Labour Ward Coordinator Framework

Labour ward coordinators are integral in setting the culture and leading safety standards within the birthing environment and for the maternity team (NHS England 2023).

Health Education and Improvement Wales have worked alongside the Strategic Leads of Midwifery across Wales to identify opportunities for quality improvement.

The labour ward coordinator framework has been devised to help aspiring and current labour ward coordinators ensure they have the skills, and development, they require for the role.

The three-step framework includes:

• Development proficiencies for aspiring coordinators
• A guide for their first twelve months in the role
• Ongoing CPD resources to support coordinators on their next step in midwifery.

Dr Suzanne Hardacre (Chair of the Strategic Midwifery Leads Group and Director of Midwifery at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University of Health Board):

“This new framework has been created through collaboration with the Strategic Leads of Midwifery and midwives from across Wales.  It is designed to support the development of aspiring and new Labour Ward Coordinators.  The care of women, birthing people and their families is of paramount importance in all maternity settings including the labour ward.  This comprehensive framework will support a standardised approach across Wales to the induction, training, and development of Labour Ward Coordinators.”

Resources

• Labour Ward Coordinator Framework 
• Delegation and Accountability (NMC) - Supplementary information to the NMC Code
• The Code (NMC) - Identifies the overarching professional behaviours and ethical standards expected of all nurses.