FEATURE ARTICLES

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.

The use of hospital wristbands as a means of positive identification is a key factor in preventing adverse incidents to patients, but more needs to be done to improve the bands’ effectiveness. The Clinical Services Journal talks to a representative of the National Patient Safety Agency to examine the scope of the problem.

A trial of silver antimicrobial technology at Heartlands Hospital has shown that protected products can help reduce bacteria counts on unprotected products within their vicinity, leading to reduced levels of bacteria in the overall environment. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

At the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) annual conference, last autumn, medical professionals from Yorkshire Air Ambulance outlined their views on how pre-hospital care could be improved. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Trauma is a leading cause of death among young people, but the quality of care for severely injured patients shows serious deficiencies, according to the latest National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports on the findings.

A working day of FELICIA COX, senior nurse, pain management; and lead nurse specialist, critical care; Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, London, is profiled by The Clinical Services Journal.

Many healthcare workers and patients who have a latex allergy remain exposed to an unacceptably high level of risk, and a large number of NHS Trusts are still failing to implement procedures and training to mitigate this. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Medical devices that could save thousands of lives and reduce NHS spending by millions of pounds are facing significant barriers to finding their way into standard clinical practice. Not only are Trusts missing out on increased efficiency gains but patients are also denied access to technologies that would speed up their recovery and improve outcomes. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc) recently held a conference on decontamination focused on the latest guidelines and best practice. High on the agenda were issues such as the quality control of instruments and protection of patients from the risk of contracting CJD. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

When clinicians and other healthcare professionals are closely involved in the design and development of the facilities in which they work, numerous benefits are evident. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

A national screening programme for aortic aneurysms could prevent over 3,000 premature deaths each year, but the Government is accused by the Vascular Society of “dragging its feet” over implementation of a diagnostic programme. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Risk assessment is not being given the attention it deserves, yet simple changes in working practices can be implemented that cost nothing, says FIONA WAKLEY RGN ONC CIEH Advanced Health and Safety, IOSH Managing Safely, CIEH Group Trainers cert.

Ultrasound guidance can provide a cost-effective approach to improving the success of regional anaesthesia, according to JON PEACOCK from SonoSite International.

The Government has outlined its vision for the “national” health service to become a “personal” health service. LOUISE FRAMPTON examines some of the latest proposals for reform.

The British Association of Critical Care Nurses recently held the 22nd National BACCN conference and exhibition at the Brighton Dome, bringing together over 300 professionals from the field of critical care. LOUISE FRAMPTON provides an overview of some of the highlights.

The IDSc conference and exhibition takes place at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool, from 26-28 November 2007. The emphasis will be on ensuring the quality of decontamination processes is equal across all healthcare sectors.

DEBBIE LEE RN DipN CIM MBA director of Healthcare Standards International, examines the implications of advances in genetic research for healthcare workers – both ethical and clinical.

Health Minister Lord Darzi’s latest interim report: “Our NHS, Our Future” has outlined a number of key initiatives including a £100 million scheme to accelerate innovation and the introduction of MRSA screening for all admissions. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

Using maggots as a means to heal wounds and prevent infection is nothing new. In fact they have been in use since the time of the Napoleonic wars, as BARRY HILL discovered when he spoke to one MP determined to champion their healing powers.