Assistant Practitioner (Perinatal Physical Health and Wellbeing)

Undertaking person centred lifestyle assessments, in a sensitive manner, empowering mothers to make positive change. This may include discussions regarding nutrition, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, substance misuse, sexual health both in pregnancy and in the postnatal period. To provide appropriate information/education to service users, families and carers relating to physical health and lifestyle ensuring informed decision making. Make appropriate referrals and support to access relevant lifestyle improvement initiatives available. Provide support, motivation and development of appropriate action plan for each client. Carry out review meetings to assess progress and provide long term motivation and guidance, using solution focussed or motivational interviewing skills as appropriate. Produce progress or activity reports as required in relation to interventions offered. Evaluate and feedback clients responses to the intervention and modify in discussion with multi disciplinary colleagues.
Whilst working with clients and community groups, identify barriers and possible solutions to making sustainable lifestyle changes, reporting these back to the lead professional involved. To contribute to planning, development, implementation and evaluation of individual care interventions related to physical health and wellbeing during the perinatal period. To identify, obtain and if appropriate carry out appropriate diagnostic/ assessment techniques to identify and respond to clients physical health needs in a range of settings. For women who have severe mental illness and are prescribed mood stabilisers or antipsychotic medication work alongside lead professionals to ensure that appropriate monitoring tests are performed and accurately recorded, and any concerns escalated as necessary. If necessary and appropriate, accompany and provide support to women undergoing physical health tests. Obtain necessary results from blood tests and other investigations and record accurately in
electronic patient record, escalating to medical staff when necessary. Liaison as necessary with maternity and primary care regarding the physical health needs of clients.