quality pastoral care given to Maternity Support Workers.
UHMBT gained silver status in the pilot NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award by successfully meeting a set of standards and demonstrating best practice pastoral care for Maternity Support Workers in areas including recruitment and induction, in-role support, ongoing learning and development, wellbeing, valuing staff and recognition.
Nicola Potts, Education Lead for Maternity Support Workers, UHMBT, led on the project which helps colleagues to feel more supported in their roles.
Nicola said: “This has been a big project which encompasses everything around pastoral support. As well as 1-1 support, we’ve created a pack of information for colleagues which includes everything from health and wellbeing initiatives, help with job applications and opportunities for further education. We also hold a virtual meeting once a month for Support Workers across Morecambe Bay to discuss different topics and welcome guest speakers.
“Great pastoral support is incredibly important. If we can help staff with their mental health and physical wellbeing, our fantastic Support Workers are likely to be happier, more confident in the workplace and reach their full potential. This can only have a positive impact on women and their families and helps us to retain our staff.
“I am extremely proud of our silver award and the work we continue to do with our Maternity Support Workers.”
Heather Gallagher, Director of Midwifery, UHMBT, said: “Maternity Support Workers and Care Assistants are a vital part of our team, and it is essential that all of our colleagues have the opportunity to thrive in their personal and professional lives while working with us.
“I am thrilled that Nicola and the work she has done to make this project a success has been recognised nationally, and know that it will continue to make an incredible difference for many of our colleagues.”
In a letter of recognition, Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “This achievement is testament to UHMBT’s commitment to retaining staff and supporting them at every stage of recruitment and beyond. You demonstrated an approach to pastoral care which recognises and values the vital contribution of support workers to the care of our patients.”
To get more information about the pilot NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for Support Workers, please contact the NHS England and Improvement Recruitment Programme team at: england.nursingworkforce@nhs.net.