SLPC PHN Infant Feeding Specialist

Location of Post

There is currently one Permanent (1 WTE) post available based in the Public Health Nursing Service, Sligo, South Donegal / Leitrim, West Cavan.

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for PHN Infant feeding Specialist (Lactation Consultant) Sligo, South Donegal/Leitrim, West Cavan on which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

For all enquires please contact the following:

Title: Ms. Máire McGetrick, Director of Public Health Nursing, Sligo, South Donegal/Leitrim, West Cavan, Primary Care Services

Email: maire.mcgetrick@hse.ie

Telephone: 0879824307

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Details of Service/ Background to the post

The Public Health Nursing Service is a generalist nursing service underpinned by the principles and values of primary care and public health, including those of equity and accountability. The service is delivered within a range of settings: in the home, health centres, schools and in a variety of community settings. As pivotal teams members, Public Health Nursing staff work in collaboration and partnership with other members of the primary care team and also with acute / community hospital services, voluntary bodies and statutory and non-statutory agencies.

The Public Health Nursing Services are provided at the level of the individual delivering personalised care includes the family and the community, focusing the collective health, well-being, social and nursing care needs of the population. The service has a broad remit with multiple client groups and the focus of care incorporates primary, secondary, tertiary and end-of-life care.

The appointment of PHN Lactation Consultant, with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) qualification within all Irish maternity hospitals and paediatric hospitals is a key action of the HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland 2016-2025 Action Plan,

Reporting Relationship

The post holder will report to the Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing and to the Director of Public Health Nursing, in accordance with the line management structure.

Purpose of the Post

The purpose of the PHN Lactation Consultant post is to:

Focus on improving the breastfeeding outcomes for new mothers in the community in Sligo, South Donegal/ Leitrim, West Cavan,

Provide clinical expertise and support to the Public Health Nurses and Midwives working in Sligo, South Donegal/Leitrim, West Cavan PHN Service.

To ensure the promotion, support and encouragement of breastfeeding in the community.

Provide continuing education and practical skills training within the PHN Service SSD/LWC.

This will be operationalised by

· Supporting the implementation of the HSE Infant Feeding Policy for the PHN Service

· The provision of support and practical information for mothers and expectant mothers. Support to mothers will be dependent upon the service requirements and can vary from one-to-one, group and post discharge support. They will also provide vital clinical input into complex breastfeeding cases.

· Encouraging partners to provide emotional and practical support to the mother.

The PHN Lactation Consultant will strive to achieve the overarching aim of the Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2025 to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates by supporting and enabling mothers to breastfeed.