Maximising the use of digital technology in respiratory education and training

Frances Barrett BSc Hons (first Class) Respiratory, RN, Long Term Conditions Diplomas, Level 4 teaching certificate, CPR, Defibrillation, first aid at work trainer and NIAS Community First Responder trainer and volunteer.
Frances has worked as a long-term conditions’ nurse specialist in General Practice for over 15 years, the lead a community based pulmonary rehabilitation pilot.
She is an Associate Lecturer in both the UU and QUB on the specialist practice.
Frances partnered with a colleague Carole McGrath to create their own training and mentorship company “Barrett & McGrath Education and Mentoring Services Ltd. offering bespoke education, training, facilitation and mentorship to General Practice and beyond. Frances piloted a Respiratory diagnostic and assessment hub in Belfast which attracted significant interest from across the province and a number of similar Hubs have been established on the back of this pilot.
She is on the PCRS SDC & ARG

Charles is the Head of Faculty Technical Learning & Support in the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Science (FEHHS). Since joining the University of Greenwich in November of 2019, he has been instrumental in the redevelopment of the world class simulation facilities at Avery Hill and with colleagues in Health Sciences to launch GLASC, The Greenwich Learning and Simulation Centre, of which he is Technical Director. Charles is a leading in simulation in healthcare nationally and international, having started work in this field in the early days of simulation at the GAPS Centre, St.George's Hospital and later moving on to develop the Weston SaIL Centre (Simulation and Interactive Learning Centre) at King's College London. With over 22 years’ experience in Surgical/Clinical Skills and Simulation, running and developing medical and surgical courses across a wide range of clinical disciplines. Activities include the development of course and simulation material as well as developing live streaming events for online health programmes most notably King's Live with world leading endoscopist. FEHHS has continued with this innovation with Charles leading the design and delivery of an innovative Critical Care Simulation facility to ensure healthcare workforce skills in the critical care post covid, which was recently opened in October 2022

After beginning her career as a staff nurse on an acute respiratory and high dependency ward, Nicola developed a passion for respiratory medicine and went on to complete a Master's degree in Long Term Conditions. She then moved into specialist respiratory care as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, delivering pulmonary rehabilitation, supporting outpatient clinics and oxygen services, and providing expert advice to ward teams caring for patients with respiratory conditions.

Driven by a desire to intervene earlier in the patient pathway, improve outcomes and reduce avoidable hospital admissions, Nicola transitioned into primary care. She continues to work clinically alongside her role as a Senior Nurse Educator for the South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub, where she leads and supports the development of the primary care workforce through education, training and service improvement initiatives.

A Queen's Nurse and recognised respiratory leader, Nicola is passionate about improving respiratory care and reducing health inequalities. She provides respiratory education and supports service development across South Yorkshire through her work with the South Yorkshire Respiratory Network and as Chair of the South Yorkshire Respiratory Interest Group (SYRIG). She has served as a Respiratory Champion for Asthma + Lung UK and, until recently, was Clinical Lead for Children and Young People's Asthma, helping to drive improvements in asthma care and outcomes across the region.

Recognised nationally for her contribution to respiratory care, Nicola is a member of the Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) Executive Committee, where she contributes to the development of respiratory practice, education and policy across the UK. Through her regional and national roles, she supports healthcare professionals, champions best practice and helps shape respiratory services to improve patient outcomes.

Outside of work, Nicola enjoys keeping fit and active as well as being an avid reader.