RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

On Thursday 13th February 2020, NHS England’s annual infection-prevention and control conference will take place at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham. High on the agenda will be the latest strategies to tackle the burden of healthcare-associated infection, against a backdrop of rising antimicrobial resistance.

The search for novel antibiotic agents, and those that exert their antimicrobial effect in different ways, is currently high on the research agenda. Here, Sarah J Pitt and Alan Gunn review an innovative approach using mucus from common molluscs.

Katja Lemburg explains why it is crucial to have good capillary blood sampling procedures for point-of-care haemoglobin testing.

The opening session at the IDSc Conference bought together, for the first time, all parties that are involved from the design to the processing challenges relating to decontamination of robotic medical devices.

From improving safety in theatres through checklists, to the latest research on protein removal on surgical instruments, the National Performance Advisory Group’s conference on Theatres and Decontamination will aim to drive improvement. This year’s event will focus on efficiency and safe practice in the workplace.

It is estimated that there are around 123,000 cases of sepsis in England every year, resulting in around 36,900 deaths. In the fight against sepsis, modern haematology and haemostasis technology can assist in providing an early diagnosis of this devastating condition.

A new state-of-the-art endoscope reprocessing unit at the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital is ensuring the highest levels of patient safety, while reducing decontamination costs.

This year is the ‘Year of the Nurse and Midwife’. But how can we move towards universal health coverage and tackle shortages of nursing staff across the globe? Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the state of world nursing and the deep-seated problems affecting nursing globally.

Pure water plays a vital role in the decontamination of equipment within hospitals and healthcare facilities. It is essential in helping prevent the spread of resistant pathogens, as well as ensuring the long-term performance of essential endoscopes and medical instruments.

Nick Hill, FIHEEM describes the microorganisms which inhabit the drains serving washbasins in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and considers some of the alternative approaches to managing the risk they present.

The increasing digitisation of healthcare was evident at MEDICA – with robotics, artificial intelligence and connected health taking centre stage, at Germany’s annual trade fair.

The cleaning of complex reusable surgical instruments requires different considerations and processes, compared to conventional reusable instruments.

Rainer Burkard, Managing Director of Pentax Europe, discusses the latest hygiene approaches in endoscopy, aimed at improving patient safety and improving efficiency

With exciting plans for expanding their new clinic in the UAE, The Regenerative Clinic will be attending Arab Health 2020, on the Harley Street stand.

World-leading clinics from Harley Street Medical Area are uniting at Arab Health 2020 to showcase London’s medical excellence. Simon Baynham reveals that there has been an influx of impressive hospitals moving to the area.

As the Middle East’s leading healthcare platform, Arab Health attracts a high level of UK clinicians, clinics and healthcare technology companies every year. Over 4,000 companies will exhibit at the flagship event in January 2020, from 64 different countries across the world.

Artificial intelligence-powered cardiovascular diagnostic systems are currently entering the market, with promises to improve both patient outcomes and the wellbeing of clinicians. Ross Upton, the founder of Ultromics, provides an insight into how AI could alleviate stress and burnout for clinicians operating within cardiology.

Contaminated flexible endoscopes are medical devices which may be associated with outbreaks of healthcare-associated infection.1 To minimise this risk, effective cleaning and disinfection of flexible endoscopes must be undertaken. Dr Tim Sandle explains why, for this process to be effective, several steps need to be followed in a controlled manner.

SHOT laboratory incident specialist Victoria Tuckley summarises the 2018 Annual Report, and highlights how to create safer transfusion practices, a more satisfactory working environment and improved patient safety

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS provides an insight into the importance of optimal nutritional management of patients undergoing surgery and how this can lead to improved outcomes.