My name is Camilla and I have been a qualified midwife for nearly 5 years. I started my journey as a student midwife at Frimley Park Hospital and when qualified continued to work here. During those 5 years, Frimley has given me the opportunity to develop and gain experience in various areas of maternity.
After 2 years being qualified, I made the decision to go out into the community to develop my skills in the community setting and independent working. My aspiration since qualifying was to become a Labour Ward Coordinator, so after a stint in community a Midwifery Sister for the Maternity Assessment Centre came available. I took the plunge and decided to go for the job as I wanted a challenge and the opportunity to develop, so that I felt I could at some point have the experience to become a Labour Ward Coordinator. This role allowed me to be involved in various activities, such as the Maternity and Neonatal Safety Improvement Programme, producing guidelines, gaining management skills and enabling me to complete a NHS Academy Leadership Programme. The Leadership programme helped me to grow as a leader and develop the skills to manage and motivate my team. A year on and I have filled my aspiration, I am now a Labour Ward Coordinator, it has been a big learning curve for me but I am enjoying every minute of it.
My role as a Labour Ward Coordinator involves the daily running of the labour ward, leading a team of midwives and having an overview of all patients on the labour ward ensuring high quality patient care is delivered.
The transition from a band 6 to a band 7 midwife was scary but exciting. I was more apprehensive becoming a Labour Ward Coordinator compared to my previous Midwifery Sister’s role, as initially I was concerned about how other midwives would view me due to my age and experience compared to longer standing midwives and how that may impact me on leading the team on labour ward. But I did not need to have worried as everyone was positive, supportive and passed on their pearls of wisdom (which was much appreciated). My managers are supportive and always encourage me to challenge myself and to develop as a midwife. At Frimley, we are like a family, everyone is caring and supportive of each other and it is such a pleasure to come to work each day and work alongside an amazing team. We are always there for each other and help each other out. The Frimley family is what makes us special.
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