An organisation is looking for people to help them shape the future of maternity care.
The Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) works with women, birthing people and their families, midwives and doctors to create positive change – and they are recruiting to a number of new roles across the area.
More information about the roles can be found on the Voices for Choices website.
Below, the Wythenshawe lead for MNVP, Corinne, tells us why she joined the organisation and why she loves her job.
Q: Why did you get involved with MNVP?
A: I had a child during Covid. There were a lot of unknowns and information was limited. There were a lot of scare stories. I saw the job advertised on social media when I was on holiday when one of the lockdowns was eased and I thought, well, I’m articulate and maybe I can help amplify other people’s voices with a seat at the table.
Also, I’m a black woman. As much as Covid was an issue I was very much aware of the inequality in black women’s experience of the maternity world and how much more likely they were to suffer a loss or death. That was a huge factor in spurring me on to get involved.
I was on maternity leave with my other job at the time, but the flexibility of this MNVP role allowed me to continue with both.
Q: What does your role involve?
A: A typical week can vary which keeps it very interesting. For example, this week I put out a poll on social media to gather information regarding recent changes to visiting hours at Wythenshawe Hospital. I’ve also been doing some work to arrange a walk around at the hospital, so I can speak to service users and find out what their experience has been with the new hours, so I can write-up what has been the impact. There will also be various other meetings and committees to catch-up with.
Q: What do you love about the work?
A: Where do I start? The people. And that everyone wants to make a difference. The big thing for me is the fact we are a voice for those who might think they don’t have one. We can amplify that voice at any opportunity.
It’s great to see some of the changes which have been made, whether that’s new information leaflets, or at North Manchester where there’s a new waiting room, or the cultural days at St Mary’s Hospital, or the work with the Wythenshawe group on sensory and being neuro-diverse. There’s lots of things we have collaborated on.
Seeing what impact you can have, and service users can have, is very rewarding.
Q: What would you say to people thinking of applying, but worried they might not have the time if they have a young child?
A: I was exactly the same, but the roles are flexible enough to enable you to find a workaround and everyone is amenable to that.
