Meet the team

A midwife can be a man or a woman who is ‘with woman’. His or her role as a midwife involves looking after you and your baby’s wellbeing during pregnancy, labour, and the period after your baby is born, which is known as the postnatal period.

Most ultrasound sound scans are performed by a sonographer, they may be male or female and some midwives and doctors are also qualified to perform scans. 

The sonographer will usually give you the results of a pregnancy scan, although sometimes further investigations might be needed.

Professional midwifery advocates (PMAs) are experienced midwives who have received additional training. They help other midwives provide safe care for you, your baby and your family. They make sure that the care you receive from your midwife is right for you and will meet your needs.

A consultant obstetrician is a doctor who is trained in treating women who have more complicated pregnancies and labours. You may also been seen by other doctors on the Maternity Unit who have completed their foundation training, and are now receiving specialist training supported by the consultants.

Student midwives work alongside experienced midwives on placements throughout the hospital and community settings. They are undertaking a course of study at one of our partner universities. They work under close supervision and only undertake tasks they have been trained to do. If you would prefer not to have a student midwife participating in your care, please discuss this with your midwife.

A maternity support worker (MSW) is employed to work both within the hospital and the community setting. In all settings they are a very important member of the integrated maternity team. They will work without the need for direct supervision in some circumstances, however they will always have very clear channels of communication with a midwife on a daily basis to ensure any concerns around you or your baby’s care are escalated appropriately.

A MCA is employed predominately in the hospital setting, ensuring that the physical needs of those accessing our care are met and that the environment in which you are cared for is both clean and tidy. He or she may undertake limited clinical duties, for example taking your blood pressure, if the midwife delegating the task feels it is both safe and appropriate to do so.

You may meet our infant feeding team either before you have your baby at the breastfeeding classes or after your baby’s birth on the Postnatal Ward They will be happy to support you as you and your baby learn to breastfeed or if you need support bottle feeding.

We have housekeepers who keep the wards clean and tidy and the equipment used in your care both clean and functioning effectively.

Our administration team is the first point of contact for patients and visitors. They work as key members of the reception and ward teams, providing administrative support.

Anaesthetists are doctors who have completed their medical training and choose to complete further training to become an anaesthetist. You will see these doctors if you would like an epidural or need to go to the operating theatre.

A paediatrician is a doctor who undertakes the medical care of infants and children.

A health visitor is a qualified registered nurse, midwife, sick children’s nurse or psychiatric nurse with specialist qualifications in community health.

Your health visitor will work closely with your local children’s centres and other partners to ensure that you have access to the support you need when your child is in their early years.