FEATURE ARTICLES

A major culture change will be required if the NHS is to deliver cost savings without compromising quality. In these tough economic times, the question arises: “Can Lord Darzi’s vision of ‘High Quality Care for All’ survive into the future?” LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Experts at Barts and The London NHS Trust are campaigning to raise awareness of the risk of unretrieved device fragments posed by poor quality surgical instruments, which can lead to infection, perforation or obstruction of blood vessels, and even death.

Professor McMahon speaks to LOUISE FRAMPTON about the importance of surgeon-led innovation and reveals how he transformed a novel idea, aimed at improving the safety of laparoscopic surgery, into an award-winning business.

Professor McMahon speaks to LOUISE FRAMPTON about the importance of surgeon-led innovation and reveals how he transformed a novel idea, aimed at improving the safety of laparoscopic surgery, into an award-winning business.

A panel of judges recently praised an ambitious project by the medical engineering team at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. LOUISE FRAMPTON provides an insight into the team’s achievements.

Anne Reed MSc Pg/Dip NDN RGN, a qualified nurse and solicitor, warned delegates of the legal implications of surgical site infection, at the Ethicon SSI Symposium 2010, in Birmingham.

A “smart” dressing is being developed in response to the problem of burns in young children, with the aim of providing quick detection of infection to ensure rapid intervention. SUSAN PEARSON reports.

There must be a focus on providing a culture in hospitals where it is safe for patients and staff to speak out, without fear, and where they will be heard, says KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS.

Recent developments at Barts and The London NHS Trust are expected to save lives by improving cardiac care. Investment in the latest state-of-the-art technology and rapid access to cardiology services are among the key components of the Trust’s strategy. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

In view of a recent Health and Safety Executive survey, revealing that work-related violence is increasing, The Clinical Services Journal examines the implications for hospitals and healthcare staff.

Specialist diabetes nurses from the FORUM FOR INJECTION TECHNIQUE are raising awareness of the importance of optimising glycaemic control. In this article, the Forum provides a preview of new UK recommendations.

HIS 2010 takes place every four years and is the major international conference focusing on infection control. From prevention strategies, epidemiology and surveillance, to decontamination and new technologies, the conference will examine the hottest topics affecting health organisations across the globe.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS, technical editor of The Clinical Services Journal, reviews significant items of healthcare sector news.

ZOË ELKINS, head of care at The Good Care Group, argues that fresh thought must be given to caring for individuals with dementia admitted to hospital.

A symposium, sponsored by Welch Allyn, recently discussed the latest developments in medical device technology, affecting the biomedical engineering sector, while celebrating the important contribution that biomedical engineers have to offer in improving efficiency, ensuring patient safety and delivering savings for Trusts. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

An audience of clinicians, anaesthetists, surgeons, biomedical scientists and transfusion practitioners recently assembled at the SHOT Symposium, held in Manchester, to hear the eagerly awaited findings and recommendations of the latest report on serious hazards in transfusion.

Some 3,000 neurologists recently gathered at the annual meeting of the European Neurological Society, held in Berlin, to discuss the latest research and advances in the field of neurology – including the development of a “brain-computer interface” to enable coma patients to communicate with the outside world. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

The results of the Care Quality Commission’s 2009 NHS Inpatient Survey show that significant progress has been achieved in a number of areas, with an increase in the number of people who rated their care as “excellent”.

The financial burden of SSIs on the health service could be greater than expected, as rigorous surveillance uncovers a much higher rate of infection. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Dr DANIEL IVENS, FRCP, consultant at the Marlborough Genitourinary Medicine Clinic, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, discusses the importance of forming strategic planning to encourage increased screening of young adults.