NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN): North East & North Cumbria (NENC) Opportunity
25 January 2024
An exciting opportunity to help develop research opportunities in Primary Care Optometry across the Northeast and North Cumbria has become available. You’d be working as part of a team alongside the Yorkshire and Humber Optometry representative who is already in post. The LOCs also anticipate that your role will involve keeping the LOCs informed to help disseminate relevant information to the wider network.
The mission of NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) is to improve the health & well-being of the nation through research. There are 15 across England and 2 fall within the North East &Yorkshire.
Traditionally research is hospital-based: this narrows the demographics of subjects & the wider community can be unaware. The aspiration is to have a more community focus, making involvement in research more accessible and convenient.
The NIHR CRN NENC is pleased to offer the opportunity to apply for the Community Optometry Research Champion role.
The Community Optometry Research Champion will work with the Ophthalmology and Primary Care Specialty Groups to drive the agenda for Optical research within the community across NENC. The role will also require working closely with the National Ophthalmology Specialty Group and champions from other regions to drive the national agenda.
Please let us know if you want more information regarding the role.
Expressions of interest in the form of a CV and a brief supporting statement should be submitted to Rachel Arkle (rachel.arkle@nhs.net) no later than 5pm on Monday 29th January 2024.
Please note an email confirming the successful receipt of expressions of interest will be sent.
Informal interviews will be held with the Specialty Group Lead and Research Delivery Manager for Ophthalmology.
Durham LOC Latest News
Change of Date for Next Meeting
Our next committee meeting will now be Tuesday 8th April at 6.45pm via Zoom. One day later than planned. As always, observers are welcome, please contact us if you would like a link to join.
1 April 2025
Funding for Higher Qualifications
There is still some funding available for Higher Qualifications for practitioners working within the NENC ICB footprint for 50% of their working week. All relevant information was sent out to our mailing list a few weeks ago. Funding is limited, so apply ASAP if you are interested.
9 March 2025
Primary Care Workforce Strategy
The Primary Care Collaborative is being supported by the NECS to help develop a Primary Care Workforce Strategy. We would really love to understand how our workforce feels, this really short questionnaire has been designed to help us try and gauge the feelings of those who work with us across the North East and Cumbria. …
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18 February 2025
Job Vacancies
A reminder that we are happy to advertise jobs via the LOC website. Please email details in any time if you have a vacancy you want advertising.
5 February 2025
Durham LOC AGM Save the Date
Advance notice that our AGM date is set for Wednesday 4th June 2025. As usual it will include relevant area updates, a CPD session and is a great way to network with local practitioners! We look forward to seeing you there.
13 January 2025
County Durham Sensory Support Team
Did you know Durham County Council have a sensory support team for people with vision (and hearing) impairment? Further information is available via the “Patients” section of the website.
9 November 2024
September Committee Meeting Update
We had a really thought provoking committee meeting last night (23rd September) with lots of discussion regarding changes that could be happening with referral processes in our area. We are here to be the voice of our members (that’s you if you are GOS performer/contractor in our area) and would sincerely welcome more input from …
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24 September 2024
Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Service Update
Some updated points on the DES Service following our AGM: R0 patients will now be on 2 year recall with DES R2/R3/M1 cases found in practice to be referred to Diabetic Clinic at HES (not DES) DES will include OCT from approx October 2024 Queries following an eye test of a diabetic patient (eg image/scan …
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13 June 2024
Notice of Durham LOC AGM
Notification of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Durham LOC will be held on Wednesday 15th May 2024 at Ramside Hall Hotel (Durham) at 6.00pm. In addition to the AGM, we will be providing CPD via peer review. The Agenda for the AGM, Chair’s report, Treasurer’s report and registration details will follow …
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28 March 2024
Information on Glaucoma Referrals
We have been contacted by the ICB regarding missing information from referrals for suspected glaucoma. Please make sure your referrals include relevant information, specifically: 1. If the patient has a family history of glaucoma, please record this on the referral letter. 2. If the patient has been referred previously querying glaucoma, please record …
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7 March 2024