Any public health professionals about?

[daisydalrymple]

I'm considering undertaking a public health msc, with a view to returning to work at some point in the next few years. I took a career break from the nhs 4 years ago, and have since had dc3, soon to turn 1. To return back to the NHS and hope to get back to a band 7, or at least a 6 eventually, I know I would need to update my skills/ knowledge.

Public health and health promotion is an area that's always appealed to me, and I'd be really interested to hear from anybody working in this field and the specific detail of your job, as I appreciate it covers such a wide area, so the more variety the better really.

(My most recent post was in clinical governance and research, but I have covered a few different areas - non-clinical).
Many thanks, if there is anybody around!

[Roger007]

Public health, as you may already be aware, has moved from health to local authority control. I sense a growth in requirement so it may not be a bad career choice. A Masters in PH is the key currency but a call to your local PH office to ask for some advice may be well received. Good luck!

[daisydalrymple]

Many thanks roger007, I didn't know it was with the LA now in England, as here in Wales it's still a shared service within the NHS. Yes, good idea about contacting the service locally, as I worked with a number of the team, a few of whom are still around.

Do you currently work in PH? I'm trying to get a flavour for the variety of different jobs there are. Locally the most advertised ones are the priority areas of smoking cessation, alcohol and mental health awareness. I'd be keen to hear what PH practitioners cover in their jobs.

[Fermin]

Sorry to not help with your original question but I've an interview for Clinical Governance Facilitator on Monday and I'm really keen to nail it as I think it looks really interesting. I've previously worked in entirely different industry. Any tips or things to bear in mind?

[Roger007]

Not a practitioner so can't help further I'm afraid.

[AimUnder]

Have you looked into the public health consultant training programme?

[daisydalrymple]

fermin apologies for the delay, it's been dc3's birthday, so I've only just seen your message. I've pm'd you about the clinical governance role, good luck!

Thanks roger and aim