Kama Ashton
Summary
I am a resourceful Midwife with 25 years of experience, the last 2.5 years of which have been spent as an NMP at BPAS. I am a professional with extensive experience in safeguarding and managing complex patients. I am confident and thrive in this area of work, known for staying calm and being decisive. Enjoy building strong working relationships to ensure the best care for all patients. Adept at communication skills, both verbal and written. Experienced in implementing new initiatives with successful evaluations. Highly organised and efficient at managing time and workloads. I embrace change and since joining BPAS have taken every opportunity to improve both services, and myself.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
NMP/SSNMP
BPAS
2023.09 - 2026.02
- I work as an NMP within the Doncaster Telemed Team one day per week. I conduct telephone consultations and work on our safeguarding outstanding actions list. I also assist with the induction of new starters and embrace opportunities to take on additional roles, I am soon to be facilitating an SBE session. I have been a part of a 'Vulnerable women's working group' and actively assist with any service development opportunities.
- 3 days a week I work as a Safeguarding Support NMP for all of Telemedicine, providing continuity, enhanced care and support to more complex cases. I support the Hubs (and occasionally clinics and the National Safeguarding Team) with any safeguarding concerns that may arise, attend meetings such as MARAC's and contribute to the safeguarding thematic reviews for Risk Management meetings.
Vulnerabilities Team Midwife
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
2011.09 - 2023.09
- I would hold a large number of complex cases (often around 50) through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks post partum. Providing continuity, expert advice and advocacy for the most vulnerable women in the city. These cases could include; CSC involvement from CIN to legal orders, substance use, mental health complexities and/or dual diagnosis, learning difficulties, young parents etc.
- Assist with the development and updates of clinical policies relating to safeguarding and substance use.
- Training. I developed and taught a multi-agency course titled 'But it's only cannabis....' which was very well attended and reviewed. I also taught on an FASD multi-agency course. I trained Community Midwives and the Smoking Cessation team re cannabis and the risks/concerns associated health wise and in term of parenting capacity/safeguarding.
- Attended various multi-agency meetings such as Core Groups, Child Protection Conferences, FGM panel meetings, MARAC, VARMM etc and I have chaired Best Interests meetings.
- I consistently produced detailed and high quality meeting and court reports, offering expert analysis and opinion on complex safeguarding and substance use matters to support informed decision making.
- I ran a Specialist Midwife led antenatal clinic for people who use drugs, offering a high level of support and expertise to clients and their families. I would support the obstetric team with my caseload clients, ensuring working together and robust care planning for the best outcome for mum and baby.
- I would carry out in depth substance use assessments with a particular focus on pregnancy/newborn, applying evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Social and Behavioural Network Therapy to support change and positive outcomes for individuals and their families.
- Support my clients undergoing detox treatment in pregnancy.
- Audit the numbers of cases we accepted and categorised them, this aided service provision.
- Work closely with wider community partners such as services for sex workers, the Fire service, recovery groups, homeless organisations, local charities etc to provide a comprehensive and coordinated sphere of care for our more complex and hard to reach patients.
Deputy Ward Manager
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
2006.02 - 2010.08
- Conducted performance development reviews and HR meetings to enhance staff engagement.
- Coordinated completion of rotas to optimise staff allocation across wards.
- Assisted in establishing a new caesarean section team, ensuring effective operation and evaluation. I was involved in this project from conception and worked on this team for several years. It was a very successful change from standard practice and improved patient outcomes.
- Served as night shift bleep holder, supporting four wards and ensuring patient safety, I acted as primary contact for urgent concerns, facilitating prompt responses.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Addiction Studies
Leeds University
Leeds 2016.09 - 2018.04
Post Graduate Diploma - Addiction Studies
Leeds University
Leeds 2016.09 - 2018.04
Post Graduate Diploma - Addiction Studies
Leeds University
Leeds 2016.09 - 2018.04
Skills
- Extensive safeguarding experience
- Fostering excellent working relationships both internally and externally in order to care for complex clients in a safe and holistic way
- Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing
- I have a proven track record of implementing new initiatives and working them through to effective, positive evaluation
- Calm under pressure
- Develop and deliver training
- Problem-solving
- Addiction specialist
- Resourcefulness
- Thrive in unknown situations and proven history of managing complex cases
Training
Course title: Motivational Interviewing
Training provider: Sheffield City Council
Year obtained 2012
Course title: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Training provider National FASD
Year obtained 2013
Course title: Safeguarding Level 3
Training provider: BPAS
Year obtained 2025
Course title: Working with Resistance and Hostility in Families
Training provider: Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership
Year obtained 2015
Course title: 'Toxic Trio'
Training provider: Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership
Year obtained 2015
Timeline
NMP/SSNMP
BPAS
2023.09 - 2026.02
Post Graduate Diploma - Addiction Studies
Leeds University
2016.09 - 2018.04
Post Graduate Diploma - Addiction Studies
Leeds University
2016.09 - 2018.04
Post Graduate Diploma - Addiction Studies
Leeds University
2016.09 - 2018.04
Vulnerabilities Team Midwife
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
2011.09 - 2023.09
Deputy Ward Manager
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
2006.02 - 2010.08