NHS 70: A day in the life of a maternity ward matron

  • Central

As the NHS celebrates its 70th birthday, ITV News Central is celebrating the work of staff who work tirelessly keep it going.

  • Melanie Hurdman, Matron for Maternity, Worcestershire Royal Hospital

I feel very lucky and proud to be in the job I work in; there is no greater gift than being able to bring new life into the world. My NHS career spans 26 years and I am now in what I feel is the very privileged role of Matron for Maternity Inpatients and Intrapartum Care.

My typical day starts at about 7-7.30; I sometimes come in early to make myself visible to the night staff.

Melanie works closely with her midwife team (pictured). Credit: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

I start by ‘walking the wards’. This allows me to discover what has happened overnight, what the situation is with staffing, bed occupancy etc. and to start the visual checks that give me the reassurance that the wards are complying with our required standards.

It also gives staff the chance to talk through any problems or concerns they have, and for me to be a visible leader, which I feel is one of the most important aspects of the job.

Midwife Nick Vakis-Lowe with a newborn. Credit: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

I try most days to attend the 8am handover, which is where the whole unit comes together to get a review of all activity and to ensure that everyone has sight of what is going on.

The day can be very varied from thereon in. It can involve meetings, audits, writing policies, taking the lead in new aspects of the service and I even manage to deliver the odd baby or two!

Staff at Worcestershire's Meadow Birth Centre.

The door to my office is what I refer to as a revolving door and the staff know very well that it is always open and they liaise with me throughout the day.

I always ‘walk the wards’ again before I leave the building, as I feel it is important before I go to anticipate any problems that we may have overnight and to support the staff with this.

It again gives me the opportunity to be visible and staff the opportunity to talk to me.

Melanie says the modern matron is a far cry from the character portrayed in the 'Carry On' series. Credit: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

It is very hard to describe a typical day as it very often turns out like nothing you had planned!

When most people think of matrons they picture Hattie Jacques in ‘Carry On’, but the role is a far cry from the days of a harsh matriarchal character.

It is now a leadership role that is at the forefront of providing excellent care for the future population.