Hi, can anyone help me with this, there's a auxiliary post came up in a maternity hospital near me and was wondering if anyone knew how much an auxiliary differs from an maternity care assistant and whether you think it's worth going for? Also if I do apply should I mention that my goal is to become a midwife and I'm applying to uni at the moment, just not to sure about it. I get the impression it's more the housekeeping side of things, what does anyone else think??? Thanx

Hi - I'm in a similar(ish) position to you. I recently took a job at my local hospital as a ward clerk on maternity - I love the job and I see it as starting point for me in my journey towards becoming a midwife. I was thinking I may have to try for a HCA role before I apply to uni as it looks more favourable to have some "hands on" experience before applying but the HCA's, as far as I can see tend to only get involved in the housekeeping side of things - taking refreshments into patients, cleaning/preparing rooms etc etc...
The way I looked at it was that once you're in the NHS there may be more opportunities to apply for different roles when they come up.
Oh and I did mention in my interview that my long term goal was to train as a midwife and they still gave me the job!!

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
x

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Karen
Starting access course Sept 08 (hopefully!!)

Hi thanks for replying, was in the middle of writing back there when my wee bub woke up crying! I was thinking, it would give you an insight into what working on a maternity ward is like, so it probably is a good idea. Think I'll apply, theres no harm in trying!

I'd go for it any experience in the health sector is a bonus, so working in the maternity is double bonus

i work as a volunteer in 2 hospitals, one in NICU where i answer phone, and do some clerical work but it is the same hospital i do my paid job so i am trained on the computer n have passwords etc, the other is in another hospital on maternity ward where i make beds, fill store cupboards, fetch drinks, did take babies out when mum n baby was discharged but they stopped that (no idea why really but think its insurance reasons) both posts give an insider view as to how the ward is run, what work the midwives do etc, all excellent knowledge when it comes to interviews

so i really think you should go for it

good luck

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Good luck with your job application.

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Hiya!
Just wanted to say that as far as I've seen it depends on different Hospitals as to what the Auxillary's do and the different grades.
I've been really lucky to speak to a Mca who was a relative of one of my patients (I work in the community as a Nursing Auxillary for the eldery/hospital avoidence) who works as a Hca in Maternity.
She's obviously very experienced at what she does but apart from sorting stores/cleaning rooms/beds etc she's assisted mw's with deliverys and now works post natel ward where she does Ob's and weighs babies. She's even been at C section's.
She says that though she didnt have NvQ3 qualification (she has been doing it over 30 years), those that do go up a grade (normally start as an A grade and go up to a B grade here)and do go on to have more responsibilty (sorry cant spell).
If you do go for the job its a brilliant way in. My plans get NVQ3 qualification for mw enterence, get a job hopefully on Mat ward, get experience then hopefully get seconded into MW training.

Go for it!

Hi, I'm a MCA and I would definitely recommend you apply for the job. It's the best way to get experience, you learn so much. There is an awful lot of cleaning and restocking but when you get to assist with a birth it is fantastic.

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Mandy xxxx

Hi I just wanted to say good luck!

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Mum to two beautiful boys.
Student Midwife 2008!!
Student Midwife University Student Representative