FEATURE ARTICLES

The NHS has been criticised for “not doing enough to promote innovation”. However, health minister Lord Darzi has announced major plans to transform health service performance – including a £220 million fund for innovation, prizes for inventions, and a requirement for SHAs to produce annual innovation reports.

Based on 8.6 million surgical procedures performed in the UK each year, an infection rate of 4.2% and treatment costs of approximately £2,100 per infection, the total cost of surgical site infection (SSI) is estimated to total £758 million per annum.

The health service is faced with the challenge of managing a multi-generational workforce – each with different cultural values and career aspirations. Achieving a better understanding of each generation, their differences, and how to motivate them, could have an important contribution to the development of successful teams. KATE WOODHEAD RGN, DMS reports.

In cases of acute, severe colitis, is it preferable to perform prompt surgery or should a policy of conservative management be adopted? Leading experts recently debated this issue at the British Society of Gastroenterology’s annual meeting, in Glasgow. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

At a recent training course on legal issues, Kate Hill, a medical law specialist, explained that giving evidence in court cases is “all about confidence and preparation”. Understanding the tricks that lawyers may use to discredit you, staying in control in the witness box, and ensuring good documentation are key to performing well. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is a registered charity developing and promoting high standards in perioperative practice. The new president, DIANE GILMOUR, and new chief executive, ALISON TAIT, are introducing significant changes, including radical plans to boost the skills and education of perioperative practitioners, involve the organisation in new areas and influence political thinking on perioperative care. They offer an insight into the AfPP and the future role of the organisation.

It is the responsibility of the whole of the healthcare community to strive for reduced levels of healthcare-acquired infections – but the direction, support and resources must first be in place to ensure frontline clinicians have the right tools for the job, argues RICHARD O’BRIEN.

Trainee surgeons say they are under pressure to lie about the hours they are working and are struggling to gain sufficient theatre experience, due to restrictions imposed by the European Working Time Directive. Concerns were raised that limiting the working week could lead to inferior training and ultimately affect patient safety. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

Optimum tuberculosis management requires rapid detection, prevention and treatment – but current technology is inadequate, says Dr DAVID PERSING. He explains why a new test could prove to be one of the most important diagnostic developments to have occurred in many years

The demand to provide more oral anticoagulation outpatient clinics beyond the boundaries of the traditional hospital environment is increasing, as biomedical scientist, BARRY HILL points out.

MIKE PALIN argues that important aspects have not been included in NICE guidance on SSIs in relation to surgical clothing and drapes.

Experts at the Healthcare-acquired Infections Conference, in Crewe, highlighted the need to monitor and take action on all healthcare-associated infections.

While adherence to basic infection control practices is essential, novel technologies for prevention of vascular access-related infection are urgently needed, experts stated at a recent symposium.

At its last Annual Scientific Meeting, the British Society of Gastroenterology highlighted some serious issues in the delivery of services and has been campaigning hard to improve the quality of care.

Dr ROLAND ENGLAND, MB BCh BSc (Hon), FRCS (Urol), consultant urologist at Kettering General Hospital, looks at how medical device innovation is contributing to significant advances in treating kidney stones.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging clinicians to report adverse events relating to medical devices.

Barriers to innovation in infection control were discussed, and potential solutions presented, at the Healthcare-acquired Infections Conference hosted by Medilink.

When targets and commercial imperatives take priority over patient safety and quality of care, the results can be devastating. An investigation by the Healthcare Commission, at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, has shown there are lessons to be learned. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

Trainee surgeons say they are under pressure to lie about the hours they are working and are struggling to gain sufficient theatre experience, due to restrictions imposed by the European Working Time Directive. Concerns were raised that limiting the working week could lead to inferior training and ultimately affect patient safety. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

As failures in transfusion safety hit the headlines, once again, The Clinical Services Journal reports on a recent high profile meeting aimed at implementing actions from the latest “Better Blood Transfusion” health service circular.