FEATURE ARTICLES

The global market for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and systems in healthcare will rise rapidly from $90 million in 2006 to $2.1 billion ten years from now. Dr PETER HARROP FIEE of IDTechEx summarises new research from the IDTechEx report RFID in Healthcare 2006-2016.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon MATTHEW S HENDERSON FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics), MBChB, describes how the The S-MARTTM sterile exsanguinating tourniquet from Summit Medical shows significant potential for improving efficiency in ankle surgery at Gloucester Royal Hospital.

A suite of operating theatres without walls has been created at the Broadgreen Hospital and Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, and playing a major role in the facility are four Howorth Exflow ultra-clean ventilation (UCV) systems. Report by GRAHAM BROMLEY and ROBERT BROGDEN.

How development of products and services for the perioperative environment continues at a considerable pace will be evident at the exhibition running alongside this year’s Association for Perioperative Practice Congress in Harrogate (9-12 October).

The 42nd Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) Annual Congress and Exhibition (9 to 12 October 2006, Harrogate International Centre) will be bringing to the fore the latest developments in perioperative care.

A guide, sponsored by an educational grant from M"lnlycke Health Care, has been developed by an independent working party in order to encourage best practice in the procurement of products and services used in operating theatres.

A high level of consideration must be given to bariatric patients and those physically involved in their healthcare, stresses LORRAINE THURSBY RGN, ENB N49, N18, 870, 998 Dip HE (Research), manual handling coordinator, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton.

With the aid of high definition professional camera equipment, Basingstoke-based professor BILL HEALD OBE FRCS, is able to record images of his pioneering surgical procedures and replay them to surgeons around the world who can then benefit from his expertise.

The roles of Advanced and Assistant Practitioners in Critical Care Services have been developed to provide significant benefits. Authors involved in the preparation of this article include ROBERT STANDFIELD, Lead Workforce Designer; SARAH COPLEY, Workforce Designer; and DIANE SWAIN, Project Manager with Critical Care – all from the National Practitioner Programme.

Dealing with the consequences of mass fatality incidents is an exacting task for a professional group supported by the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists. ALISON ANDERSON reports.

A conference and exhibition dedicated to advancing the design and maintenance of healthcare facilities has much to interest professionals involved in infection control, says COLIN WILLIAMS.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) continues to need extensive further research, a recent symposium held in London confirmed. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

Issues concerning the prevention of surgical site infection and the utilisation of re-usable or single use drapes and gowns are examined by DIANE GILMOUR PGCEA, BN, DANS, Dip Infection Control, RGN.

A National Clinical Assessment Service report points to important questions stemming from analysis of performance concerns about doctors and dentists.

Challenges posed by healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) continue to be varied and considerable. The Clinical Services Journal reports on statistics and comments from the Health Protection Agency, and looks at the Department of Health’s draft code of practice for the prevention and control of HCAIs.

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

PATRICK DIGNAM, workforce designer on the National Practitioner Programme, describes how the development of a new role is set to improve efficiency within endoscopy departments.

HARRY COOK reflects on how the National Health Service has evolved and draws attention to its merits.

KATE WOODHEAD, RGN, DMS, independent operating theatre consultant, describes daily obstacles and problems facing nurses and patients.

Leading cancer treatment centres are expanding their radiotherapy facilities with equipment from Varian Medical Systems.