Parkinsons Nursing Service Specialist Nurse Band 7

Job details

• Branch: Southern HSC Trust area (SHSCT)
• Location: Lurgan Hosp-Main Building
• Directorate: Adult Community and Acute Services
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 01/10/26
• Closes: Thu, 15 October 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

Online and manual applications accepted. Important Information If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Parkinson’s Nursing Service-Specialist Nurse

BAND

HOURS

7

34 hrs

DIRECTORATE

Adult Community Services

INITIAL LOCATION

Ward 4 Lurgan Hospital-supporting delivery of a Trust-wide service

REPORTS TO

Parkinson’s Nursing Service Team Lead

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Head of Specialist Primary Care Services

JOB SUMMARY

The successful post holder will be required

To support the Parkinson’s Nursing Service (PNS) Team Lead, with the delivery of high-level care to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Demonstrating advanced professional competence in decision making and the management of clinical needs.

Provide assessment and treatment for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Work in partnership with the other Health Care professionals and organisations, including AHP’s, GP’s, Neurology and Geriatric Medicine colleagues and Parkinson’s UK Charity.

The overall aim of the PNS is to ensure patients living with Parkinson’s disease are managed effectively in Primary care and receive high quality, evidence based care. It provides specialist nursing services for patients living with Parkinson’s disease, using shared decision making and promoting self-management. It aims to raise public awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, promoting knowledge transfer with respect to Parkinson’s Disease to core nursing staff both within the Trust and Private sector.

The post holder will be required to work collaboratively with key stakeholders to provide specialist Parkinson’s nursing care to this patient group.

The post holder will support the Team Lead managing the PNS, including staff management and overall caseload management. Providing leadership to all staff, they will be involved with ongoing Quality Improvement projects and strive towards a culture of collective leadership and continuous improvement.

The post holder will provide clinical and educational support and professional leadership to health professionals involved in the delivery of evidence-based care to patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

The post holder will be contribute to the pursuit of excellence by developing quality initiatives in all aspects of the role.

Supporting the Team Lead, the post holder will ensure clinical practice within the team is safe, up to date and evidence based, ensuring the delivery of a high quality specialist service.

The Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist will be expected to encourage uniformity of practice throughout the Trust with the implementation of National and Regional Guidelines for practice and be actively involved in research and audit work relevant to Parkinson’s Disease.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL AND PRACTICE RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with key stakeholders, ensure referral pathways (including those where assessment is required) into the service are effective and utilise the most appropriate method of Information Technology.

Support Team Lead in the management of the Parkinson’s Nursing Team caseload, incorporating effective triage, waiting list management, discharge, onward referral and communication to other services.

Manage patients with Parkinson’s disease through the provision of detailed assessment, reviewing medication and prescribing medication via independent non-medical prescribing guidelines.

Be involved in discussion and provide opportunities for Advanced Care Planning for those living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Support Team Lead in the management of Parkinson’s Nursing clinics, telephone advice clinic and domiciliary visits, ensuring all clinical staff are providing effective treatment options, management programmes, support and education to patients/clients and relatives.

Ensure appropriate use of accommodation available to the service and ongoing review of same to ensure it is meeting the changing needs of the service.

Taking into account the needs of the service, organise and produce staff clinic rotas, ensuring appropriate skill mix of staff.

Provide Specialist Parkinson’s advice with regards to the management of Parkinson’s disease to other services within the Trust.

Undertake and co-ordinate joint assessments when required with other services. Forming and maintaining effective relationships with other relevant services, including those within Acute, Community and the Independent Sector (including Private Nursing Homes), with other Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Services throughout the region and beyond and with other Trust Specialist Primary Care Services.

1.9 Undertake and co-ordinate education and training sessions when required with other services.

1.10 Ensuring robust Governance arrangements are in place.

SERVICE IMPROVEMENT

Engage general practice staff, community and acute staff and users and carers in review of services and processes in practices and use appropriate quality improvement methods.

Maximise and use the capability of information technology resources to ensure effective management of patients in primary and community care.

Maximise the use of technology to support patient self-management.

Seek opportunity to continuously improve practitioner-led services within defined protocols, working closely with the primary and secondary care colleagues.

Demonstrate effectiveness and identify gaps in service delivery and areas for improvement.

Ensure information provided for patients and their carers is accurate, adheres to current guidelines, is timely and easily accessible and is in a format that enables easy application by all those involved in patient care.

Engage patients and / or carers in redesigning services and processes to support improved management for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

Promote ways of improving the understanding of Parkinson’s Nursing Service within the community.

Submit statistical information and professional reports accurately and promptly.

EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBLITIES

Identify training needs of others and facilitate the development of best practice that is evidence based in the clinical areas as relevant to the patient group.

Work with others, including Clinical Governance Team(s) to set up a regular sustainable Parkinson’s information, training and educational programme for all health professionals, including the dissemination and implementation of Parkinson’s Guidelines and have an extensive understanding of the evidence base of the pharmacological treatments available.

Work with Senior Nursing colleagues / Practice Development colleagues to develop an extended / expanding primary care practitioner’s role, providing a holistic approach to individuals including assessment, diagnosis, planning and implementation, practicing within agreed guidelines and protocols to deliver high quality patient services.

Encourage involvement of the patient and their carers’ in decision making to improve the understanding of their continence condition and its management, identifying their needs, providing education, support and monitoring.

PERSONAL / PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBLITIES

Build on and develop innovative and flexible approaches to care in primary and community care.

Actively contribute to developments within the Trust.

Adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s guidelines, policies and ‘Code of Professional Conduct: Standards for Conduct, Performance and Ethics’. And be individually accountable for meeting the NMC revalidation requirements.

Understand the role of the clinical supervisor within the Framework of Clinical Supervision.

Participate in professional supervision with Lead Nurse for Specialist Primary Care Services.

Participate in regular operational supervision with Team Lead for Parkinson’s Nursing Service.

Participate in yearly Appraisal conversation with Team Lead for Parkinson’s Nursing Service.

Ensure Corporate Mandatory Training and Role specific training is up to date. Attend all mandatory study days as agreed by Trust policy.

Undertake continuous professional development, maintain clinical competency and knowledge of emerging evidence and advances in clinical practice within continence care, ensuring that they are disseminated and shared with healthcare professionals and incorporated into the service delivered.

Support Team Lead on the provision of Evidence based Parkinson’s Disease care.

Review standards, policies and guidelines to improve own practice and that of others.

Provide effective clinical leadership to support and inspire colleagues to improve standards of care and promote continuous improvement in the management of Parkinson’s Disease.

Act as a resource within the Trust as a specialist advisor and for outside agencies as required.

Encourage and facilitate the sharing of ideas and examples of good practice.

Network with other nurse specialists in Parkinson’s Disease.

Keep accurate records, submit statistical returns and compile reports as required in accordance with the requirements of clinical governance and NMC requirements. Keep accurate clinical and staff records and ensure confidentiality of same.

Develop standards, policies and guidelines to improve own practice and that of others.

Participate in staff recruitment and development and induction programmes for newly appointed staff.

Facilitate and participate in team and Directorate meetings as required.

Communicate and deliver relevant information through regular Parkinson’s Nursing Service meetings.

Help support the implementation of an assurance framework which will identify and mitigate against risk (inclusive of clinical effectiveness, service delivery, information, and financial risks). Report to the Head of Service and Directorate Nurse Lead, any clinical and social care governance issues identified and controls assurances.

Lead on the completion and reporting of team Nursing Quality Indicators.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trust supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff:

Ensure yearly Appraisal is undertaken for all clinical staff. Review individually, at least annually, the performance of immediately subordinate staff, provides guidance on personal development requirements and advises on and initiates, where appropriate, further training.

In conjunction with staff identify individual and team role specific training needs and where required ensure competency based frameworks are in place.

Understand the concept of reflective supervision and act as a facilitator for supervision.

Complete all supervision data returns.

Undertake all relevant HR duties, including managing staff sickness and absence.

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.

Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making.

Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values.

RAISING CONCERNS – RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

Help support the co-ordination of the Trust’s PPI Strategy within the Division or other sphere of responsibility. This will include supporting active engagement with user groups and the voluntary and independent sectors in the design and delivery of services.

Promote and support the implementation of the Trust’s PPI Strategy and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities as appropriate to their job role.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

The HSC Code of Conduct for Employees sets out the standards of conduct expected of all staff in the Southern Health & Social Care Trust and outlines the standards of conduct and behaviours required during and after employment with the Trust. Professional staff are expected to also follow the code of conduct for their own professions.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

Smoke Free policy

IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the Trust’s policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, including full participation in KSF Development Reviews/appraisals, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

<September 2026>

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Parkinson’s Nursing Service -Specialist Nurse Band 7

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Adult Continence Service – Adult Community Services

SALARY

HOURS 34

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Hold a Professional qualification in Nursing and have 5 years post registration experience, 2 years of which as a Band 6 or above, working within a neuroscience setting.

Experience of delivering teaching programmes and being a resource to patients, carers and health care staff.

Experience of staff and/or service management.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

Registered Nurse on Part 1 of the NMC Register (Adult General Branch).

Health Assessment module, or willing to undertake same on appointment.

Qualification in Independent Non-Medical Prescribing (INMP) or be willing to undertake same on appointment.

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Excellent communication skills

Excellent leadership skills

Evidence of Continual Professional Development

Experience of data collection

Experience of quality improvement initiatives.

Ability to influence and manage change/ improvement in practice / service delivery.

Interview

Knowledge

Ability to take the lead in developing and providing specialist Nursing Advice and Support.

Excellent clinical knowledge on Parkinson’s Disease

Experience of assessing those with Parkinson’s Disease

Sound knowledge of current evidenced based practice in Parkinson’s Disease

Sound knowledge of current issues within the wider Health Service

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Qualifications

Accredited management qualification.

Accredited Neurology qualification.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants

may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.

are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times