FEATURE ARTICLES

Clinicians are facing unprecedented levels of extreme stress during the pandemic. But what can we learn from past traumatic events and how this be applied to safeguard the mental wellbeing of clinical staff?

With the NHS producing around 590,000 tonnes of waste per year, Leicester Children’s Hospital has recognised the need to take action and has implemented a strategy to reduce its impact on the environment. So, how can hospitals make a difference?

Steve Veck, an electro surgery consultant, discusses the dangers associated with surgical plume and the need for plume evacuation devices.

Kate Woodhead provides an insight into an award-winning quality improvement initiative, implemented at the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS FT, which significantly reduced the incidence of perioperative hypothermia – a well-known risk factor for SSIs.

Dr. Alice Green, Health Enterprise East (HEE), provides an insight into innovation in prostate biopsy that could reduce the risk of infection and make diagnosis safer for patients.

John Amoore describes how the safe and effective application of medical devices can be enhanced by analysis of care processes using holistic models.

Dr. Stephen Jackson argues that clinical decision support technology could provide vital information to help reduce errors and efficiency across the NHS.

With the Government announcing its ambition to ‘bust bureaucracy’, Phil Taylor argues it's time to look at how managing data efficiently and applying the experiences of high reliability organisations can have a dramatic impact on patient safety

Dr. Frank Bakker discusses the key factors that must be considered to ensure the reprocessing of sensitive instruments is performed safely, efficiently and without compromising the integrity of the devices.

A new report has highlighted the role of community diagnostics hubs and transformative technologies in improving outcomes, reducing pressures on the acute sector and tackling inequalities.

A recent report highlighted the patient safety benefits and efficiencies that can be gained through point-of-care scanning. Glen Hodgson offers an overview of the Scan4Safety project.

Adrian Gee-Turner discusses the survival of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the risk of transmission, and the efficacy of hypochlorous acid in killing the virus.

The momentum gained in tackling Hepatitis C before COVID-19, should not – and need not – be lost, says Professor Steve Ryder. He provides an insight into the latest developments in the fight to eliminate Hepatitis C and issues a call to action.

Dr. Robert Lewis, a consultant nephrologist, from Wessex Kidney Centre Portsmouth, argues that patients are keen to embrace web-based remote monitoring, to support self-management of chronic kidney disease.

Yvonne Carter, clinical director, Gama Healthcare, provides an overview of the fundamental best practice that should be carried out by healthcare workers, as well as the solutions and resources available to assist with best practice.

Angela Spang provides an insight into the development of a simple solution to the challenges associated with surgical retraction – reducing the risk of tissue trauma and pain, as well as improving ease of use and theatre efficiency

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS provides an insight into the resources available to help staff manage stress and support their mental health, during one of the most challenging periods in the history of the NHS.

A new vital signs workstation, from Mindray, offers the potential to advance patient monitoring – using the latest technology to improve outcomes, workflows and efficiency.

Andrew Carnegie discusses the importance of effective elimination of airborne pathogens in the healthcare setting and provides advice on key considerations for supplemental air cleaning.

Surgical site infections constitute a huge healthcare burden worldwide and prevention requires an integrated approach.