Vale of Leven Scholarship Scheme

In commemoration of those who died as a result of the C. difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital

Published on: 02/03/2018

An opportunity has arisen for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in Scotland to apply for support for research activity that aims to make an improvement(s) to patient care in line with recommendations of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 2014.

The report consists of 75 recommendations covering the following broad areas:

  • National structures and systems
  • National policies and guidance
  • Changes in services/service re-organisation
  • Leadership and management
  • Communication and record-keeping
  • Clinical governance
  • Experiences of patients and relatives
  • Nursing care
  • Antibiotic prescribing
  • Medical care
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Death certification
  • Experiences of C. difficile infection

 

The Scholarship Scheme consists of three types of award:

  • Part-time Research Fellowship to undertake a small-scale research study. Funding is available up to the equivalent of NHS Band 6 0.5 WTE for 4 months.
  • Education and Travel Scholarship to fund travel out-with Scotland where there are opportunities to learn from others in areas raised within the VOLH Inquiry Report.
  • Implementation Science Scholarship to fund evidence-based implementation/improvement studies in areas of patient care identified in the VOLH Inquiry Report. Funding is available up to the equivalent of NHS Band 6 0.5 WTE for 4 months.

Successful applicants will be expected to share their findings, learning and best practice with their peers and across Scotland and this will be seen as an integral part of the award process.

Applicants must 

  • have previous research experience (Masters in Research, PhD, Clinical Doctorate, OR similar substantial research experience)
  • be currently employed by the NHS or an HEI in Scotland
  • have a supporting NHS or HEI prepared to administer and account for the funding received
  • be able to demonstrate their current availability of time for research. 

Registered NMAHPs living in Scotland but not currently employed by the NHS or an HEI may be considered if the necessary HEI/NHS supporting framework is in place prior to application.

Download the scholarship information in pdf format

Vale of Leven Scholarship Scheme Application form

The closing date for applications is 31st May, 2018.

For further information contact:
Dr Gaylor Hoskins | Email: gaylor.hoskins@stir.ac.uk | Tel: 01786 466429
or Karen Stanton | Email: karen.stanton@stir.ac.uk | Tel: 01786 466341