Quality Lead - Independent Maternity ReviewNHS
Job summary
University Hospitals Sussex is the subject of an important Independent MaternityReview (IMR), commissioned by the Department of Health on behalf of the Secretary of State. This Isdue tocommencein October 2026 and is expected to last at least 3 years. The review will examineapproximately 1,000cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, neonatal harm due to severe brain injury and severe maternal harm dating back to at least 2018to understand what happened, reach conclusions on the care provided, provide answers for families andidentifylearning for the organisation and wider NHS.The review is, by its' very nature, extremely sensitive and politically charged.Theimpact is expected to be significant forthefamiliesat the heart of the review,current and paststaffand the wider organisation.
The twoQuality Leads willbe recognised as experts in their field,with deep understanding of best practice in investigating and responding to incidents of potential or actual harm or poor patient experience,currentclinical best practice, regulatory and professional standardsfor nurses and midwives.They will have ledinvestigative work in their specialty and been involved in providing sensitive, potentiallychallengingand emotionally demanding debriefs for families suffering healthcare harm.
Main duties of the job
They willwork as part ofa newcentral team which manages theresponse to the review,attendingdaily huddles and the weekly Expert Panel to advise the Trust on how best to meet thediverse range ofrequests and escalations coming into the contact centrefrom the IMR team, families, staffand external bodies.They will be expected toleadresponsestoindividualrequests such asconductingclinicalcase reviews andconductingdebriefs with families,working alongside medical colleaguesin Obstetrics & Gynaecology andNeonatology.They are also expected to support Perinatal Services to takeemergentlearning from the IMR,embed it in the improvement programme for the servicesanddemonstratethe benefitsto our stakeholders. As well astheir depth of knowledgeand experience,the ability to remain calm whilst working under pressure and withhigh levelsof scrutinyarecriticalattributesfor the Quality Leads. The postsrequire significant attention to detail, skills in problem solvinganda level of maturity to foresee andpre-empt risks. The roles shoulddemonstratecompassionate leadership andrestorative principlesin communicating with ourfamiliesand our staff.Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism andthesensitive handlingof confidential information are essential.
- Leadership
- Quality&Safety
- Care of Patients and Families
- Information Management
- Human Resources
- Financial and Physical Resources
- Learning and Development
Job description
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: IMR& BramberCore team, Perinatal Directorate leadership team, Women Children and CSS Divisional Leadership Team, Maternity and Neonatal governance leads,Clinicians and managers working in Perinatal Services, Digitaland IGTeam, Legal Team, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Team,Professional Standardsand HR, Professional Midwifery and Nurse Advocates in Perinatal Services.
External:IMR team, NHSE Maternity and Obstetric Improvement Advisors, CQC, NMC, Families.
About us
This vacancy is advertised as a time-limited opportunity is expected to be undertaken on a secondment basis.
Before applying, employees must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they may be released from their substantive role if successful. Release to undertake a secondment is not an automatic entitlement and must be agreed by all relevant parties: the employee, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.