We promote opportunities for members of the public to be involved in research and evidence-based service improvement.

 

The survey for you to tell us the living with and beyond cancer questions you think are most important is now live – please complete it here. And please share it with your colleagues, friends and family. More and more people are living with the consequences of cancer and its treatment – what we have termed Living With and Beyond Cancer. But there’s not enough research relevant to living with and beyond cancer. The National Cancer Research Institute is working on a project to change this. We have opened a new survey for patients, the people who look after or have looked after them, and the professionals who work with them, to identify the most important questions that research should address. Tell us the questions that you would like answered by research by filling out our survey and help us to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The survey will be open until 15 November 2017. You can find out more about the project at ncri.org.uk/jla.

 

For: People with an interest in health research and strategy development.

What: The National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) is a partnership between University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol.  Biomedical research centres conduct innovative medical science research to make improvements in health and healthcare, and encourage closer working with industry.  The NIHR Bristol BRC involves research in the areas of Cardiovascular, Nutrition, Mental Health, Perinatal and Reproductive Health, and Surgical Innovation.  We are looking for two public contributors to join our strategy group to develop the public involvement strategy for all five themes of the NIHR Bristol BRC and oversee its implementation.

When: There will be two strategy writing meetings (one in November and one in December) that you will be asked to attend.  Thereafter the group will meet every three months.

Where: The meetings will generally be held in central Bristol.

Payment: Public contributors will be paid at People in Health West of England rates, which is presently reimbursement of reasonable travel costs and payment of around £20 per hour for attending meetings.

Closing date: We are keen to begin work on our strategy in November so would welcome applications as soon as possible.

Other information: We will be happy to provide learning and development opportunties to ensure that all public contributors feel confident and supported in their role.

Application: Please send an expression of interest to noreen.hopewell-kelly@uwe.ac.uk

For: People with bladder or bowel problems and their carers.

What: Many people have bladder or bowel problems but not many people talk about it.  We want to set-up a group for patients and carers who are interested in discussing our ideas to improve care for people with bladder and bowel problems.  We are holding an introductory meeting for you to learn about the group and for us to learn more about your views.  Following this, there will be an opportunity for some people to be involved on an ongoing basis.  We plan to meet 3 or 4 times a year to discuss how we are getting on and new ideas.

‘As a nurse, I have been carrying out research into bladder and bowel control problems for 14 years.  I am passionate about improving care and making sure that the research we carry out is what patients really want.  I have led research using self-help ideas and many projects involving interviews with patients to really capture the views of those who have these symptoms.  I’m looking forward to hearing your experiences.’  Nikki Cotterill

When: Monday 20th November, 5.30 to 7.30 pm

Where: Central Bristol, venue to be confirmed.

Payment: Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs for the introductory  meeting on the 20th November.  Future meetings: Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs and payment of around £20 per hour.

For more information: If you have any questions or would like to come to the meeting on the 20th November please contact Mike Bell – mike.bell@bristol.ac.uk  or 0117 3421249, or Nikki Cotterill – nikki.cotterill@bristol.ac.uk

For: People living in Bristol who have used smartphone apps with their GP to help them manage their medical condition or have used technology to consult with their GP online.

What: Researchers based in Bristol are planning a study to explore the use of self-management smartphone apps in GP consultations and the use of technology to as an alternative to face-to-face GP consultations. We are submitting an application to National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research funding stream.  We are looking for someone to feedback on the design of the study, and if the grant is successful, to have input into the running and management of the project.

When: The first stage of the application is due at the start of November 2017.  If we are successful, the project would start in April 2018.

Where: We can communicate by email or post, or meeting people face to face here at the University of Bristol, or we can travel to meet people.

Reimbursement: Reasonable travel reimbursements and honorarium will be provided.

Closing date: 21^st October 2017

For more information: Please contact Jeremy Horwood on 0117 92 87323 or email: j.horwood@bristol.ac.uk

For: People living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire who are currently or have used any of these services in the last 2 years: Physiotherapy, Rheumatology, Podiatry, Orthopaedics, Pain Clinic Services.

What: Would you be interested in helping us re-design the way patients access these services?  We are seeking views from patients and the public across all three localities because the pathway change will affect everyone who requires this service in the future.

When: Thursday 16th November 2017, 9 am to 1 pm.

Where: The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol, BS16 2QQ.

More information: Please register your place by emailing sgccg.getinvolved@nhs.net or phone 0117 9474441.

For: Women who are cancer survivors and had chemotherapy for breast cancer.

What: Attendance at a 2 hour discussion group to help with the design of a new study looking at the potential of mistletoe to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer (no prior knowledge required – all will be explained at the start of the focus group).

When: Late October/early November – date to be arranged by 3rd November.

Where: Bristol – venue to be arranged.

Payment: Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs; light refreshments will also be provided.

More information: lorna.duncan@bristol.ac.uk / 0117 3314561

MAB Flyer v2 25-09-17

MAB poster

For: NHS England Empowering People and Communities Taskforce is looking for a patient representative.  Candidates need a genuine commitment to patients and to developing excellent services.  We are particularly looking for someone with experience of working as a lay representative with STPs.  This could be from anywhere in England.

What: You will use your skills, knowledge and experience to support decision making and to drive forward NHS England’s ambition to deliver world-class, patient-centred care.

When: Interviews on 6th November.  The taskforce meets on a bi-monthly basis, initially for a year’s duration.

Where: London.

Payment: The role attracts an involvement payment of £150 per day or £75 per half day, in line with NHS England’s patient and public voice partner expenses policy.

More information: To request an application pack please email england.nhs.participation@nhs.net or call 0113 8250861.

For: People with experience of musculoskeletal and/or mental health conditions (ideally both).

What: Our project is a trial of a complementary approach (yoga and mindfulness) compared to usual care for primary care patients who have both a musculoskeletal (e.g. low back pain) condition and mental health (anxiety or depression).  We are submitting an application to National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grant for Applied Research (PGfAR) funding stream.  Firstly we are looking for someone to be a named collaborator on the project, to have input into the running and management of the project.  Secondly we would like some feedback on the written application to the funding body.

When: The first stage of the application is due end of November 2017.  If we are successful, the project would start some time in 2018.

Where: We can communicate by email or post, or meeting people face to face here at the University of Bristol, or we can travel to meet people.

Payment: We have a very small budget to cover travel and some payment.

More information: If you are interested/would like to know more please contact ava.lorenc@bristol.ac.uk  or phone 0117 3313902

Closing date: We need public contributor input by early November for this first stage of the application, but we are keen to engage people in the future stages as well.

For: Patients and members of the public in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

What: The Women and Children’s Health Research team from North Bristol NHS Trust is expanding its PPI group.  As a team, we are committed to making improvements in may areas, by carrying out good quality research, but we can’t do that without the help of public contributors.

If you are interested in contributing your thoughts and opinions to how services and care for women and babies can be improved, here in Bristol and across the NHS, please get in touch for further information about our patient and public involvement activities.

When: The dates and times of all the meetings will be agreed well in advance and we will endeavour to give as much  notice as we can.  Timings will  be varied and flexible to accommodate the group.

Where: Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Payment: Reasonable travel reimbursements and honorarium will be provided.

More information: PPI Information Leaflet_Sep17

How to apply: If you are interested in being involved in our PPI group, or would just like some more information please email us: WCHResearch@nbt.nhs.uk.

Closing date: The first meeting will be held in October 2017 – date and time to be confirmed.

For: Children and young people (aged 12-25 years) with current or past experience of an eating disorder or an eating disorder like problem, and people (such as parents/carers) who has or have had a particular responsibility for a child or young person with an eating disorders.

What: The aim of this project is to find ways to improve the experiences for children and young people with an eating disorder when they visit the GP and to find ways in which the car provided in GP surgeries can be improved to better meet their needs.  If you decide to take part in this research we will ask you to tell us about your views and experiences in a short interview or by completing a short questionnaire online.  This will take only about 20-30 minutes of your time.

When and where: If you choose to complete the online questionnaire this can be completed anytime before 1st January 2018.  If you prefer to take part in an interview we can arrange either a telephone call or face to face meeting at a time and place convenient to you.

Payment: Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed.

More information: Information sheet short version 

How to apply: If you would like to take part in this project or you would like to know more about the project please email Catherine at Phillips@uwe.ac.uk

Click here to go to the online survey

Closing date: 1st January 2018

For: Interested individuals and groups.

What: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)–the research arm of the NHS– wants your views on draft standards they’ve developed for public involvement. The NIHR wants to know: Do the standards capture what good public involvement in research looks like from your perspective? Will they be of practical use to you? What is missing? How can they be improved?

Click for more info

For: We would like to invite people to be interviewed who have served as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) advisors, or research partners, for studies based in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). If you have been involved in the design or planning of an ICU-based study (for adults, not children), whether that involved attending meetings about the study, reading through and commenting on ethics applications, or information leaflets for the study, we would be interested in speaking with you. If you’re not sure whether you would be eligible to participate in our study, please do get in touch.

What: While in the ICU, patients are very ill and often unable to make decisions about taking part in research studies. This makes recruiting and consenting critically ill patients quite difficult and complex; but there is a lack of guidance on how best to do this that is based on patients’ and relatives’ perspectives. We aim to produce good practice guidance to inform recruitment and consent processes in ICU studies that reflects the views of patients, their family members, and doctors and researchers.

Where: Interviews will be conducted over the phone, and will last about one hour. As a token of appreciation, we will offer a £25 shopping voucher to everyone who takes part in an interview.

More info: Please contact Research Associate Katie Paddock, at the University of Liverpool on Katie.Paddock@liverpool.ac.uk or 0151 795 5421, who will be happy to help.

Perspectives Participant information leaflet

Closing Date: The study will run until November 2017

For: People affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (patients and/or carers)

What: The Chronic Kidney Disease Health Integration Team is a team of clinical staff, researchers and patients, working together to improve patient outcomes and care pathways for patients with kidney disease.  You will join another public contributor to provide the valuable perspective of those using services in the region.

How to apply: The role description is below.  If you wish to apply, please send a short CV (max. 2 pages) and covering letter about why you wish to take on the role (max. 250 words) to oliver.watson@bristol.ac.uk

Closing date: Wednesday 20th September, 12 noon

CKD HIT PPI member role description

For: People aged 18 and over who have previously experienced mental illness and for people who have never experienced mental illness.

What: A trainee clinical psychologist at the University of Bath seeks your responses to a survey on how you think about and react to ideas about your mental health.  Contact the research team at tamir.research@bath.ac.uk, or
Click for more info

For: People affected by cancer (patients and/or carers)

What: Join the Grand Challenge Patient Panel to review applications to the most ambitious cancer grant in the world, the Grand Challenge. You’ll be ensuring that we effectively review the potential impact and the extent to which the proposals will provide benefit for people affected by cancer.

When: Training will take place in September.  Panel duties will start late October/early November.

Where: Home based/London

Payment and expenses: Reasonable travel costs and overnight stays will be covered in accordance with our travel policy.  There is an optional honoraria of £80 per meeting (not paid for the training day)

Closing date: Sunday 13th August 2017

Click for more info

For:  Members of the public interested in helping to advise on use of a questionnaire-based tool, which allows patients to inform the doctor of their health status before they enter the consultation room.

What:  Researchers based in Bristol are planning a study to test a recently-developed patient-reported questionnaire: the Primary Care Outcomes Questionnaire (PCOQ). This questionnaire measures outcomes commonly affected by primary care, such as health and well-being, health knowledge and self-care, and overall confidence in health. It has been demonstrated to be useful for research purposes. We now want to find out whether it improves the experience and outcome of the consultation if patients complete the PCOQ before a consultation, and it is shared with GPs. This would mean that the GP would know if a patient was, for example, in pain or worried about serious illness or confused about symptoms at the start of the consultation. Before this study is funded, we need advice from both patients and GPs on whether it is likely to be easily implemented, and used by both patients and clinicians. There is an opportunity for members of the public to be part of this project’s advisory group and to participate in advisory group meetings in Bristol.

When: There will be up to two meetings in August 2017. Participants for these meetings will be invited to join the advisory group for the project if it is funded.

Where: In the University of Bristol offices, 37 Whatley Road BS8 2PS.

Payment:  We offer a £20 voucher plus expenses to cover your travel (within close distance to Bristol) for each meeting.

More info: If you are interested or would like more information please email Mairead Murphy mairead.murphy@bristol.ac.uk

Closing date: Monday 31st July 2017

For: 100,000 Genomes Project members.

What: The Participant Panel for the 100,000 Genomes Project is recruiting some new members from those who are taking part in the project, and would like to have a role in overseeing and advising Genomics England.

The Panel meets 3 or 4 times a year in London. Expenses are paid (including child care if necessary). Panel members also have opportunities to get involved in the work of specialist groups such as Ethics Advisory Committee and its Access Review Committee (which scrutinises all the research bids before the scientists are allowed access to our genomic data). We are also looking to do some work this year around the needs of children and young people participating in this project.

When: The next Panel meeting will be on Thursday 13th July; if you’re interested please send your details and a little background note to Lisa Dinh lisa.dinh@genomicsengland.co.uk   You may then be invited for a telephone interview.

More info: If you have any questions, please contact Jillian Hastings Ward (Vice Chair of the Panel)  jillian_hastings@hotmail.com

For: If you are interested in talking to us about staying connected to others and combating loneliness in later life.  We are seeking to interview men (65+) who belong to one of the following groups:

1. Currently single or living alone;
2. Currently living in rural areas and are single or living alone;
3. Identify as gay or bisexual and are single or living alone; and,
4. Provide care for other people important to you.

Being single includes men who are widowed or whose partner has died.

If you are interested in taking part in a one-off research interview please contact us.  We can travel to you and meet at a time convenient to you.  We offer a £20 store voucher to say thanks.

What: Through this project we want to better understand the formal and informal ways in which older men (65+ years) maintain social connections in later life and combat loneliness.  This is a research project at the University of Bristol, funded by the National Institute for Health Research School for Social Care Research.

More info: Phone Paul on 0117 3310640, Email omam-project@bristol.ac.uk or by post: Paul Willis, c/o OMAM Project, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ

Service letter of invitation V2 22.02.17. IRAS 219116 PW

For: The NHS Improvement Patient Safety Team wants to hear from people with lived experience of using NHS services, their relatives, carers and the general public.

What: We are seeking expressions of interest to join a network of people that will fulfil a range of roles contributing to our vision for:

The NHS to become devoted to continuous learning and improvement in order to continuously reduce the risk of harm to patients during the provision of healthcare

P&PR Information Leaflet

P&PR Application form

Diversity Monitoring Questions

More info: Please contact Nona Ahamat n.ahamat@nhs.net or call 07701 371250 if you have any questions or would like to discuss the involvement opportunities before expressing interest.

Closing Date: 11.59pm on 7th July 2017

For: The Participant Panel for the 100,000 Genomes Project is recruiting some new members at the moment. We would be very interested to hear from you if you are currently taking part in the project, and would like to have a role in overseeing and advising Genomics England as they undertake this groundbreaking work.

 

What: Panel members represent people who are on the project because of their own condition, or that of a close family member. They are expected to be able to see the bigger picture, informed by their own experiences, and to offer constructive advice to the project team.

The Panel meets 3 or 4 times a year in London. Expenses are paid (including child care if necessary to enable you to attend). Panel members also have opportunities to get involved in the work of specialist groups within Genomics England, for example its Ethics Advisory Committee and its Access Review Committee (which scrutinises all the research bids before the scientists are allowed access to our genomic data). We are also looking to do some work this year around the needs of children and young people participating in this project.

When: The next Panel meeting will be in London on Thursday 13th July; if you’re interested please send your details and a little background note to Lisa Dinh (Lisa.Dinh@genomicsengland.co.uk) . You may then be invited for a telephone interview.

More info: If you have any questions, please contact Jillian Hastings Ward (Vice Chair of the Panel) at jillian_hastings@hotmail.com .

For: Current carers of people with dementia, which we are defining as carers of people still living at home (i.e. their home or yours, or supported housing, but not residential care or a nursing home).

What:  The University of York is conducting a ground breaking research project looking at the support carers get in different areas of England and how this affects them.

Family carers are the most valuable resources we have in dementia care, yet we know very little about how best to support them. Different areas of the country offer different types and levels of service. We want to understand more about the support that carers get in different areas and how this affects them.

We’re running a survey of carers of people with dementia, asking what services they get and how they feel (in terms of their health, quality of life and so on).  The study is being conducted by the University of York in partnership with Dementia UK, who run the Admiral Nursing service.

The findings of the survey will be fed back to the government and published widely so that the people who plan and provide services for people affected by dementia have better evidence about how to support them.

Survey: Click here to complete the online survey or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:  https://york.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_4VFj3HqCLhRytdb The survey has been designed to take no more than 30 minutes to complete.

More info: If  you have any questions or would like to request a paper copy of the survey please contact Kate Gridley at the Social Policy Research Unit  kate.gridley@york.ac.uk or phone 01904 321988/ 07812 438446.

Carer Survey Information Sheet – V1 24th Oct 2016 – FINAL

For:  Parents and carers of children who have glue ear (either now or in the past)

What:  We are a team of researchers from Aston University in Birmingham planning a research study to improve how glue ear is managed in the NHS. We are asking parents and carers to complete our survey, and to use their experience of glue ear to feedback on, and input into, our research ideas.

The survey is online and in 2 parts in which we ask about glue ear and our research ideas. We do not want just want parents/carers to tick boxes as is often the case with surveys; rather we are interested in the questions and comments parents/carers may have about the material that we are presenting.

After Part 1 has been completed and comments and any questions about our research ideas have been submitted, the research team will answer the questions and comments submitted. We will send the answers back a few days later and we would like parents/carers to have a think about these before logging back into Part 2 of the survey and answering some final questions.

When: Each part of the online survey takes about 30 minutes to complete but there will be a gap between Part 1 and Part 2 of a few days.

Payment: Each participant will receive a £20 thank you Amazon voucher.

More info and to take part: Email Amanda Hall a.hall@aston.ac.uk

For: People living in Bristol, who go to the doctor often.

What: Researchers at the University of Bristol seek advice on how they can help improve your care.

More info: Footprints in Primary Care poster

Catherine Jameson, email catherine.jameson@bristol.ac.uk or phone her on 0117 9287237

Closing date:  15th June 2017

For: People with an interest in healthcare research and public involvement.

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic about involving patients, carers and the public in research about health care, particularly primary care (the first port of call in the healthcare system – usually general practice). Experience of a similar role is not required, but relevant experience and skills from other areas of your life may be useful. A willingness and ability to work well within a team is essential.

What: Here in the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), University of Bristol we value the involvement of members of the public in our research projects. Our CAPC Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) steering group meets to discuss strategy to inspire, support and increase patient and public involvement in CAPC research. This strategy is then put into practice by the CAPC PPIE co-ordinator.

Where:  Strategy group meetings are held in CAPC, situated in Canynge Hall, off Whiteladies Road in Bristol. Successful applicants will need to attend meetings in person (local travel is reimbursed).

More info: Please contact the CAPC PPIE coordinator, Catherine Jameson, for informal enquiries and information about the application process capc-ppi@bristol.ac.uk 01179287237

Closing date:  30th June 2017

I have pleasure in inviting you to apply for a new collaborative leadership programme developed by the South West leadership Academy in partnership with the Kings Fund.

The NHS Five Year Forward View talks about harnessing the ‘renewable energy represented by patients and communities’ and the need to ‘engage with communities and citizens in new ways, involving them directly in decisions about the future of health and care services’.  Delivering the Forward View and transforming the patient and public experience of health and care will involve place based and system wide leadership from local leaders developing and implementing a shared vision with their local community.

Success will depend on building open, trusting, and collaborative partnerships across the system. The perspectives, knowledge and experiences of patients, service users and citizens will be an important resource for those involved in the design and delivery of local services. Learning to work together will involve developing our shared and system leadership practices.

We know that building these collaborative relationships is not always easy and requires a shift in thinking and the adoption of new ways of working from all of us. So we have put together a unique programme in conjunction with The King’s Fund. The programme will be facilitated by senior consultants from The King’s Fund, an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. The programme will explore how health care professionals (clinicians and managers) and patients and citizen leaders can work and learn collaboratively and in partnership.   

Clinicians, managers, patients, service users, carers and community leaders will learn how to build productive relationships, develop a culture of collaborative and cooperative working across the system whilst exploring how different roles and perspectives can be a constructive force for transformational change

 

For:  The programme has been designed for trios (comprising any health and care professional/clinician, their senior manager and patient/service user, carer or citizen) from the same local health and care system, to work together on a shared challenge.

Clinicians and managers might want to find new ways of engaging and working with patients, service users and citizens. This might include building co-productive relationships that support conversations enabling strategic thinking and shared decision making.

Patients, services users and citizens might involve those keen to explore how to work in partnership with health care professionals in ways that build a different way of working together. They could be drawn from local community groups, particularly those representing traditionally marginalised groups within the health and care system. Or they could be currently working as patient leaders, patient and public involvement representatives or a lay member of a Trust or Healthwatch.

The programme: The content of the programme will be co-produced with participants and therefore we can only provide indicative content at this stage but experience has shown us that people want to explore the following:

• How to develop relationships across the system with people who might have different agendas
• Develop the tools and practices to handle difficult conversations
• Developing tools and techniques to effectively communicate your message across the system
• Effectively managing the political context
• Building a support network to develop your partnership working in the workplace

All the content and skill development is designed to support your practice of working in partnership to deliver the project/issue or challenge that you have brought to the programme.

How will you benefit from the programme?

 As a patient, carer, service user or citizen you will:

•  Learn how to influence and build constructive relationships with health care professionals
• Access opportunities to build your personal leadership presence and skills and develop your confidence at sitting with others around the table in order to work together to support the design and delivery of health care services
• Join a network of other patients, service users and citizen leaders and health care professionals. A network of peers that will support your continued development as a leader

As a clinician and/or manager you will: 

• Learn new ways of working with patients, service users and the community
• Develop the mindset, skillset  and practices that will support collaborative and partnership working with other stakeholders in the system, particularly patient  and community leaders
• Develop the skills, particularly related to communication practices that build relationships, sustain them, and successfully manage relationships if they become difficult
• Explore the challenge of the shifting roles from manager and clinician to collaborative partner

Together you will:  

• Learn in a practical and supportive environment to make progress on a real-time challenge for your organisation
• Build a productive and collaborative relationship that provides a model for your organisation
• Join a network of collaborative trios from across your health and care system that can contribute to regional and national thinking about what the NHS Five Year Forward View’s aspirations for a new relationship with patients and communities will look like

More info: See documents below

SWLA Collaborative L’ship Prog brochure

Application Form SWLA – Collab Trios

Closing date: Applications will be closing 5pm, Monday 8^thMay.

Contact:  Christina Quinn, Director, NHS South West Leadership Academy, 01823 361357 PA Kate Westcott/Tasmin Ackland

Email: christina.quinn@.hee.nhs.uk

Website: www.southwestleadership.nhs.uk

NHS South West Leadership Academy, South West House, Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2PX

For:  Members of the public interested in improving the quality of school-based sex and relationship education for young people.

What:  Researchers based in Bristol are planning a research study to maximise the likelihood of evidence-based best practice criteria for sex and relationship education being adopted in schools, by ensuring they reach the appropriate professionals and practitioners and by providing adequate support and guidance on how to implement them.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public to be part of the project’s advisory group and to participate in advisory group meetings in Bristol.  There may also be other opportunities to be involved in the study from time to time.  The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and will be conducted over six months, beginning in June 2017.

Payment:  We offer a £20 voucher and expenses to cover your travel for the two meetings.

More info: If you are interested or would like more information email Pandora Pound pandora.pound@bristol.ac.uk

Closing date: Wednesday 31st May 2017

For:  People with a chronic pain condition or an invisible disability that involves chronic pain, and all members (as they may know someone who might be interested)

What:  Raquel Meseguer is creating a new performance, Someone Should Start Laughing, between 10 audience members and 10 participants with chronic pain.

We are looking for 10 people to take part in an artistic process exploring chronic pain and identity in illness, with an informal public performance at the end of the project.  This is about everyday stories and everyday heroes; no performance experience is necessary!

There are no requirements other than:

• a chronic pain condition of other invisible disability with chronic pain
• openness and willingness to share your story
• willingness to engage with inclusive movement and theatre practices
• availability at the end of June/beginning of July

When: There is an introductory workshop on Thursday 4th May 2017.

The project rehearsals will take place at the end of June/July, with a public performance on the 12th July 2017.   Full schedule:

• Thurs 22nd June, 10-2 pm
• Fri 23rd June, 10-2 pm
• Mon 26th June, 10-2 pm
• Tues 27th June, 10-2 pm
• Thurs 29th June, 10-2 pm, Trinity Centre
• Friday 30th June, 10-4 pm Trinity Centre
• Mon 3rd July, 10-2 pm
• Tues 4th July, 10-2 pm
• Thurs 6th July, 10-2 pm
• Fri 7th July, 10-4 pm
• Mon 10th July, 10-1 pm
• Wed 12th July, FERMENT performance
• Fri 14th July, 10.30-12.30 pm (evaluation)

Where:  Introductory workshop is at HOURS, 10 Colston Yard, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5BD.  All rehearsals at HOURS unless stated.  Performance venues TCP by Ferment, Bristol Old Vic.

Payment: Each participant will be given a £50 honorarium and travel expenses (within close distance to Bristol).

More info: For more information and to book a place please contact Raquel Meseguer, 07971 032753, uncharteredcollective@gmail.com

Closing date: 4th May 2017

SSSL_Flyer2

For:  People with lived experience, carers, charities, commissioners, governors, clinicians, service providers.  Participants should be able to commit to attend all or most of the workshops.

What:  The NHS England Mental Health Secure Care Policy Team, and NHS England Health and Justice Central Support Team, are planning four one day workshops in April, May and June 2017, to design an optimum mental health service model for piloting across the Secure and Detained prison estate. This is an opportunity to look at what the data is telling us, as well as hearing from lived experience, and utilising this into designing new service models to address mental health needs within prison settings.

NHS England Health and Justice recently published their Strategic Direction for 2016-20,  this contained a commitment to “Support the development of mental health, substance misuse and earlier crisis care for children, young people and adults in the criminal justice system” as well as “Developing a new mental health specification in the adult secure and detained estate”.  These workshops are intended to inform the development of the new service specification, as well as design a model for testing.

We would like a cross section of participants in these workshops, including providers, clinicians, governors, commissioners, charities, experts by experience, and carers. Participants should be able to commit to attend all or most of the workshops in order for the co design model to work.

When: The dates for these all day workshops (10:30-16:00) are

• 25th April 2017
• 16th May 2017
• 6th June 2017
• 20th June 2017

Where:  Avonmouth House, 6 Avonmouth St, London SE1 6NX. This is a short walk from Elephant & Castle underground station. https://goo.gl/maps/keQJ5AzgFTz

More info: For more information and to book a place please email antonia.borneo@nhs.net  Programme Manager, Secure Mental Health Care Programme, NHS England

Closing date: 24th April 2017

For:  Mums and their children aged between one and five

What:  University of Bristol are organising a Little Music Makers session with a difference and we are on the lookout for mums and their children aged between one and gfive who want to help us shape the way we deliver and mums-to-be get their health information in the future.

When: Wednesday 26th April 2017, 9.30 am – 12 noon

Where:  St Christopher’s Church Hall, Hamstead Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 3HN

Click here for more information, and to register your place

For: People with a current diagnosis of bipolar, or a family member or carer of someone with a diagnosis of bipolar, who would like to take part in a project to help shape how mental health research is carried out.

What: We are a research team who are carrying out work to establish which treatment outcomes are most important when carrying out research on bipolar. Our research involves asking groups of people to vote online for the most important factors to consider when we evaluate community mental health support for people with bipolar. There will be a prize draw for £75 worth of shopping vouchers.

When: Everyone taking part needs to vote twice so you must to be able to commit to taking part in two online surveys over a period of 3 months. Each round of voting will take up to one hour to complete.

More information: Please do get in touch to find out more by emailing us at partners2@contacts.bham.ac.uk or calling 0121 414 7866.

Join an NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC) programme board or panel

We currently have eight opportunities for public contributors in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme. Four on HTA Funding Boards and four on HTA Prioritisation Panels.

The HTA Programme is the largest of the NIHR programmes. We fund independent research about the effectiveness, costs and broader impact of healthcare treatments and tests for those who plan, provide or receive care in the NHS.

This is a key role which ensures that the public are actively involved in discussions and decisions on the prioritisation and funding of our health research.  As a patient/public panel member you will help to identify and raise issues from the perspective of patients and the public that are relevant to the research.

If you feel that you could help by using your knowledge and experiences to become a Public board or panel member, then please visit the NETSCC website where you can find out more, including the information packs and how to apply.

An induction and training will be provided for successful applicants.

The application closing date is Monday 20th March 2017.

If you have any queries please contact the NETSCC PPI team at netspublic@nihr.ac.uk or call 023 8059 9302.

For: Cancer patients who have had chemotherapy.  Including patients who received their chemotherapy in hospital, and those who had it at a mobile unit, or in a ‘satellite’ unit or at home.

What:  Researchers based in Bristol are planning a research study to evaluate the potential of receiving chemotherapy closer to home instead of in hospital.  Closer to home can mean attending a mobile chemotherapy unit; going to a ‘satellite’ unit, for example, based in a GP’s surgery; or receiving it at home.

There will be an initial meeting to find out more about the study and help researchers to consider patient perspectives in the design of the study.

Following the initial meeting there will be the opportunity for up to 4 patients to be involved on an ongoing basis on the project’s Steering Group which will meet in Bristol.  There may also be other opportunities to be involved in the study from time to time.  The Steering Group will be developing a bid for research funding, and if the study is funded it will be conducted over two years.

When and where:  Wednesday 29^th March at 12.00 midday till 2.00 pm including lunch in central Bristol.

Further information:  We offer a £20 voucher and expenses to cover your travel for the initial meeting.  We will also offer payment for involvement in the Steering Group.

If you are interested or would like more information email Penny Whiting  Penny.Whiting@bristol.ac.uk by Friday 24^th March.  If you get in touch it would be helpful if you could tell us where you had your chemotherapy (in hospital, a mobile unit etc.) and when you had it – so that we can include people with a range of different experiences.

Closing date: Friday 24th March 2017.

This research is taking place at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) West.  The West of England area includes Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire.

For: People with experience of involvement in studies, but this is not essential.

What:  ASCRIBED (Acute Systemic and CeRebrospinal fluid Injury and inflammation Biomarkers in Exacerbation of Dementia) study, funded by ARUK, with Prof Chris Fox CI for this study. In ASCRIBED we are seeking blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples along with information from patients and carers which will be analysed to assess markers of blood and brain inflammation and to explore links between inflammation and changes in cognitive impairment.

At present, we are in the process of setting up an independent oversight group and we would like to recruit two PPI/lay members to assist in the oversight of the study.

When and where: Meetings of the group will take place bi-annually in central London (travel costs covered) and be approx. 2 hours in length. We can cover travel and subsistence for meeting attendance.  Our first meeting is due to take place late-March, early-April 2017.

More info: Living with dementia expert ASCRIBED ISSG v0.1 24.01.2017 (1)

If after reading the role outline you are interested in applying, please contact:

Dr Simon P Hammond  Email:s.hammond@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 591460   Mobile: 07761666006

Programme Manager and Research Fellow
Norwich Medical School
University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich. NR4 7TJ.

Web: www.perfected.ac.uk

For: People aged 14-24 who are interested in metal health.

What: The McPin Foundation is setting up a new project to explore what the important questions are for the research into young people’s mental health.

Click here for more information

Who: We are inviting people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) with Parkinson’s and those close to them to join a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group that is helping to improve services in the region.

What: The PPI Group for Parkinson’s and other Movement Disorders in BNSSG meets regularly to represent all those affected by Parkinson’s Disease and ensure they are engaged in the process of developing services, education and research in the NHS.

We are a core part of the Health Integration Team for Parkinson’s and Other Movement Disorders (MOVE-HIT). More information about the team is available here: www.bristolhealthpartners.org.uk/health-integration-teams/parkinsons-and-other-movement-disorders-hit/

Involvement in the PPI group is likely to include:

• Attending meetings, where we typically address topics such as: different aspects of Parkinson’s services (e.g. diagnosis, advanced treatment); development of the MOVE–HIT website and other communication materials about services in the region; research developments and provision of education (both for patients and clinicians)
• Contributing to specific MOVE-HIT work-streams: attending working groups, commenting on proposals etc.
• Helping to scrutinise the work of the MOVE-HIT

When & where: We meet at the Bristol Brain Centre at Southmead Hospital, four times a year. Meetings last 2 hours and we can cover travel expenses and a small fee for your attendance.

More information: If you are interested in taking part, or want more information, please email oliver.watson@bristol.ac.uk

For: People interested in being involved in a Patient Led Assessment.

What: ‘PLACE is an annual snapshot that gives organisations a clear picture of how their environment is seen by those using it, and how they can improve it.’

We are holding our Patient Led Assessment of the Care Environment (PLACE) at our hospitals again this year.   There will be six separate assessments held between February and June at our hospitals:

• Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
• Bristol Royal Infirmary
• Bristol Eye Hospital
• BHOC
• St Michaels Hospital
• South Bristol Community Hospital

You can take part in one assessment or up to six assessments.

The assessment teams include:  governors, patients, public, volunteers, carers and Healthwatch.

As a result of last year’s patient led assessments £160,000 was allocated to improvements identified by the assessment teams, so you do make a difference.

When: Between February and June 2017, we don’t know exact dates yet as we are only informed within a few weeks notice by the Health and Social Care Information Centre.  The assessments are held in the day time and last between 3-4 hours.

More information & to apply: If you are interested in taking part in the assessments, please contact me, Maria Fox, phone 0117 3423427, email maria.fox@uhbristol.nhs.uk, providing your name and contact details (email and telephone).

Also, in preparation for the assessments, we are holding a workshop to enable you to find out more about:

• The assessment process on the day
• How your input is included and how it’s taken forward in the Trust
• About the subjects of the assessment ie food, dementia, disability, privacy & dignity, cleaning and the environment

The details are:

Date:	Tuesday 31 January 2017
Time:	2 pm to 4 pm
Venue:	Tutorial Room 1UH Bristol Education and Research CentreUpper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8AE

If you would like to attend the workshop please contact me Maria Fox, phone 0117 3423427, email maria.fox@uhbristol.nhs.uk

For: People with experience of stroke affecting the arm.

What:  We are applying to the Stroke Association for funding to carry out a study which will test whether information from advanced MRI scans can predict how well people recover after stroke affecting the function of one or both arms.  We are looking for a small group (up to 6) of people with experience of stroke affecting the arm to meet with us so we can ensure that the patient documentation is understandable and clear for patients who will take part in the study, and also collect your views on how we are going to run the study.

When and where: This will involve an initial meeting  on Thursday 2^nd March starting at 10am to 11.30 am at Southmead. We will provide you with a non-cash transferable Love-to-Shop voucher to thank you for your time and to cover any out-of-pocket  expenses.

More info: If  you would be interested in being involved, please either email or call Sharon Nolan, Patient and Public Involvement Manager,

Email: sharon.nolan@nbt.nhs.uk.,  Tel: 0117 41 49337

For: People with experience of public involvement and some understanding of the wider health and social care systems.  You might have experience of involvement in research, of helping to improve health services, or of involvement in commissioning.

What: People in Health West of England is setting up this new panel to help researchers at NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West think about public and patient perspectives on projects focused on system wide issues in health and social care, rather than on particular health conditions and treatments.  For example, this includes projects to reduce unnecessary investigations or treatments and projects to improve patient safety.  The role is to act as a ‘critical friend’ and to provide a thoughtful and informed public perspective.

When: An induction and selection session for the role will be held on Tuesday 28^th February 2017 from 5.30-7.30 pm in central Bristol.  Working on the panel will mean coming to meetings in the early evening about 4-6 times a year.  You will be offered payment and expenses for the work you do.

More information in Word format: 

short-information-about-health-systems-panel-vs-3

public-contributor-role-profile-health-systems-panel-vs-6

expectations-and-confidentiality

More information in PDF format:

Short information about health systems panel vs 3 Public Contributor role profile health systems panel vs 6

Public Contributor Appication and Equality Form Health Systems Panel vs 3

Expectations and confidentiality

Or email kim.thomas@nihr.ac.uk 

To apply: Please download and complete the application form –

public-contributor-appication-and-equality-form-health-systems-panel-vs-3

Send the completed application to: Rosie Davies, Research Fellow (Patient and Public Involvement), NIHR CLAHRC West by email or post.  Email: rosemary3.davies@uwe.ac.uk  Post: NIHR CLAHRC West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT

Closing date: Thursday 16th February 2017.

For: Anyone would who would like to take part.

What: During the latter part of 2016, Research & Innovation at North Bristol NHS Trust underwent a wide consultation exercise to develop a five year research strategy that will cement NBT at the forefront of UK research.

Our Vision is to improve patient health through world-class research.
Our Mission to lead ground-breaking research and work with our partners to improve the health of the nation.  Embed a culture of research excellence throughout the Trust delivered by a highly skilled knowledgeable workforce. Make research everyone’s business. 

Please take a look and let us know what you think.

https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/research-innovation/our-research/our-mission-strategy/2017-2021-draft-research-strategy

Closing date: The team would like your views on the draft Strategy by the 17th February.

Contact details: Research & Innovation, North Bristol NHS Trust, Floor 3 Learning & Research building, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym,
Bristol, BS10 5NB

Telephone: 0117 4149330
Fax: 0117 4149329
Email: research@nbt.nhs.uk

For: Women aged 18-70 who experience recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

What: Attendance at a 2 hour discussion group to help with the design of a future trial studying the possible use of pribiotics in reducing UTIs (no prior knowledge required – all will be explained at the beginning of the focus group).

When:  January 2017 – date to be arranged (but before 19th January).

Where: Bristol, venue to be arranged

Expenses: Reimbursement of travel costs, and light refreshments will also be provided.

More info and to apply: Please email lorna.duncan@bristol.ac.uk or phone 0117 3314561.

Closing date:  18th January 2017.

optimal-probiotics-poster

For: People who have some understanding or interest in evaluation.

What: Two public contributors are being sought for the West of England Evaluation Strategy Group.  Meetings take place in Bristol.

When: A selection process ‘to be confirmed’ will take place on Monday 12^th December

The role: Two public contributors are being sought for the West of England Evaluation Strategy Group. We are looking for individuals with an interest in evaluation in health, and an interest in working at a strategic level.  Further details are described in the PPI role description.  Previous public contribution to the group have included:

• reviewing draft guidelines for ‘PPI contribution to evaluation’
• participation on the working group for planning the event ‘Principles of Pragmatic Evaluation’
• facilitation of table discussions at the ‘Principles of Pragmatic Evaluation’ event.

This is an ideal opportunity to find out more about how the health sector works and support activities leading to its improvement. Fees of £20.57 per hour will be paid as well as out of pocket expenses.

More information: Please refer to the role-description-weesg or contact Jo Bangoura on j.bangoura@nhs.net.

To apply: Please complete the application form below and return it to kim.thomas@nihr.ac.uk

Closing date:  Monday 5th December 2016.

public-contributor-application-and-equality-form-v9

The role description refers to PHWE policy document – code-of-conduct-for-public-contributors

For: People with a particular interest in Dementia.  This could be a person who has a diagnosis of dementia or someone who has a family member with dementia or is their carer.

What: The role is for a research steering group member.  The role of the Group is to advise on the development and co-ordination of the research activities conducted during HOMEWARD and to act as a ‘critical friend’.

The Study Steering Group will provide advice, information and guidance to the Study Management Group on the planning, delivery, evaluation and dissemination aspects of the project.  The diverse range of personal and professional experience from the Group members will be important to the successful delivery of the research.

When:  There will be 2 meetings over the period of one year at 6 monthly intervals.  The first meeting is 30th November 2016, 2-4 pm.

Where: University of the West of England, Glenside Campus, Bristol. Teleconferencing can be made available should this be helpful.

Expenses: Payment and reimbursement of travel costs will be made.

More info and to apply: Please email Janet Bradling janet2.brandling@uwe.ac.uk or phone 0117 3284569

plain-english-summary-homeward

study-steering-group-terms-of-reference-version-ppi-v1-0-23-06-2016

For: People who experience psychosis and the people close to them.

What: The Psychosis Health Integration Team is looking for a Peer Director to join our leadership team and help to improve services for people with psychosis in Bristol.  Through research, education and service improvement work, together we will shape progress in psychosis services, support and treatment.

We want the perspectives of people who experience psychosis and the people close to them to be at the heart of our work.

More info: Psychosis HIT Peer Director Role Description

To apply: Please send a short CV (max. 2 pages) and covering letter about why you wish to take on the role (max. 250 words) to oliver.watson@bristol.ac.uk

Closing date:  12 noon on Thursday 17 November 2016.

Are you a mental health service user or carer?
Would you like to complete a questionnaire designed to improve
service user and carer involvement in mental health services?
We would like to invite secondary care* mental health service
users and carers to help us develop a new questionnaire to
measure user and carer involvement in physical health care
planning in mental health services.  All participants will receive a gift voucher for taking part.

More information:  Please contact us before the 1st December 2016.
The research team can answer any questions you may have and discuss the
project in more detail with you to help you make a decision about
participating:
Helen Brooks, tel: 0161 306 7784, mob:07552007535, email:
Helen.brooks@manchester.ac.uk
You can also find an online version of the survey on this website:
https://survey.ls.manchester.ac.uk/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=76MH9o36

* Secondary care mental health services help people who are diagnosed with severe or
enduring mental health issues under a care plan

Who: We are looking for adults living in and around Bristol to participate in focus groups to inform new studies investigating treatments for burn injury. We are looking for participants from any of the following groups:

• Any adult aged 18+ who is able to read and review written study materials (e.g. study information sheet).
• Adults (18+) with experience of a burn injury that has required hospital inpatient or outpatient treatment.
• Parents of children aged with a burn injury that has required hospital inpatient or outpatient treatment.

What: Focus groups are being held to review and provide input about the information and consent materials for new studies being carried out in Bristol this year and in 2017. One study will use patients’ tissue from discarded dressings to look at the effectiveness of a new dressing technology to detect infection in burn wounds. The second study aims to look at changing the amount of fluid that patients with larger burns receive, and will involve delaying consent until after the patient has received the treatment if they are too unwell to give informed consent at the time. We wish to talk to patients and parents about their understanding of delayed consent and their views on it. Focus groups will last no more than 60 minutes.

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Southmead hospital are regional centres for the treatment of burns. There is a lot of new and exciting research being carried out within these hospitals to inform and improve the care of patients with a burn injury. There will be an opportunity for interested participants to join a standing patient reference group to provide input into other burn research studies.

When and where: Groups will be held on various dates between September and December 2016. Interested individuals will be asked to indicate availability for a number of dates once they have contacted the co-ordinator. Focus groups will be held at the Education and Research Centre, opposite Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8AE

Reimbursement: Participants will receive £10 high street voucher for participation in a focus group.

Closing date: December 2016

For more information: Please contact Dr Anna Davies(Mon-Thurs) anna.davies@bristol.ac.uk, 0117 3427020 or Lauren Bratby (Wed-Fri)  lauren.bratby@uhbristol.nhs.uk) 0117 342 7017

For: Members of the public, including patients and potential patients, carers, and people who use health and social care services.  No previous experience of being part of an advisory group is necessary.

What: INVOLVE Co-ordinating Centre has an important national advisory role in promoting and supporting the advancement of public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. We have vacancies for three new public members on our Advisory Group. This is the Group (non-executive) which guides and advises our employee team about goals for the Coordinating Centre, and the best methods for involving the public and patients in its work. We are looking for members who share our belief that for research to best meet the needs of patients and to improve health and wellbeing, it must involve the public (including patients and carers) at all stages of its development.

When: A commitment of approximately 8-24 days per year to the work of the Advisory Group (including travel).  This includes two Advisory Group meetings per year, usually held in London on a working day.

Click here for more information and to download an application form

Closing date: Thursday 27th October at 12 noon.

Depression is an important health problem. It has been estimated that between 4 and 10% of adults are likely to experience major depression in their lifetime. Depression is commonly treated using a combination of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and anti-depressants. However, treatment should also take in to account people’s individual needs and preferences. Unfortunately, there is little guidance available on how this should be done.

What: We are currently writing a research funding bid which will  compare the benefits of the standard therapy for depression, CBT to a more collaborative approach which gives people a choice between a range of therapies.

Who: We would like to involve people with experience of depression  in developing the funding application. We are therefore running an involvement meeting which will be held in central Bristol.  Anyone with experience of depression is welcome.

When: Wednesday 2nd of November 2016, 5.30-7.00 pm.

More information: If you are interested in attending or would like to find out more please contact Andy Gibson andy.gibson@uwe.ac.uk at the University of the West of England, or kim.thomas@nihr.ac.uk

Closing date: Monday 31^st October.

Who: For anyone interested.  No previous experience of health research or involvement is an advantage.

What: This opportunity is with People in Health West of England (PHWE).  We are a public involvement team which aims to increase the public voice in health research and evidence based service improvement.  PHWE is supported by a number of organisations including the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West or NIHR CLAHRC West.

We want to make sure that short summaries of research findings are accessible to anyone and that the most important messages come across clearly.  We are setting up a new review panel to help researchers at NIHR CLAHRC West write plain English summaries of what we found out in our research studies.  The job is to provide a non-specialist and outsider’s feedback on the wording of draft summaries.  All you need is an interest in health research and good communication and to be able to write clearly.  We want to recruit 5 or 6 people with diverse backgrounds for the panel.

When: If you apply you will be invited to attend one induction and training session on Tuesday 8^th November from 5.30-8.00 pm in central Bristol.  At this session we will tell you more about the job, introduce you to the work of NIHR CLAHRC West and the kind of health research studies we do.  We will also work on some draft summaries and give you some useful information on writing in plain English.

How it will work: If you become a member of our review panel you will receive draft summaries by email and provide written feedback on how to improve the wording within an agreed time scale.  We anticipate about 30 reviews a year.  We will ask two panel members to review each one – so you don’t need to do them all!  You will be offered payment and travel expenses for the initial induction and training session and payment for each review you do.

More information: If you are interested have a look at the role description and fill in the short application form.  Please don’t be put off by the paperwork, we just need to find out a bit about you.

Public contributor role profile plain English summaries-final

Public contributor application and equality form plain English summaries final

 

Closing date: Send your completed application form by Friday 21^st October 2016 to:

Rosie Davies, Research Fellow (Patient and Public Involvement), NIHR CLAHRC West by email or post.  Email: Rosemary3.Davies@uwe.ac.uk.  Postal address: NIHR CLAHRC West, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol BS1 2NT

Thank you for your interest in our work.

Any health service needs to understand the people it serves and good organisations do this as a matter of course. With this understanding we can deliver care that is safe, effective and that is experienced positively.

This autumn, we are looking to recruit 6 patients to join us in our second “patients and doctors as partners in learning” initiative. The initiative brings together patients and junior doctors in small group conversations, to share their personal experiences of care at UH Bristol and explore what really matters to patients about the relationship they have with their doctor. The conversations are facilitated, last for about 90 minutes and are part of the on-going training and support we offer to our doctors.

If you are passionate about quality in health care and are willing to share your experience to drive improvement please register your interest in taking part with nicholas.harper@UHBristol.nhs.uk 

Time:  Meeting at 2.30pm for a 3.00pm start ending at 4.30pmWhen: Wednesday 12th October and 26th October 2016Where: Education and Research Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8AE

patients-and-doctors-as-partners-in-learning

Nick Harper is a Postgraduate Education Fellow at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

Men and Diabetes Advisory Group – can you help?

Did you know:

• Men are 34% more likely to have diabetes than women.
• In 2014, men had nearly twice the number of deaths from diabetes in the 15-64 age range compared to women
• The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed diabetes amongst men is increasing fast – from 2.9% to 7.1% between 1994 and 2014.
• Men from African, African Caribbean, South Asian or Chinese descent are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a younger age,
• 69.6% of people with diabetes presenting with foot ulcers are men, compared to 55.7% of men in the diabetes population as a whole.

Can you help us do something about this?

We’re particularly interested in hearing from:

• researchers and practitioners in the area of diabetes prevention, treatment and care
• men living with diabetes

to help shape our work in this area. If you can help, or even if you just want to know more, please email diabetes@menshealthforum.org.uk and we’ll get back to you.

What: A new drive to find local residents to become Bristol’s first Healthcare Change Makers is underway.

Bristol Community Health, North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust have joined forces as part of a new approach to boosting the voice of local people in the way their services are planned and delivered.

Sixteen Healthcare Change Makers are being recruited with the aim that they will represent all communities in the city as part of a new group to influence and shape hospital and community services.  Volunteers are being offered professional training in advocacy, problem solving, presentation skills and negotiation in return for attending four to six meetings a year and representing their local communities.  Expenses for travel and caring responsibilities will be paid.

Healthcare Change Makers Project Co-ordinator Nick Dean said:

“Bristol’s hospitals and community services are making a real step change in the way that we involve our patients and users in planning and adapting our services.

“Our Healthcare Change Makers might have ideas from their experiences of being in hospital or caring for someone at home.  It could be views on anything ranging from visiting hours to transport links or on topics from the national health agenda.

“If anyone has enthusiasm, drive and commitment about their local healthcare, with great ideas and a willingness to collaborate we’d love to hear from them.  We can offer free professional training and the chance to be part of a new opportunity to influence senior decision-makers and shape healthcare in Bristol.”

Director of Centre for Patient Leadership and Senior Consultant at The King’s Fund Mark Doughty said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested to join a nationally recognised programme and become part of a team getting involved in the future of local healthcare in Bristol”

Two information sessions are available for anyone who wants to know more or who needs help in filling application forms.    They are:

When and where:  Monday 26^th September 12.30 – 2pm at The Vassall Centre, Fishponds; and

Tuesday 27^th September 6 – 7.30pm at The Future Inn, Cabot Circus

For more information and to register:  Please visit  www.briscomhealth.org.uk

Who: We are looking for adults living in and around Bristol to inform a study investigating a possible new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. We are looking for participants from the following groups:

• Any adult who is aged 55 and above with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease who is able to read and review written study materials (e.g. study information sheet).
• A family member or carer of someone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease who is able to read and review written study materials (e.g. study information sheet).

What: We are asking people to review and provide input about the information and consent materials for the study.  Study material can be sent/emailed to individuals to be reviewed. A member of the study team will then arrange a meeting to discuss the material at a mutually convenient time and location. Overall this should take around 2 hours

Reimbursement: Participants will receive a £30 high street voucher.

Closing date: 30^th September 2016

For more information: Please contact Clare Clement on 01179 28 7272 or email: c.clement@bristol.ac.uk

For: People with experience of working with West of England Academic Health Science Network.

What: The aim of this important survey is to provide the opportunity to feedback on you and your organisation’s experience of working with West of England AHSN. This information will be used to understand how West of England AHSN can most effectively service those who it collaborates with and how it can best deliver its organisational goals. With more and more people using technology, we are looking to develop high quality online/phone applications to support therapists and make treatment more accessible for those who use the service.  We would like to hear from people who have used our service to help us make decisions about some of the work we do by becoming a member of our Patient Forum.

Where and When: Online survey is easy to complete and will take around 10 minutes to complete.

Click here for more information and to go to the survey.

Closing date: Friday 16th September 2016.

People in Health West of England would like to find out more about your learning and development needs for public involvement.  This includes needs for training workshops, for informal support or mentoring, or opportunities to find out more about good practice.  We’d like to hear from you if you are a member of the public who’d like to get involved, or if you are already contributing as a patient, service user or carer.  We also want to hear from researchers, health professionals and other staff who organise and facilitate involvement because we want to meet your needs too.

The short questionnaire provides information for the Learning and Development Group at People in Health West of England.  You can fill it in online or use a word document which you can email or print by Friday 16th September 2016.  Click on the links below:

• Online questionnaire link: http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/65W8R/
• Word version of the questionnaire – Learning and development needs questionnaire summer 2016

The Learning and Development group provide training workshops on involvement, plus support and networking opportunities for public contributors and staff organising involvement activities.  More information about the workshops we provide and a report on the work of the Learning and Development Group is available on the training page http://www.phwe.org.uk/training/

We really appreciate your help and we will use your responses to think about how to improve our learning and development programme for People in Health West of England.  If you know someone else who might interested and be willing to fill in our survey please will you let them know.

Rosie Davies, Research Fellow (Patient and Public Involvement) and chair of the Learning and Development Group.

The questions in the survey were developed by Dr Claire Ballinger and colleagues at NIHR CLAHRC Wessex and it was used by the Research Design Service (RDS) South Central and others to carry out a brief scoping study of learning and development needs as part of the national NIHR PPI learning and development working group which reported in 2015. 

For: Patients, carers, and anyone interested in health.

What: The West of England Academic Health Science Network ‘s Design Together, Live Better project is looking for people to test ideas to improve the lives of people with long-term conditions. The Musical Memory Box and Intelligent Sounds are two designs looking for citizen involvement.

Click here for more info

What: We recently asked members of our Involvement Network to comment on the Trust’s Carers Policy – Carers as Patners in Care.  We wanted to make sure we were up to date and that our approach to working with carers as partners in care reflects the needs of carers.

As part of this process, a number of people have expressed an interest in joining a discussion about the Carers Policy with Carole Tookey, the Head of Nursing for Medicine, who is responsible for developing the policy.  

When and when: Tuesday 13^thSeptember 2016 between 3.30 and 5pm and will be held in the meeting Room on Level C of St Michael’s Hospital which is in Southwell Street just off St Michael’s Hill. Level C is the ground floor and staff at the reception desk will be pleased to show you the way to the room.

For more information and to apply: There are still some places left. If you would like to take part please email tony.watkin@uhbristol.nhs.uk or phone Tony on 0117 3423729

Do you want to help improve psychological services in primary care?

For: People with experience of depression and/or anxiety who have accessed primary care psychology services (i.e. Bristol Wellbeing Therapies (formerly LIFT) or other IAPT services).

What: With more and more people using technology, we are looking to develop high quality online/phone applications to support therapists and make treatment more accessible for those who use the service.  We would like to hear from people who have used our service to help us make decisions about some of the work we do by becoming a member of our Patient Forum.

Where and When: We expect to hold the forum 3/4 times per year in central Bristol during the early evening.  There will be some other Health Integration Team (HIT) meetings the forum member would attend to represent the views of the forum.

Reimbursement: Out of pocket expenses such as travel will be paid (current government allowable rate for a car is 45p/mile).

For more information and how to apply:  Please read the expression of interest form below, fill in the box on the final page and return to Katie Egan by email- katieegan@nhs.net or post Katie Egan, Bristol Wellbeing Therapies, Lawrence Weston Clinic, Ridingleaze, Bristol, BS11 0QE

Expression of interest in DAP forum InPsyTe HIT_DK RC MB AF

Closing date: 12th September 2016

For: People aged between 18-30 years old, or the parent of a child aged 5 or over, and interested in improving access to health services in Bristol.

What:  The Care Forum wants to talk to people from these groups about how they access Urgent Care.

When and where: Focus groups will take place on Tuesday 6th September, 10-11.30 am. at The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, BS16 2QQ.

Reimbursement: We will provide tea and biscuits, and a £10 voucher for all participants.

To register your interest: Please contact katestrong@thecareforum.org.uk

Closing date: Monday 22nd August 2016

University of Bristol, Centre for Academic Primary Care

Who: We are looking for older adults (60+) and/or their carers, living in and around Bristol to join our research advisory group. We need ‘experts with lived experience’ in managing long-term conditions with different medicines.

What: We would like your views on issues around taking lots of different medications. We want to find ways to help GPs manage patients on different medications. We hope that this will lead to better and safer prescribing for patients and less wastage of medicines. You would be an advisor, not a subject of research.

When and where: We start the research in September. Please contact the research coordinator so they can tell you the timescale and potential dates for the advisory group meetings. Meetings will be held at Bristol University, Canynge Hall, Whatley Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PY.

Meetings: We are working on a number of related projects that we would need your advice on; we may need up to 6 meetings in total of between 1 – 2 hours. (We understand that life is busy and sometimes you won’t be able to attend – we just ask you come for as many as you can).

Reimbursement: Advisors will receive £20 high street vouchers for coming to meetings and we have a small budget for local travel expenses.

Closing date: Wednesday 31st August

For more information: Please contact Catherine Jameson via email catherine.jameson@bristol.ac.uk or telephone Monday to Thursday on 0117 92 87237

For:  This on-going project is reaching its final stage and we are looking for one or two public and patient members to take part in a workshop.

What:  This is a project funded by the UK Evaluation Society with the aim of producing a set of guidelines for PPI in evaluation. To date we have conducted a survey of over 100 people, held a first workshop and reviewed existing guidelines in research and produced a draft based on the findings of the first workshop, survey and on existing guidelines. As someone who has experience or a strong interest in PPI and evaluation, we would like to invite you to the second and final workshop to finalise the guidelines.

The purpose of this final workshop is to:

• Work co-productively
• Get consensus (not revisiting or re-writing)
• Agree on wording
• Agree on format and design

By the end of the workshop we aim to have a finished product.

All participants in this workshop will be members of the public and patients.

On confirmation of your attendance we will send you a copy of the draft guidelines to help you prepare for the workshop.

Travel expenses will be reimbursed to the value of £4.00 (the equivalent to the First Bus Bristol Inner Day Ticket – please keep your receipt). We will provide refreshments throughout the morning, but please feel free to bring your own lunch. As a thank-you we are pleased to be able to offer you a £20 high street voucher.

When and where:  Wednesday 31^st August 2016, 10am-1pm, at South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NX

How to apply:  To register your interest please contact Dani Sapsford on Danielle.Sapsford@bristolccg.nhs.uk

Closing Date: 26th August 2016

What: The developing Bristol Partnership for the Advancement of Stroke Prevention and Care (Stroke Health Integration Team (HIT)) is looking for people to join the Stroke Project Group and Citizens’ Advisory Group to help design regional services for stroke prevention and care.  Group meetings take place in Bristol (reasonable travel expenses can be paid if people come from further afield).

For:  We are looking for people with direct experience of stroke, either through experiencing stroke themselves or through caring for someone living with the effects of stroke.

Stroke HIT Information and Application Form (Word document)

More information:  Commitment will be onoing.  If you are interested please complete the above application form and return to mike.bell@bristol.ac.uk

Closing date: 16th August 2016

For: People aged between 16 and 25 with experience of mental health services.

What: The Service User Research Enterprise (SURE) based at Kings College London is looking for new members to join the Young People’s Mental Health Advisory Group meetings by

• Helping mental health researchers with their projects
• Testing new mental health apps and websites
• Attending and speaking at mental health conferences
• Planning events and encouraging other young people to get involved

When: Meetings take place every 8 weeks, with expenses and payments covered, training provided

Where: London

If you are interested: Please contact lisa.doughty@kcl.ac.uk / 0207 8480423

What is an Expert by Experience? An Expert by Experience is someone who takes part in Care Quality Commission Inspections to help the inspector find out about the quality of a service.  Because Experts have first hand experience of services, they often have great insight and know what questions to ask people.

Is this you?  We want to hear from people who have used – or have a family member who has used – health and/or social care services within the past 5 years.  Get in touch with us if you have this experience and would like to get involved in the inspection of health and care services.

You will receive: Offer of a full package of support including training, payment and ongoing support.

More information: Phone 07876 158276, email kate.mercer@katemercer-training.com or visit http://www.katemercer-training.com/experts-by-experience/

Closing date: Ongoing opportunity

What: Currently seeking to recruit a Patient and Public Voice (PPV) partner to sit on the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG).

CPAG is a non-executive and independently-chaired advisory committee, established by the Board to make recommendations to NHS England about which new treatments, services and technologies should be prioritised for inclusion in prescribed specialised services routine commissioning and could be funded by potential discretionary spend within the annual Specialised Commissioning budget allocation.

PPV representation will play an advisory role and constructively challenge to help CPAG to make decisions that reflect the interests of the population. The PPV partner would be expected to operate at a Non-Executive Director skill level.

For:  People who have previous experience of giving a public, patient or carer perspective on health services and a strong commitment to maintaining a patient focus in the commissioning of health services. The expected time commitment is around 30 days per year, and the initial contract is for one year.

Travel expenses and other appropriate out-of-pocket expenses are payable, in addition to an honorarium of £75 per half day or £150 per full day for those people not representing or supported by an organisation.

Please click here for more information and online application form 

Closing date: 3rd August 2016, with interviews to beheld on 11th August

What: University Hospitals Bristol is committed to including and supporting carers as partners in the delivery of safe, effective quality care in the hospital setting.  We want to make sure we are up to date and that our approach to working with carers as partners in care reflects the needs of carers. To help us, we are asking you to take part in a review of our approach.

When and where: The review will take place between June and September 2016.  You can tell us what you think about our approach by commenting on the existing strategy and/or by joining us for a discussion about it.

Closing date: Please send your comments and ideas to  the email below by Monday 8^th August 2016.  After this date your feedback will be collated and themed in preparation for a discussion in September.

For more information: Please see UHB Carers Strategy 2013 V5

How to contact me: Please send me your feedback and let me know if you would like to come to the discussion meeting by contacting me:

By email to:     tony.watkin@uhbristol.nhs.uk

By post to:       Tony Watkin, Patient and Public Involvement Lead,         UH Bristol Trust Headquarters, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NU

By phone: 0117 342 3729 – there is an answer phone on this line.

For: People with dementia in South Gloucestershire

What: The Alzheimer’s Society is looking for people to join their Service User Review Panel, which will meet monthly and respond to both local and national requests to consider relevant issues, such as how to ensure local services are dementia friendly.

Details: The panel meets for 1.5 hours on a Tuesday afternoon in Downend, Bristol, and is facilitated by a Dementia Support Worker from the Alzheimer’s Society. Refreshments are available and there are plenty of opportunities to take a break if needed. Any carers providing transport to the group are asked to come back at the end of the meeting when they will be given a summary of what has been discussed, and the next meeting date will be confirmed.

Closing date and more info: This is an ongoing opportunity.  For information and date of next meeting contact Suzi Brooke-Davies Tel. 0117 9610693

Public contributors are being sought by the West of England Genomic Medicine Centre (WEGMC), part of the three-year project, launched by the Prime Minister, to transform diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer and rare diseases. We require two people with the relevant experience and skills to participate in the Rare Diseases Clinical Oversight Group, providing the public voice and ensuring the design and implementation of the services meet the needs of patients, their families and their carers. Interviews will be held in Bristol on a date to be arranged.

More information:  Public Contributor role profile_GMC_RD_COG_July2016v2   If you would like to know more about the project, please contact Catherine Carpenter-Clawson, Programme Manager, West of England Genomic Medicine Centre on 07732 561067 or email catherine.carpenter-clawson@nbt.nhs.uk

How to apply: Completed application and equality form to be sent to enquiries@phwe.org.uk

 Public Contributor Application and Equality Form

Closing Date: Monday 8th August 2016

What: A University of the West of England (Bristol)  research project looking at people’s views on blood donation, umbilical cord blood donation, stem cell research and red blood cells grown in the laboratory.

The project is an exciting opportunity to shed light on this under-researched area.

For:  People with a blood disorder/s who are interested in taking part in a focus group discussion.

When and Where: It would involve an approximate 90-minute focus group discussion in the Bristol area with 4-8 other people with blood disorders.  We will cover any travelling expenses and will provide refreshments.

More information:  If you are interested in taking part please contact the researcher, Rachel Hale, directly on rachel.hale@uwe.ac.uk for more information. We will then do our best to contact you and arrange the focus groups.

190116 Patient Focus group PIS

Closing date: 26th July 2016

Public contributors are being sought by the West of England Genomic Medicine Centre (WEGMC), part of the three-year project, launched by the Prime Minister, to transform diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer and rare diseases. We require two people with the relevant experience and skills to participate in the Cancer Clinical Oversight Group, providing the public voice and ensuring the design and implementation of the services meet the needs of patients, their families and their carers. Interviews will be held in Bristol on Thursday 4^th August between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

More information:  Public Contributor role profile_GMC_COG_Mch2016   If you would like to know more about the project, please contact Catherine Carpenter-Clawson, Programme Manager, West of England Genomic Medicine Centre on 07732 561067 or email catherine.carpenter-clawson@nbt.nhs.uk

How to apply: Completed application and equality form to be sent to enquiries@phwe.org.uk

 Public Contributor Application and Equality Form

Closing Date: Monday 25th July 2016

What:  We are running a survey on plain language summaries of diagnostic (systematic) reviews. We are working with Cochrane to develop guidance on how best to summarise and explain in simple language the results of these reviews.

Diagnostic tests, for example blood tests, X-rays and colonoscopies, are used to help detect diseases. Scientific studies evaluate how accurate these tests are, and diagnostic reviews summarise the evidence from all of these studies. They are therefore important for assessing whether a diagnostic test is effective in medical practice. Users of diagnostic tests need to be able to easily understand the results of diagnostic reviews.

For:  We’re looking for a wide range of potential users such as members of the public, health professionals, commissioners and journalists to look at a sample of a plain language summary of a diagnostic review and provide some feedback on its structure and how easy it is to understand. We would like to ask you to take 15 to 30 minutes to share your input before 20 July.

Your responses to the questions in this survey will help to develop guidance for people writing plain language summaries, which will be refined over several rounds of the surveys. If you choose to leave your contact details, you may be invited to participate in a later round of the survey.

How to participate:  Click here to participate in the online survey

Closing date: 20th July 2016

For: People over 18 who currently use or recently used local pain services.

What: The Integrated Pain Management Health Integration Team (IPM HIT) is asking for your help.  They want to consult with adults who currently use or recently used local pain services to find their priorities for improving services in Bristol and Bath.

Pain HIT Patient Forum revised leaflet April 2016

We will also be looking for people to get involved with the team on a more regular and paid basis.

When: 14th July 2016, 1:30pm until 3:30pm.

More info and booking: Please contact Mike Bell by email mike.bell@bristol.ac.uk or by telephone 0117 342 1249

What:  To be an active member of the Questionnaire, Interview and Survey Group and support Bristol Community Health staff.

For:  We’re looking for someone who is passionate about making surveys, research proposals or other involvement work accessible to and meaningful for the general public.

When and Where: A hourly meeting held monthly at South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NX

More information:  QIS Role profile template v2

Apply to: Matthew Areskog on 0117 900 2638, or email mathew.areskog@briscomhealth.nhs.uk

Closing Date: Friday 15th July 2016

For:  Women who are pregnant or who are thinking about pregnancy and suffer with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

What: A Focus Group being run by members of the maternity team, Southmead Hospital.  They will share with your their idea to keep this condition under control and gather your views and thoughts about it.

Did you know that IBD is one of the most common bowel diseases in pregnancy and affects 1 in 300 pregnant women?  It is especially important for pregnant women to keep this condition under control with medication as if the disease is active or ‘flares up; there is an increased risk of having a baby early (less than 37 weeks) or a baby that is smaller than expected, which can lead to complications.

When and where: Southmead Hospital on the 24th June between 2-3pm, and the 29th June between 6-7pm.  You can come along to either one.

If you are interested: Please contact Dr Christy Burden email: mdycb@bristol.ac.uk for more information, or call her on 07843273562

For:  Anyone affected by cancer and who would like to join the National Cancer Research Institute Clinical Studies Groups.

What: The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) is a UK-wide partnership between government, charity and industry, which promotes co-operation in cancer research among its 18 member organisations for the benefit of patients, the public and the scientific community. The NCRI collaborates closely with the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Cancer (NIHR CRN Cancer) on a range of issues that directly impact on the quality and management of cancer research; this includes recruitment, training and support for patient and carer members of the 19 NCRI Clinical Studies Groups (CSGs) and support for the activities of the Consumer Forum. NCRI involves patients, carers and others affected by cancer in activities wherever appropriate. This consumer involvement is closely linked to the NIHR CRN programme for Patient and Public involvement (PPI).

We are looking to recruit new consumers affected by cancer to join the NCRI CSGs. Each CSG meets at least twice a year and a number of the Groups have Subgroups and/or Working Parties, which meet in the intervals between the main Group meetings. Many of the Groups also host national clinical trials meetings of between 100 and 250 delegates. Consumer members participate in all aspects of the CSGs activities and are expected to provide written updates for each CSG meeting. CSG consumers also have membership of the NCRI Consumer Forum.
We are currently seeking consumer members for the following CSGs:

• Head and neck
• Prostate
• Skin
• Teenage and Young Adults
• Upper GI

Further information and to apply: Please visit the NCRI page www.ncri.org.uk/2016-ncri-consumer-recruitment

All interviews will take place on Monday 4^th, Tuesday 5^th and Wednesday 6^th July 2016

If you have any questions regarding this consumer recruitment round, please contact Natalie Salhov on 020 3469 8600.

Closing date: Monday 6th June 2016, 5pm

 

 

For:  People with experience of, and passion for, effective public involvement.

What: The Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre is home to five research programmes that fund a range of health, public health and social care research studieshttp://www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/ .  The centre is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) http://www.nihr.ac.uk/.

The Public Involvement Virtual Involvement Network (PIVIN) will act to support the public involvement operational and research work of the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC).  It will be involved in public involvement projects under the PPI (Public and Patient Involvement) Framework, a framework that provides the strategic approach for PPI across the organisation.

When and where: The group will meet face-to-face for an induction day in Southampton and then meet annually in London.  Dates to be advised.

How to apply: For further information and to apply please visit our website   Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held by telephone.

Closing date: 5pm Friday 3^rd June 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

For: People who have a new or long standing musculoskeletal problem who would be interested in helping researchers from the University of the West of England.

What: Participating in a single group discussion.

More info: PPI for MSK frontline practitioner project 28042016

How to apply: Please contact Serena Halls on 0117 3287802 or e-mail serena.halls@uwe.ac.uk

Closing date: 3rd June 2016

For:

• Members of the public
• Blood donors
• People with a blood disorder
• Expectant mothers

What: Invitation to participate in a 90 minute one off focus group discussion (with 5-8 other people).  There are several different focus groups looking for people’s views on blood donation, umbilical cord blood donation, stem cell research and red blood cells grown in the laboratory.  Travelling expenses will be paid and refreshments provided.

When: Before the end of May (date to be arranged)

Where: Bristol

If you are interested: Please contact rachel.hale@uwe.co.uk

For: Members of the public who use a pharmacy.

What: Invitation to participate in a focus group with other service users to discuss your experiences and perceptions of pharmacists.  You will be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses such as travel costs.

When: Middle of May (either 16/17/18th, but exact date to be confirmed)

Where: University Hospitals Bristol Education and Research Centre (opposite the BRI/Children’s Hospital)

If you are interested: Please contact Helen Ireland, email: helen.ireland@uhbristol.nhs.uk or phone 07929 654 626

Letter invite to service users

Professionalism_study_-_participant_information_leaflet_-_service user 1.3.16 

For: Patient or lay advisers, partners or representatives with some experience of clinical trials, especially surgical trials

What: A group interview (called a ‘focus group’) to help develop a patient and public involvement (PPI) intervention for surgical trials. Participants will receive a £20 gift voucher and reimbursement of travel expenses.

Where: Choice of Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford or Aberdeen

When: Between March and May 2016, depending on respondent’ availability

More info: http://www.situ.ox.ac.uk/develop/patient-and-public-involvement/pirrist

Questions: Email pirrist@phc.ox.ac.uk

For: Members of the public–see individual opportunities for details

What: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is seeking new members for several panels, including the South West Regional Advisory Panel for the ‘Research for Patient Benefit’ programme.

Click here for more info

For: People living with dementia and their carers.

What: An interview with Nina Evans in their own homes together about how they manage routines and reminders, and give their views on the subject of calendars and diaries.

When: To be arranged.  The full visit will not take longer than 90 minutes.

Where: The interview with Nina Evans will take place at home.

A £25 voucher to acknowledge participation will be given to each pair of participants.

Closing date and more information: Nina Evans will finish recruiting for personal interviews at the end of May.

More information, Nina Evans (ninaevans@designability.org.uk), Tel: 01225 824 103

For: People living with dementia and their carers.

What:  Trial a new cushion for people living with later stage dementia and requires the carer to facilitate and report on the experience of the cushion.

When: To be arranged.

Where: At a place convenient for the carer and person living with dementia, this could be at home or a local centre or at Designability, Bath.

Although there is no payment, participants can keep the cushion.

Closing date and more information: Nina Evans will finish recruiting at the end of April, or when all available cushions are allocated if sooner.

Contact Nina Evans who can then tell you more about the trial and answer any questions you have. If you decide you would like to find out more Nina Evans will arrange to meet with you and show you the cushions so you can decide if it is suitable for your situation, she will do a short interview and explain how best you can record your evaluation experience using materials Designability will provide.

More information, Nina Evans (ninaevans@designability.org.uk), Tel: 01225 824 103

For: People who are 18+ with a history of a psychotic disorder and who are current Bristol Mental Health service users, or have been in the past 18 months.

What: A key development in understanding what causes schizophrenia is the increasing recognition that extremely stressful or traumatic experiences may play an important role in the development of hallucinations and delusions in some individuals. A substantial majority of individuals with schizophrenia report a history of a traumatic experience, particularly interpersonal violence, during their lifetime. Furthermore, whilst studies suggest that many individuals with schizophrenia also meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on screening, this is often not recognised in routine clinical settings. For some individuals it is therefore plausible that the hallucinations and delusions they experience are related to inadequately processed memories from earlier traumatic experiences.

We (Researchers from the University of Bristol and AWP) want to conduct a study to determine how common PTSD is in individuals with a psychotic disorder, and how frequently this is undetected in clinical services locally. This is important because increasing detection of PTSD is potentially an opportunity to improve outcomes for people with psychosis because effective psychological therapies for PTSD exist.

This study will also help to inform us in the development of a randomised controlled trial to test a PTSD-based psychological therapy in people with a psychotic disorder.

We are keen to hear from people who believe that their psychotic disorder might be related to highly stressful experiences earlier in their life and who would be willing to dedicate some time to talk to us about this, as well as to advise us on how best to approach this topic with service users within AWP. We are willing to reimburse individuals for their time and any travel expenses incurred.

If you are interested in this study and want to hear more about the project please contact Dr Michelle Phillips on 0117 3314016 or email: michelle.phillips6@nhs.net. All information will be kept confidential.

The Dementia Health Integration Team Patient and Public Involvement Facilitator role requires a considerable degree of personal confidence, initiative, independent working and networking with multiple agencies.  Please see the job description for the aims and objectives, roles and responsibilities.

This post is available for 7.5 hours per week for up to 10 months.  Please note this job is not open on a job share basis.  You will work alongside the Dementia HIT co-lead Directors for PPI Lorna Robertson and Paula Shears, and liaise closely with the Dementia HIT coordinator Dr Jude Hancock.

Click here for further information about the Dementia HIT

How to apply: Please complete the Expression of Interest form, and send this with a copy of your CV with a cover letter to Dr Jude Hancock (jhancock1@nhs.net)

Dementia HIT PPI facilitator role (Apr16)

PPI Expression of Interest form_Apr2016

 

Closing date: 5pm on Thursday 12^th May

Please note: Interviews will be held on the morning of Wednesday 18^th May 2016 at Alzheimer’s Society, Suite A – first floor, Verona House, Filwood Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3RY. (Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/BranchWebsites/bristol/).  You must be available to attend an interview on this date. As part of this interview you will be required to give a 5 minute presentation answering the question ‘What is your experience of interacting and engaging with people affected by dementia?’ Please note, this should not be a powerpoint presentation.

What: Local researchers would like to recruit three or four women to help them plan how best to share new research findings about the effects of drinking low levels of alcohol during pregnancy.  The Department of Health has recently published revised guidance on alcohol consumption see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-alcohol-guidelines-show-increased-risk-of-cancer.  The Bristol study is a comprehensive review of the evidence that supports this guidance.  We are planning to run an event in Bristol to raise awareness of the guidelines and to promote understanding of what we know and don’t know about the effects of alcohol on pregnant women and their children.

For: Women who are pregnant or want to have a baby and have an interest in promoting guidance on alcohol consumption during pregnancy.  We would like to involve women with different experiences and from different communities.

More information: We are currently planning to hold an event in July or September 2016 and there will be two or three planning meetings from May 2016.  We will meet in central Bristol or on Whiteladies Road.  Each meeting will last about 2 hours, and you will also be invited to any events we run.  We offer payment for your time and travel expenses.

If you are interested: please contact Rosie Davies email: rosemary3.davies@uwe.ac.uk or on 0117 342 1248 by Tuesday 3^rd May 2016.  Everyone who gets in touch will be invited to a meeting to find out more and decide who will be involved.  This meeting will be held on Monday 16^th May from 11.00-12.30 am in central Bristol.   It will last about an hour and a half with refreshments.

Alcohol in pregnancy Flier  (PDF document)

For: People with lived experience of STROKE

What: The Bristol Partnership for the Advancement of Stroke Prevention and Care (Stroke Health Integration Team [HIT] in development) is asking for your help.  They are holding an event to consult with people with lived experience of STROKE to find their priorities for improving STROKE prevention and care across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area, and to see who would be interested in more long term involvement with the HIT.  Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed (please get a receipt if using a taxi or bring your ticket if using public transport).  Payment up to £20 per hour can be paid for a carer/helper to attend with you if you would like to bring one.  Please ask them to bring their bank account details on the day.

Where: Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol, BS16 2QQ (places to be booked in advance)

When: Friday 22nd April 2016, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

More info and to book a place: If you want to attend or would like more information email mike.bell@bristol.ac.uk or phone Mike on 0117 3421249

STROKE Prevention and Care Programme

For: People who have personal experience, either as a service user or carer, of the impact of tardive dyskinesia.  The research is particularly looking at the impact on people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia but we know other people, such as people with bipolar might also be affected and they are most welcome to attend also if they would like to contribute to this piece of work.

What: Tardive dyskinesia is an involuntary movement that causes the face, mouth, tongue and jaw to convulse, spasm and grimace.  It is caused by long-term or high-dose of antipsychotic drugs, is difficult to treat and can be long lasting.  The McPin Foundation is holding a consultation looking at tardive dyskinesia and the outcomes of treatment that are important to people affected by this particular medication side effect.  The consultation will be led by the Cochrane Schizoprenia Group and will focus on whether the current research into tardive dyskinesia is evaluating outcomes that most matter to people affected and, if not, what outcomes should research be focusing on.

Where: The McPin Foundation, 32-36 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EH

When: 12.30 – 3.30 pm. on Friday 15th April 2016.  Lunch will be provided.  Attendees will receive £50 in payment and all reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

More info: Phone Carla on 0207 9227875 or Megan on 0207 9227874

We are excited to offer an opportunity to join the leadership team of the newly formed Psychosis Health Integration Team (HIT).

The Psychosis HIT aims to hear the voices of people who experience psychosis, their families and carers, and those of staff in mental health services and other settings, in order to improve services across the city.

The Peer Director is an essential role that will offer crucial perspective of users and carers within the leadership team.

The role could be shared between two people if preferable.

The Peer Director would be supported by the other directors and Patient and Public Involvement  mentor, Mike Bell.

More info: Peer Director Psychosis Health Integration Team  If you are interested in applying email sarah.sullivan@bristol.ac.uk or simon.downer@bristol.ac.uk

Closing date: 22nd April 2016, 4 p.m.

For: Carers of people living with dementia.

What:  To attend one hour and a half session with Dr Hazel Boyd to talk about how everyday tasks can be broken down in to steps that will make really useful prompts.

When: To be arranged.

Where: The interview with Dr Hazel Boyd will take place at Designability, Bath or a location convenient to you.

A £20 voucher to acknowledge involvement and cover expenses will be received.

Closing date and more information: Dr Hazel Boyd will finish recruiting at the end of April.

The Sequencing project is being led by Dr Hazel Boyd (hazelboyd@designability.org.uk) , Tel: 01225 824 103.

More information, http://www.designability.org.uk/researchproject/task-sequencing-for-people-living-with-dementia/

For: People who have experience of being a patient and or a carer

What: With basic information from the facilitator to participate in discussions with the panel. Light reading will be needed for agenda items. We appreciate that people come to each panel session, as various interlinking topics will be covered.

When, where and more info: Health data consultation

How to apply: Provide expression of interest with a short half page email or word document on their understanding of NHS and Care Data. We also look forward to a list of three things, you would like to see changed, in terms of NHS and Care Data processing and utility.   Email info@thewellbeingpartnership.org.uk

 

Please also provide your name, email and telephone number so we can contact you if successful.

Closing date: 15th May 2016, with participants informed for the 12th May

People in Health West of England (PHWE) is a unique initiative promoting innovative and effective public involvement in research and evidence-based service improvement. From its inception People in Health West of England has been co-chaired by a public contributor Cathy Rice and a professional Nicky Williams. Nicky who was Deputy Director of Research and Innovation at North Bristol Trust has now moved on to take up the role of National Director for Support and Delivery of Health and Social Care Research in Wales. We would therefore like to recruit another professional to play the crucial leadership role Nicky has played around public involvement. As well as meeting our needs for a professional co-chair this is an exciting professional development opportunity for the right person.

More information: PHWE Strategy Group – Professional Co-chair Invitation and Role Description   If after reading the invitation and role description, you would like to find out more contact David Evans, Academic Lead for the project David9.Evans@uwe.ac.uk or telephone 0117 328 8750

Closing date:  Expressions of interest outlining what you would bring to the role along with a brief CV (one page maximum) should be sent by Monday 2^nd May 2016 to Kim.Thomas@nihr.ac.uk

The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP)’s  Research and Development Department have an opportunity for any service user, carer or member of the public to join their Committee.

Service users and carers bring a unique and essential perspective; and AWP are looking for people who will attend meetings and contribute to the decisions Research and Development make.  AWP are committed to keeping service users and carers at the heart of their strategy and need representatives who have a passion for contributing to their research endeavour.

When:  1.5 hour meeting every three months

Where: In person, Bristol, venues confirmed in advance before each meeting

Payment: £10/hour  plus travel expenses

If you’re interested, please complete the Expression of Interest form that can be found by clicking the link below.

Click here for more information

For: Patients or members of the public

What: To involve patients and the public in developing App ideas, and get ideas about how they can engage patients and the public in the research

Where: Tutorial Room 3, UHBristol Education Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS28AE (places to be booked in advance)

When: Tuesday 22nd March, 6-7 pm

More info: Happy App Lay Summary and PPI   Email stephanie.smith-clarke@uhbristol.nhs.uk if you are interested in attending

The System Leadership team is working with Otsuka Health Solutions on a project called Joining the Dots.  The project aims to enable staff and service users to work together, on computer tools, to make better use of data and information and to co-produce important aspects of their care plans.

Work on the design of this project will continue over the coming months.  Service user and carer input into this project is essential to make this project a success.

Service users and carers  are now being recruited onto the team.  The project will run to the end of March 2016.

The project contains four project groups for which we will be seeking members.  Project group members will be paid an allowance for their time of £12.00 per hour plus reasonable travel expenses (in line with AWP expenses policy).

For:  Someone who is either a current service user (patient) or carer for someone who uses Bristol Mental Health services, or has been a service user or carer within the last 18 months.

Meetings: Will be held monthly, on weekday afternoons, lasting 2 hours.

How to apply:  Please email bhavna.mistry3@nhs.net or telephone Tracy Clack on 0117 354 6202 to request an application pack, check eligibility, or for any other questions.

About the process: At the present time there will be no closing date for recruiting into these roles.  Instead we will be undertaking a rolling programme of recruitment.  Please apply as soon as you are able.

After applications are received service users and carers will be invited to an informal chat in order to discuss the roles.  This will be followed by a decision being made on the candidate’s suitability.  Please note that there will be a service user or carer on the interview panel.

Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be given feedback (if wanted) on their applications, within 3 days of the interview.

We would like to start gathering your views as soon as we are able so please apply as soon as you are able.

For: One member of the public who may have a problem with gambling, or a history of gambling problems.
What: The Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol is looking for a member of the public to join their project advisory committee for a study which is exploring the issue of gambling and problems with gambling. You do not need to have had any experience of involvement with a research project before, but we are particularly keen to make sure that the committee includes someone who has personally experienced problems with their own gambling.
Details: We would ask you to attend and contribute to the project advisory committee which meets once every 2-3 months, for no more than 3 hours, from February 2016 until December 2016. Meetings will be held during the day in the Clifton area of Bristol. There may also be a small amount of reading and work to do between meetings. We can offer £75 day rate for the meetings you attend, and we can also cover travel costs.
More info: Email sean.cowlishaw@bristol.ac.uk or Tel 0117 3314515.

The NIHR Dissemination Centre helps NHS clinicians, commissioners and patients to make informed decisions about which treatments and practices are most effective in health care, social care and public health.

The Centre’s next Highlight – a research evidence digest – will be focussing on talking therapies for depression. It will present the NIHR’s latest evidence on the value of talking therapies of different types. It will explore how useful talking therapies may be to treat depression, either as an alternative to medication or combined with it.  Two volunteers are needed to help with the production of this edition, one with experience of talking therapies only, the other who has had both medication and talking therapy. The Centre team would like to interview volunteers by telephone before the end of January and will then agree with each volunteer the way in which their experience of treatment will be presented on the website.  The interview and any follow up contact should take no more than an hour.  The Dissemination Centre offers an honorarium payment of £25 for this.

You can see an example of how patient experience was presented in the Centre’s most recent Highlight:

http://www.dc.nihr.ac.uk/blog/psychological-support-is-key-to-my-ability-to-lose-weight

If you would like to take part in this project please contact Alison Ford at the NIHR Dissemination Centre: E mail A.R.Ford@soton.ac.uk or call Alison on 023 8059 7435. All discussion with Alison will be in complete confidence.

The RUBICON HIT is working together to improve advice and support for parents and patients, and to improve antibiotic use in the treatment of respiratory infections and is seeking a lay person to join the leadership/management team of the HIT.

The role would require attendance at four meetings (±2hrs) of the management/leadership team per year and the post holder would be expected to contribute towards the reviewing and setting of priorities for the HIT as well as helping to monitor the work of the HIT projects.  Support for the successful applicant is available from Bristol Health Partners.

Clinical knowledge is not necessary but an interest in the work of the HIT is.

Payment is available.

For more information or to apply, contact Christie Cabral by email: christie.cabral@bristol.ac.uk or telephone: 0117 3314569

The APPHLE HIT is working together to improve health and activity in later life and is recruiting an older person to join the leadership/management team of the HIT.

The role would require attendance at four meetings (±2hrs) of the management/leadership team per year and the post holder would be expected to contribute towards the reviewing and setting of priorities for the HIT as well as helping to monitor the work of the HIT projects.  Support for the successful applicant is available from Bristol Health Partners.

Payment is available.

For more information or to apply, contact Selena Gray (selena.gray@uwe.ac.uk)