New and Expectant Mothers Guidance for trainers
This guidance has been produced to ensure that trainees are given the support they require and to optimise their PHEM training experience. Any decisions regarding training should be made in collaboration with the trainee, training organisation and the PHEM Training Program Director.
Each individual will have different personal circumstances and priorities, so the best option may vary from person to person.
A risk assessment should be conducted by the employing organisation (local education provider) following the declaration of a pregnancy. Individual LEP’s have different policies regarding new and expectant mothers in the pre-hospital environment. In some organisations it is possible to work up until the 28th week gestation on airframes, later other transport platforms.
Following the outcome of the risk assessment a decision regards PHEM training should be made.
If PHEM training has not commenced a deferred PHEM training start date can be considered. This has the advantage of being able to complete PHEM training in a single training period.
If PHEM training has already commenced, then the following may be feasible options.
- A return to base specialty may be offered with a return to PHEM training following maternity leave*
- Adjustments to working conditions – the provision of an additional staff member to minimise loads carried for example.
- Non-clinical duties
The options available depend on the stage of training and the training scheme undertaken. Often In the earlier phases of training clinical exposure is important. Scheme A and B often have more flexibility due to the overall increase in duration of training making a hybridised form of training possible.
*may require a discussion with home deanery as trainees may be working some distance from their homes.
Returning to training
Trainees are entitled to Keeping In Touch (KIT) days in the peri return to work period. These are paid days that can be used to ease the transition back from maternity leave. Trainees should be encouraged to undertake these and the format of these agreed with their educational supervisor.
On return from maternity leave the trainee should meet with their educational supervisor to determine whether training time needs to be extended to facilitate successful completion of training and IBTPHEM should be notified of any extension of the PHEM training period.
Supporting documents
An example of documents to support the management of new and expectant mothers can be found below.
The IBTPHEM would like to thank Dr Chrissie Hymers and London’s Air Ambulance for sharing their policy for new and expectant mothers
Documents
