Merthyr Tydfil local, Lucy, has always dreamed of becoming a midwife. After leaving school, she started her working life at McDonald’s, but her ambition to support women and families through pregnancy and birth never left her. It was her own birth experience at Prince Charles Hospital – with many of the colleagues she works alongside today – that truly strengthened her determination to follow her dream.
Lucy continues to work weekends in the health board as a maternity healthcare assistant. Balancing study and family life while working hasn’t been easy, but Lucy says the hands-on experience she gains on the ward is invaluable.
Working alongside midwives and maternity teams gives Lucy real insight into the role she is aspiring to, helping her build confidence, skills and understanding every step of the way. In addition, she was recently diagnosed with dyslexia through her university course and is now receiving support to help with this.
Lucy credits her progress to dedication and determination, the right support, and a refusal to give up on a lifelong goal.
This International Day of the Midwife, watch Lucy talk about her journey from McDonald’s to midwife:
Lucy’s journey is a powerful example of how career change is possible. You might be surprised at the skills you already have – or can gain – and how they could transfer to a healthcare role.
Suzanne Hardacre, Director of Midwifery, said:
“I am so proud of Lucy and her hard work to get to the point she is at today. She sets an amazing example of someone having a dream and doing whatever it takes to get there, especially as a mature student and after having her children.
“We are so happy to be able to support Lucy on her journey to qualifying, and I’ve no doubt she will be an outstanding midwife.”
Through her healthcare assistant role, Lucy has:
- Worked in the obstetric theatre
- Facilitated on training days
- Completed a maternity leadership development course run by the Royal College of Midwives and Welsh Government
- Shadowed the Director of Midwifery
- Shadowed in the Maternity Unit at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Speaking about her fellow maternity healthcare assistants, Lucy shared: “I’m so grateful for their support. Most of our training is in house and their knowledge has been invaluable.”
Lucy’s story highlights the wide range of opportunities available within the NHS – whether you’re just starting out or considering a change in direction later in life.
If you’re interested in working with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, visit our jobs website to find out more about current opportunities.
Volunteering with the Maternity department
Maternity Volunteers provide bedside support for women whilst in hospital. The role is aimed to provide practical and emotional support and compliment the role of midwifes in sometimes a very busy environment and ultimately improve the patient’s experience. The following is an overview of the task’s volunteers provide:
- Chatting to women at the bedside
- Pass on telephone messages from relatives under direct instruction from a member of staff
- Help with collecting meals / trays
- Nursing the baby while mum eats her meal
- Greeting and directing relatives to mother or midwifery staff
- Passing or collecting personal items for the mother if she is unable to reach them for herself
- Carrying out errands to other wards or departments under the direct supervision of the midwife in charge
- Helping staff to keep the ward areas tidy
Visit our volunteering page to find current opportunities available.
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