FEATURE ARTICLES

KEN BATE, a Jehovah’s Witness and Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) member, talks to The Clinical Services Journal about the challenges that religious beliefs pose for healthcare professionals.

The Government has published some surprising findings on the risk factors that lead to variations in rates of hospital acquired MRSA. The link between high bed occupancy and infection rates has been weakened, but there are still significant regional differences and areas that cause concern. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

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

Sabi Khan, chief nursing officer at the Portland Hospital, London, talks to LOUISE FRAMPTON about the provision of patient-focused care, the growth of nurse-led services and the increasing use of interactive technology at the facility.

Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not having their condition diagnosed in the early stages and subsequently receive sub-standard care. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Access to stroke services has been described as a “postcode lottery” and many patients fail to receive life-saving rapid diagnosis and treatment. A new Government strategy hopes to improve outcomes and bring stroke services in line with those for cancer and heart disease. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

There is a lack of awareness and understanding among many clinicians of the role skin-dwelling bacteria have in the transmission of bloodstream infections. Evidence-based guidelines and the latest trials highlight a cost-effective solution. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS says that with pandemic flu it is not a case of “if” but “when”. Pre-planning for the eventuality is critical, she explains.

As the typical patient profile changes, trends in joint replacement surgery are placing increased demands on the NHS as well as the implants being used. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

An assessment of glove types and suppliers has resulted in significant savings at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Foundation Trust, according to clinical resources manager Gina Mackay. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

The rapid rise of health associated infections (HAIs) within hospitals has become a major cause of concern. Against this backdrop, The Clinical Services Journal reports on a recent study day on infection control issues, organised by the Schülke Forum.

Last year, 30,000 junior doctors competed for just 20,000 specialist training posts. The Government came under fire for failures in the recruitment process and for leaving junior doctors “disillusioned”. Reforms are now being urged as a result of an independent inquiry. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Wound dehiscence is an unwelcome post-operative complication and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, but advances in negative pressure wound therapy can improve outcomes. Clinical case studies reported by nursing professionals, in conjunction with TALLEY MEDICAL, demonstrate the improvements that can be achieved.

The Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme report for 2006 was published in November 2007 and is summarised in this article. The full report is available on the SHOT website or as a hard copy document from the SHOT office.

Measures taken within procurement services could be fundamental to achieving the Department of Health’s aims on patient safety. SHARON RODKIN, clinical consulting manager at Baxter Corporation, examines the evidence supporting a strategy of “purchasing for safety”.

LOUISE FRAMPTON examines current debate on whether the Government’s targets to improve quality and choice in maternity care can be achieved and the challenges being faced by those tasked with its delivery.

Two doctors developing a light treatment to cure cold sores claim they have discovered clinical benefits when using the infrared technology on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

ADRIENNE MONTGOMERY, a lecturer at the National University of Ireland, Galway, examines the potential risks of errors when administering drugs and offers guidance on prevention.

Ultrasound Doppler technology can help surgeons avoid litigation by providing quality assurance in vascular reconstructive procedures. Yet adoption in the UK is lagging behind other countries, such as the US, where it is used as standard. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Waiting lists for bariatric surgery can be as long as three years, there are significant risks for patients and NHS funding remains a postcode lottery. But research suggests that surgery could offer a cost-effective treatment solution in many cases – and ultimately save lives. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.