FEATURE ARTICLES

Through programmes of surgical procedures and other forms of assistance, the charity Mercy Ships is able to change many lives for the better. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

The Association for Perioperative Practice recently held a surgical forum at the Royal College of Surgeons – covering subjects ranging from infection risks to the legal implications of EU standards for the procurement of medical devices. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports on some event highlights.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is working on new guidelines aimed at protecting patient safety and public health. These range from the prevention of premature deaths after a heart attack, to a traffic light system for assessing the right approach to dealing with children with fevers.

The working culture and communications of healthcare delivery teams influence patient safety and must be given appropriate attention, says KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS.

With the introduction of round-the-clock surgery for elective procedures possibly imminent, The Clinical Services Journal examines its implications for staff and patients.

Effects of a flu pandemic, devices for blood pressure measurement, ECG use, patient transportation, anaesthesia, and sleep disordered breathing were subjects examined at this year’s Completing the Picture event – the sixth in a series of annual educational symposiums for clinical and biomedical engineers. The series is sponsored by education grants from Welch Allyn. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

LES LINDSAY, chairman of the British Healthcare Trades Association, talks to The Clinical Services Journal about the far-reaching role of the organisation, and outlines some serious concerns.

This year, the annual Infection Control Nurses Association conference will evaluate individual and organisational challenges to infection prevention and control, as well as outlining the solutions. CLAIRE KILPATRICK, head of the scientific programme committee, examines issues the conference will address.

Picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) are currently being installed across the whole of Shropshire’s acute and community hospitals. Medical images can now be accessed on line by authorised users – shortening report turnaround times. It is no longer just the large hospitals that benefit.

The global recruitment of nurses can present difficult issues for developing countries. LESLEY FUDGE MSc BA (Hons) RGN looks at the issues and ethics behind the migration of nurses and argues for a local action plan.

The best aspect is the variety’

A working day of KAREN RICKARDS, clinical director of Vanguard Healthcare and Nuffield Diagnostics, is profiled by The Clinical Services Journal.

DEBORAH RIGBY, continence services manager for Bristol South and West Primary Care Trust, argues the case for increased use of bladder ultrasound and examines the latest guidance on best practice.

A strategy to reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers has resulted in a downward trend at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NUTH). FANIA PAGNAMENTA MA BSc (Hons) Dip N RGN looks at the role of fluid-filled mattress technology in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

The results of Trusts’ self-assessments have now been published – raising concern in the areas of hygiene, safety and patient dignity. The result will be a series of spot-checks of over 120 organisations and the Healthcare Commission warns that Trusts “had better be ready”. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

A typical working day of MARK RADFORD, a 34 year old consultant nurse in perioperative care, is profiled by The Clinical Services Journal.

SIMON WHITE of law firm Browne Jacobson examines what can be learned from the experience of a particular Trust in the freedom of information era.

Advantages of using a new form of technology for heart transplant procedures are significant, a trial has indicated. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

Scientists at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR 2007) in Vienna reported on a new technology that promotes the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and the distinction between the two.

Uroradiologist Dr HENRY IRVING looks at the development of ureteric stent technology with an emphasis on the three key challenges faced by stent designers and patients: encrustration, compression, and indwelling time. Where next for ureteric stents?

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidelines on reducing venous thromboembolism. A number of key recommendations are made that, if implemented, should have a significant effect in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing surgery.