Rachel Carter, Deputy Chief Nurse and Head of Midwifery
In a nutshell, explain what your job is about?
My role as Deputy Chief Nurse and Head of Midwifery is to ensure that all of our women, families and babies receive high quality, safe and compassionate care in line with local and national agenda and that our teams have the right skills, experience and resources to deliver against this.
What achievement are you most proud of (so far)?
Being part of the development of a new birth centre and the privilege of project managing its build, from inception to conception (you wouldn’t believe how many meetings/ discussions/challenges about names and colours could be had). Seeing the first birth, the 50th, 100th and then the 1000th through the doors and watching the team develop their confidence in women and their own skills was something I reflect on with pride that ‘we did it’ and the team around me had the belief to make it happen.
Why did you choose your career?
I can’t remember a time where I haven’t wanted to be a Midwife and care for women and families. I am so fortunate now to be able to do so across the whole pathway, working with teams in Gynaecology, Maternity and Neonates. I think it started with an innate curiosity and need to care for others. I’m told I’ve never been one to sit back and watch but have thrived on being in the midst of a situation so I think I found my niche quite early on.
Who would say was your inspiration?
I would have to say that is my late Grandfather. He was a captain in the Merchant Navy and, post war, a Humber pilot who was clearly an amazing, natural leader. He was never without a kind, positive word of encouragement despite what was thrown at him and he demonstrated a level of resilience seldom seen and regardless of the challenges in his way, always managed situations by staying calm, with a twinkle in his eye and an enviable sense of humour.
If there was one thing you could change in the world, what would it be?
It would have to be equity and equality of resources. We simply need more to do better and it frustrates me that there doesn’t seem enough to go round – regardless of what that may be (e.g. funds, buildings, time, appropriately skilled/qualified people, etc…). We have to focus on making less stretch further and asking of ourselves and others to deliver the necessary with the near impossible.
Describe yourself in three words?
Compassionate, fair and motivated.
Finally, not a lot of people know this about me but…
I have been a member of the Worcester Dragons Dragon boating team, participating in races as part of a Worcester Dragons endorsed team. The most poignant moment was in training one Remembrance Sunday, as another energetic training sessions ended, the rhythm drum fell silent and paddles stopped, leaving us simply drifting through the mist along the river to the sound of the Cathedral bells. It was a stark contrast to what the sport usually entailed!