RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

World Hand Hygiene Day is taking place on 5 May, this year. With the topic high on the agenda, this month, Victor Adendorff explores the importance of hand hygiene and its challenges, and argues that to improve patient outcomes and the wellbeing of healthcare professionals, a step-change in hand hygiene strategy is required.

Daniel Collins warns that a lack of standardisation in the decontamination of endoscopes has led to varying standards at hospitals across the UK. He calls for a change of approach 
to reduce variation in standards and to ensure effective endoscope reprocessing.

Steve Bishop discusses the important role of steam quality in decontamination and tackles some key questions, including: how can we solve the ‘trilemma’ of service resilience, improved quality and decarbonisation challenges?

Challenging questions in decontamination, were high on the agenda at DAS 2024, including: ‘how can we safeguard the next generation of competent decontamination staff?’ Louise Frampton provides an overview of some of the key highlights.

Collaboration and partnerships are increasing, and the field of endoscopy is no exception. PENTAX Medical and UV Smart have joined forces to address the evolving demands 
of the sector, including the need for greener endoscopy.

An ageing population, tight labour markets, the ergonomic strain on employees, rising healthcare costs and sustainability goals are forcing hospitals to rethink the design 
of processes in the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). Robotic wrapping 
of medical instrument trays can contribute to a solution for these challenges, 
according to Mariska van der Vliet and Niels Welling

A recent study day, hosted by the Central Sterilising Club, focused on the theme ‘Dare 
to Defy the Dogma’, with the aim of challenging the ‘thinking and norms’ within the infection prevention and decontamination sectors. Louise Frampton reports.

According to a recent National Audit Office (NAO) report, the NHS is not making the 
most of its spending power to save money in purchasing medical equipment 
and consumables. It has continued to spend more than £3 billion outside 
NHS Supply Chain, its purpose-built procurement route.

As the healthcare sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, sterile services departments are debating the relative advantages of flexible sterile wrap versus reusable rigid containers. Choosing a sterile barrier system is a major decision and can only be made after weighing all the relevant factors. Karina Engels provides an insight into the key considerations.

This month, ‘Martha’s Rule’ is being rolled out in hospitals across England, enabling patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.

Following the success of previous events, Knowlex is further looking at expanding 
the horizons of infection prevention and control (IPC) at the Infection Prevention and Control Conference, scheduled for April 23 - 24, at The National Conference Centre in Birmingham.

Operating theatres are known to be particularly energy intensive and one key initiative to reduce their carbon footprint is through adopting a circular economy approach, which includes the use of reusable surgical instrumentation. While this can cut costs at a time when resources are overstretched, it must not come at the cost of patient safety. In this article, Daniel Coole highlights the need for education on surgical instruments.

The next Government will be tasked with tackling the major challenges faced by the NHS – from staff shortages, strikes over pay and huge waiting lists, to increasing demand from an ageing and increasingly obese population, health inequalities, and a crisis in social care. Recent major reports have outlined the priorities for future leaders. CSJ provides an overview of their key findings.

Future Surgery recently cast a light on bullying, discrimination, and sexual misconduct in the NHS, and discussed the efforts required to foster an inclusive culture to support staff wellbeing. Louise Frampton reports.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS considers the challenges around delivering ‘better integrated care’ and explains the frameworks and strategies that seek to focus on 
prevention, better outcomes and reducing health inequalities.

Training of decontamination staff is vital for patient safety, but can also have other key benefits – including boosting morale and enhancing the overall performance of the department.

Last year, the Nuffield Trust warned that the domestic training pipeline for clinical careers is ‘unfit for purpose’ – with too many staff dropping out of training and leaving their NHS careers. Now, the Royal College of Nursing is highlighting issues with recruitment too.

New research, presented at a major cardiology congress, is set to inform best practice in cardiovascular care, with the aim of improving outcomes and reducing mortality. The Clinical Services Journal highlights some key findings.

A report published by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) previously highlighted the dangers of incorrect patient information. Sean Kelly & Dan Johnston argue that establishing a digital identity strategy for clinicians, devices and patients will usher in a safer and more efficient workflow.

Gerry Lacey discusses the changes in emphasis that are being driven in the US by the Leapfrog Group Hand Hygiene Standard and the lessons that can be learned in the UK