Caroline Duncombe

MSc, PGC , DipHE , BSc (Hons) Midwifery, RGN

Midwifery, General Medicine / Surgery

Introduction
I qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1984 and as a Midwife in 1995. I have practised clinically in most midwifery areas at a senior level, have taught students and midwives as a midwifery lecturer, and currently work as a diabetes specialist midwife for Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust. I have attended cases at the Nursing and Midwifery Council and completed an expert witness course at Hertfordshire University in 2008.
In my current role I am the midwifery lead providing care, support and education for women who have, or develop, diabetes in their pregnancy. I am also responsible for educating and supporting the multidisciplinary team caring for women with diabetes.

I have investigated midwifery cases both internal and external to my workplace and have had experience in writing case reports. I have supported midwives through NMC hearings and currently investigate serious untoward Incidents in the maternity unit. This also involves interviewing midwives and obtaining statements.

I am appointed by the London Local Supervising Authority to act a Supervisor of Midwives concurrently to my substantive role. As a supervisor of midwives, I provide leadership and guidance to midwives and act as a role model. I support best practice through education, audit and reviewing and implementing evidence based guidelines to promote evidence based midwifery care. I also support midwives with reflection following critical incidents and through periods of supervised practice.

In addition, I am an ALSO (Advanced LifeSaving in Obstetrics) instructor and work nationally with a multidisciplinary team to teach emergency skills and drills to midwives and doctors on two day courses which culminate in a practical and written exam.

I undertake medico-legal work for Somek and Associates where I accept instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.

Professional Affiliations
Member of the Royal College of Midwives
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Professional Education
2009    PG Cert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (Fellow of the Higher Education
    Academy 2009), University of Hertfordshire
2006    MSc Advancing Practice Midwifery, University of Hertfordshire
2004    PG Cert Supervision of Midwives, University of Hertfordshire
1999    BSc Hons in Midwifery Studies, University of Hertfordshire
1998    Diabetic Nursing (ENB 928), University of Luton
1997    Teaching and Assessing in Clinical Practice (ENB 997), University of Hertfordshire
1995    Dip HE, Midwifery, University of Hertfordshire
1984    Registered General Nurse, Middlesex Hospital