The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence seeks new professional members for its Topic Selection consideration panels
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is recruiting members to join its six Topic Selection consideration panels. The Topic Selection consideration panels review and prioritise suggested topics for NICE guidance. The Panel’s recommendations are then sent to the Department of Health and a Health Minster makes the final decision on what topics are referred to NICE for guidance production.

Members of the consideration panels include health, social care and public health professionals, academics and researchers, and people who bring a patient, carer, and/or community perspective. Panel members will not be appointed to act as representatives of a particular organisation. They will be expected to apply experience and judgment from their individual backgrounds to consideration of the topics suggested to the panel and in doing so actively contribute to improving the quality and consistency of care provided by the NHS and in promoting improved public health.

The six consideration panels that we are recruiting members for are as follows;
-       Acute and Chronic Conditions
-       Cancer
-       Mental Health
-       Public Health
-       Vascular and Metabolic Conditions
-       Women’s and Children’s Health
Skills and experience

We currently have a number of vacancies on all six panels for individuals with specialist knowledge of the topic area and or generalists with a broad understanding of the health service and NICE’s work.

• Consultant physicians (rheumatologists, neurologists, hepatologists particularly required)
• Consultant surgeons
• Consultant paediatricians
• Consultant psychiatrists (child and adolescent psychiatrists particularly required) and consultant clinical psychologists
• Consultant anaesthetists
• Consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists
• Clinical pharmacologists
• General practitioners
• General physicians
• Investigational physicians (radiologist, haematologist)
• NHS managers, particularly with commissioning expertise
• Nurses in primary and secondary care, and in mental health
• Allied health professionals in primary and secondary care and in mental health
• Social care professionals
• Public health physicians and other public health specialists
• Health economists

Time commitment and conditions

Each consideration panel usually meets three times a year and members are expected to attend every one. Preparation time will be required for the reading of the panel papers (expected to be 100 – 150 pages per meeting).

How to apply
For further information about what the role involves, please use the links below:
·         Information pack for applicants (includes job description/person specification)
·         Recruitment pack (contains all relevant forms, policies and procedures)
·         Online advertisement (contains all relevant documents)

If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role further, please contact;

Ben Hendry
Topic Selection Project Manager
Direct line: 0161 870 3082
Email: benjamin.hendry@nice.org.uk
A selection panel consisting of the Director for Centre of Health Technology Evaluation, the Director for Centre of Clinical Practice, the Director for Public Health and the Associate Director of Topic Selection will assess your cover letter and CV to see whether you have the general personal qualities and skills specified for the post for which you have applied. References may be taken to decide which short-listed candidates are successful in their applications. There will be no formal interview but you may be contacted for an informal discussion. From this the panel will decide appointments.
To apply the following forms should be completed and returned:

• Application form
• A short CV
• A short covering letter explaining how your experience demonstrates that you meet the criteria in the person specification (see  information pack for applicants)
• Equalities monitoring form
• Declaration of interests form

You will need to return the forms (either in hard copy or in electronic format) to:
Lynn Woodward
Assistant Project Manager - Centre for Health Technology Evaluation
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Centre for Health Technology Evaluation
Level 1a
City Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester, M1 4BD

Direct line:                   0161 870 3283
Main switchboard:       0845 003 7780
Email:                          lynn.woodward@nice.org.uk

Please return your completed forms by 5pm, Friday 9 July 2010

More information
For further information please follow the link Topic Selection

COPD Specialist Nurse

For more than a century, this International Healthcare provider has driven progress in every industry you can think of.  With more than 49,000 employees in around 70 countries, and annual sales of €12 billion, the future couldn’t be brighter.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a COPD Nurse to be part of a newly established Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme, which will be based in Nottinghamshire and is due to start in April 2010. The aims of the service will be to provide a community based pulmonary rehabilitation programme to COPD patients of the surrounding GP practices.

 Experience in respiratory medicine is therefore critical, in addition to the following:

• RGN/RN on part 1 or 12 of the NMC register with current registration
• ENB 998 or equivalent (teaching & assessing post grad module) proven record of teaching patients devising individualised care plans.
• COPD/respiratory diploma
• Experience of managing patients with COPD both acutely and chronic ongoing management.
• A post registration qualification in pulmonary rehab or willingness to undertake a recognised course is desirable.

In addition, the successful candidate must be a confident communicator with excellent reporting and IT skills. Registration with the NHS will be required and CRB checks will be undertaken.
This role offers flexible working hours paid on an hourly rate.  As this role will involve a good degree of travel throughout West Nottinghamshire, a car owner-driver is essential. 

The role is to start immediately.

In return, we offer an attractive salary backed by generous benefits and good career development prospects. Please apply online at www.bocjobs.com, registering your details within the job opportunities section. Please select Job ID 851917.

Closing date for this position is 26 February 2010. 

University of Salford, Greater Manchester
Graduate Teaching Assistantships – sponsored by the School of Nursing
Research which has an impact on improving health outcomes for patients and their families is a core aspect of our research and one of our key activities related to the research theme ‘Supporting People with Long Term Conditions’. We would welcome applications from those with a background in nursing for our Graduate Teaching Assistant role which will enhance research relating to living with chronic respiratory disease. Proposed research topics include:

• Supporting patients and their families living with breathlessness
• E-communication and digital media to support rehabilitation and independent living for patients and families living with COPD

Candidates must possess a good honours degree and be able to demonstrate the potential to complete successfully a higher degree by research. You will be expected to show an aptitude and enthusiasm for teaching to be able to contribute to the pre and post-registration programmes delivered in the School.

The School has an aspirational research community and we enjoyed considerable success within the Research Assessment Exercise 2008, being placed 10th out of the 35 nursing submissions, for further information link here. 

The scholarships are worth £13,290 per annum over three years and all fees will be paid by the University.

Closing date for applications: February 5th 2010

Eligibility: UK and EU

For more information see: www.salford.ac.uk

Research topic information: Dr Janelle Yorke
T: +44 (0) 161 295 6477
Email: j.yorke[@]salford.ac.uk

Asthma UK’s vision is ‘control over asthma today, freedom from asthma tomorrow’. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK by building and sharing expertise about asthma.

Last year Asthma UK came third in the Financial Times Best Workplaces in the UK list and 23rd in the 50 best small and medium sized workplaces in Europe. We are passionate about what we do, not only for people with asthma, but also for our staff. In return for your commitment we offer an excellent employment package, which includes generous financial benefits, excellent training and development opportunities, family friendly policies and flexible working practices to help you balance your life.

Asthma Nurse Specialists (Full time 35 hours per week or part time)
Starting salary range £31,782 to £33,455 per annum

Bank Asthma Nurse Specialists (varying hours/shifts)
Hourly rate £17.46 to £18.38
London, EC2A

We are seeking to recruit Asthma Nurse Specialists to join our team of experts responding to enquiries on the successful Asthma UK Adviceline.

There are also opportunities for experienced asthma nurses to join our bank.

This is a diverse and interesting role, which includes a variety of opportunities to make a real difference to the lives of people with asthma.  As a specialist you will be answering questions from people with asthma, health professionals and the media.  Our successful Adviceline and email service answers around 7,000 enquiries a year so this service will be a major focus of the work. There is also an exciting range of projects to get involved with across the organisation and nationwide. Additionally, you will be providing training on asthma in a variety of settings for people with asthma, carers and health professionals and will have the chance to represent the charity writing articles for journals, in the media, training initiatives and at conferences and events.

You must be a qualified nurse with post-registration experience in respiratory medicine, especially asthma, gained from working either in a hospital or community setting. It is desirable that applicants possess a diploma in Asthma Care.

You will be motivated and enthusiastic with strong communication skills and the ability to work well within our small friendly team.  Basic keyboard and database skills are also prerequisites for this role. In return, we can offer you the opportunity to provide expert support to people with asthma and to develop professionally.

Our salaries for Asthma Nurse Specialists are comparable with Agenda for Change pay level 6-7 depending on experience. 

For further details and an application form, please visit our website or contact Human Resources Department, Asthma UK, Summit House, 70 Wilson Street, London, EC2A 2DB. Tel: 020 7786 4948 email: hr@asthma.org.uk, Fax: 020 7786 5049. If you would like to arrange an informal visit please contact our Clinical Lead, Cher Piddock, on 020 7786 4916

Closing date for applications: 23 November 2009
Interview date: w/c 7 December 2009

Education for Health, Warwick

Clinical Lead
 Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes,
Long Term Conditions and Health Improvement

Full time/part time
(£34,472 - £40,201 pro rata)

Have you ever considered working for a charity?   Education for Health is a forward thinking and innovative organisation whose commitment to its staff is reflected in its Investors in People status.  We offer Open University accredited training programmes nationally and internationally with the aim of improving the lives of patients by educating the health professionals who care for them.   

We are looking for experienced health care professionals with an excellent understanding of primary care, who are passionate about teaching and learning.  Working closely with our network of trainers you will manage the delivery of high quality education and training including module development and revision of course materials.  You will also be involved in our move towards e-learning, working with our experienced partner in this field.

We have opportunities to lead on the following portfolios:

• Diabetes as a Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
• Stroke, Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation
• Managing Long Term Conditions and Health Improvement

You will have the drive and enthusiasm to raise the profile of education in primary care and will have the opportunity to be involved in advocacy and networking at all levels.  This post offers the right candidate a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills and profile as well as influencing the long term conditions agenda. 

Closing date: 22nd May

Enquiries to Julia Neal, Clinical Team Leader ph 01926 836847

COPD Specialist Nurse/Physiotherapist Community
Band 7: £35,747-£45,353 pa inclusive
Full Time, Permanent
Job Ref: 755-KCPCT-1322A

Would you like to enhance your nursing/physiotherapy skills in chronic respiratory disease management, mainly on COPD?

Would you enjoy working autonomously within a well-supported and dynamic team located in Kensington and Chelsea?

Do you want to be involved in the development of best practice and innovative ways of working within the community?

Then you may be the person we are looking for.  We are looking for a COPD respiratory nurse/physiotherapist to join the Respiratory Service, NHS Kensington and Chelsea. 

The Respiratory Service already provides community based Spirometry clinics and COPD clinics as well as a specialist home visit service for COPD patients. We are also in the process of setting up a pulmonary rehabilitation service in the community. The service has close links with local GP practices and COPD teams in local hospitals which include Imperial College Healthcare Trust (St Mary’s Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, and Charing Cross Hospital), Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and The Royal Brompton Hospital.

The nurse or physiotherapist we are looking for will be conducting clinics and home visits on clients with COPD, performing reviews, optimising medications,  monitoring oxygen usage, and rehabilitation activities working collaboratively with GPs, District Nurses, Case Managers, Hospital consultants and other health care professionals within the borough.  The post holder will also be involved in providing education sessions during pulmonary rehabilitation classes and delivery of COPD/Spirometry Study days for allied health professionals.  We are also looking to develop early/supported discharge for COPD, which the postholder will also be expected to be involved in. 

The respiratory service is led by a specialist physiotherapist, clinically supported by a chest consultant from one of the local hospitals and a GP lead. We actively support personal development and will provide training for the right candidate.

The job is also being offered as a training post for a band 6 with good respiratory experience or a secondment opportunity for the right candidate.

For an informal discussion, please contact Christine Falzon – COPD Team Leader (COPD Specialist Physiotherapist) on 07767 673 363 or email: Christine.Falzon@kc-pct.nhs.uk

For further information and to apply for the post, please log online to: www.jobs.nhs.uk and quote this reference number: 755-KCPCT-1322A or click on the link to apply for this post: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/cgi-bin/vacdetails.cgi?selection=912236077  

Closing date for applications: 04/05/2009

ROYAL BROMPTON HOSPITAL

Clinical Nurse Specialist – Interstitial Lung Disease
BAND 7
£34,908.00- £44,290 pa inc HCAS
Closing Date: 27th February 2009

click HERE to find out more

COPD Specialist Nurse

COPD Nurse Specialist
Band 7 (£34,909-£44,290 pa inc)
37.5 hours per week
Location : Soho Centre for Health and Care,London, W1D 3HZ
Ref No: WPCT/1513

Due to relocation, we are currently looking for an experienced nurse to join the Westminster COPD Team. You will work within a multi-disciplinary COPD service based in Soho. The role is to improve the management of patients with COPD in primary care building on existing interfacing services for COPD patients between primary and secondary care. The post holder will provide clinical and professional leadership within Westminster PCT through GP practices, clinics and community services. The service is designed to proactively manage COPD improving quality of life and reducing hospital admissions and length of stay. It is an exciting time to be involved in a number of new initiatives within WPCT such as COPD early supportive discharge and community based clinics.
To succeed in a role that offers significant scope for both personal and professional development, you will need to be an RN with significant experience at Band 6 or are a Band 7 nurse looking to further develop your career within COPD. You will also need to demonstrate your expertise and experience in caring for COPD patients. You will have already obtained good respiratory skills and evidence of working within primary care (but not essential). You will be able to demonstrate post registration study and show that your nursing care is of the highest quality.

Informal enquiries are welcome (and encouraged) by contacting Matthew Hodson, Lead COPD Nurse Specialist, on 0207 534 6534 or via email matthew.hodson@westminster-pct.nhs.uk or Dr Sarah Elkin (clinical Lead) on sarah.elkin@imperial.nhs.uk.

Closing date for applications is: 8 February 2009

For more information CLICK HERE

New Community Based Respiratory Service for South Lakes, Cumbria

Cumbria PCT are about to commence a high quality acute and rehabilitative respiratory intermediate care service to commence in Spring 2008.
This Team will provide Admission Avoidance/ Supported Discharge, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Primary Care Clinics, LTOT & Ambulatory Oxygen Assessments/ Follow-up. A major focus of their work will also focus on the education and development of primary care staff with particular emphasis on the facilitation of high respiratory clinical standards within the general practice team.

The Clinical Lead is seeking the following Clinical Team Members:
Advanced Respiratory Nurse Specialist, (provisional AfC band 7) X 2 posts at 19 hours / week each
Respiratory Nurse Specialist, (provisional AfC band 6) X 1 post at 22 hours / week
The closing date for the nursing posts is 6/2/08
The following posts will be advertised soon:
Respiratory Occupational Therapist, (provisional AfC band 6/7) X 1 post at 15 hours / week
Respiratory Physiotherapist, (provisional AfC band 6/7) X 1 post at 15 hours / week
Assistant Practitioner / Physiotherapy Assistant, (provisional AfC band 4) X 1 post at 30 hours / week

OXYGEN SERVICE MANAGER
University of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
37.5 hrs/week
part-time and job share considered

Band 7

SALARY SCALE £27,622 - £36,416 (pay award pending)

Closing Date: 23rd July 2007

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated Respiratory
specialist to join our busy and friendly team at the University Hospital of
South Manchester. The post holder will be responsible for managing,
delivering and developing the oxygen service for South Manchester patients.
We are looking for a confident, forward looking specialist, able to
demonstrate excellent organisational and leadership skills, together with
excellent verbal / written interpersonal and communication skills.
Working within a multidisciplinary team, applications are welcome from
Respiratory Nurse Specialists, Physiotherapists and Clinical Physiologists.
Continuous professional development is strongly encouraged and you will have
excellent opportunities to develop further your skills and knowledge. This
will include:

• Opportunities to undertake further relevant academic qualifications
• Support to attend relevant professional courses
• Opportunities to gain additional experience and build on new skills.

Candidates must be registered within their speciality and have a minimum of
four years post graduate experience.

For further information, or to arrange a visit please contact Annette Duck
on 0161 291 4936 or email aduck@nhs.net or Nigel Clayton, Lung Function
Manager on 0161 291 2406, or e-mail: Nigel.clayton@smuht.nwest.nhs.uk

EXPERIENCED RESPIRATORY NURSE SPECIALIST required to lead the COPD Outreach Team for Guys and St Thomas' Foundation Trust.

Closing Date: 9th July 2007

For more info