Diabetes Specialist Midwife, Band 6

Job summary

Diabetes Specialist Midwife, Band 6 (22.5 hours a week)

The Diabetes Team at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist care for women across Gloucestershire with diabetes in pregnancy. The service supports women in achieving optimal glycaemic control throughout pregnancy, with the aim of improving maternal and neonatal outcomes and promoting a positive pregnancy experience.

The post holder will work as part of a dynamic and highly motivated multidisciplinary team, building on the achievements of the existing service. Key responsibilities will include the day-to-day review and management of blood glucose levels, supporting the Lead Diabetes Specialist Midwife (DSM) in the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care, and contributing to the education and training of the wider maternity workforce.

The role also involves supporting clinical audit activities, service development initiatives and implementation of national recommendations and best practice standards. Clinical activity will include remote reviews, specialist inpatient consultations, and attendance within maternity outpatient services. The successful candidate will be supported to further develop specialist knowledge and skills within this rewarding area of practice.

Main duties of the job

Experienced registered midwife with a sound understanding of the management of complex pregnancies and the impact these can have on care planning, clinical decision-making and maternal wellbeing. Able to assess, prioritise and escalate concerns appropriately, demonstrating strong clinical judgement and professional accountability.

The post holder will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical care, and enthusiasm for continuous professional development. They will demonstrate a willingness to share knowledge, support colleagues, contribute to service improvement initiatives and promote safe, evidence-based practice.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities

- Develop specialist knowledge and skills to provide high-quality, evidence-based and compassionate care for women with diabetes during pregnancy.

- Promote a proactive approach to diabetes management within maternity services through the development of clinical, leadership and management skills.

- Act as a specialist resource for the wider maternity workforce, supporting colleagues in the management of diabetes in pregnancy.

- Develop an advanced understanding of diabetes treatments used during pregnancy and provide appropriate advice and support to women regarding recommended management plans, under the guidance of the Lead DSM, Diabetes Specialist Nurses and Consultant Endocrinologists.

- Contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of education programmes and study days relating to diabetes in pregnancy.

- Participate in multidisciplinary antenatal clinics, providing clinical updates and supporting recommendations for individualised care planning.

- Support the Lead Diabetes Specialist Midwife in maintaining and continuously improving standards of care for women with diabetes in pregnancy.

- Provide specialist advice and support to women with gestational diabetes and pre-existing diabetes.

- Contribute to data collection, audit activity and monitoring of key performance indicators relevant to diabetes in pregnancy.

- Demonstrate understanding of the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and support implementation of recommendations relating to women with pre-existing diabetes.

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local guidelines, policies and recommendations relating to diabetes in pregnancy.

- Support women who experience vulnerabilities or health inequalities, ensuring equitable access to high-quality maternity care.

- Review antenatal and postnatal inpatients, either face-to-face or remotely, providing specialist advice to support safe diabetes management.

- Participate in the review of incidents, complaints and investigations, contributing to resolution, shared learning and service improvement.

Please review the attached Job Description for further details.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• Registered Midwife

Desirable

• Further study relating to diabetes in pregnancy

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Understanding of gestational diabetes and the impact on pregnancy
• Good level of computer literacy with ability to learn new systems
• Ability to deliver educational information to MDT effectively

Desirable

• Understanding of pre-existing diabetes and the impact on pregnancy and vice versa

Clinical/Experience

Essential

• Experienced midwife (substantial experience)
• Understanding relevance of scan findings and how this may impact care

Desirable

• Experience of looking after women with gestational diabetes

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiastic and positive
• Approachable (for both staff and patients)
• Desire to learn and develop
• Excellent organisational skills and good time keeping