RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

Important updates have recently been made to the national recommendations around hospital cleaning and disinfection in England, with the publication of the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness and the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.¹, ² This article looks at the future of surface cleaning and disinfection in hospitals in reference to these documents.

The Infection Prevention Society recently held its annual conference at the ACC in Liverpool. Central themes, this year, included ‘Antimicrobial Resistance, Preparedness and Environment’. In the wake of the pandemic, innovative technologies aimed at reducing the risk of airborne infection came to the fore and IP2023 highlighted some promising potential strategies going forward. Louise Frampton reports

A multidisciplinary effort at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is exploring a means of improving patient engagement regarding the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as well as ensuring effective infection management. This article outlines some key recommendations and strategies

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS provides an insight into the highlights from the Infection 360 conference. High on the agenda was the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, with a major focus on MRSA.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) annual ‘State of Care’ report has warned that a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and workforce pressures is risking ‘unfair care’ – with some able to afford to pay for treatment, while others are facing longer waits, reduced access, and poorer outcomes. CSJ shares an overview of the key findings.

It is vital that patients have trust in the healthcare system as they interact with it, says Kate Woodhead RGN DMS. She highlights the need to address patient experience and discusses recent moves, such as ‘Martha’s rule’, to address the power imbalance in healthcare.

As a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life, Ecolab are proud to prioritise a local supply chain with multiple manufacturing sites across the UK and Ireland to serve UK Healthcare.

Patients undergoing operations can face an increased risk of pressure injuries, through immobility during surgery. So, what guidance is currently available on prevention and what solutions can help mitigate the risks? Mark Lee provides an overview.

The bioMérieux UK Sepsis Summit raised awareness of clinical tools and diagnostic strategies to help improve outcomes for patients with sepsis, as well as providing a powerful reminder of the human impact. CSJ reports on some of the key highlights.

Healthcare is heavily dependent on good-quality surgical instruments. However, research suggests that they are often overlooked when it comes to MedTech investment. It is time to tackle this issue, to ensure sterile service departments can maintain the highest standards of patient safety, says Richard Wood.

Jason Tetro provides an insight into how supplementary passive environmental hygiene in the form of silver-containing antimicrobial surfaces can assist in ensuring the infection chain is interrupted.

A Cambridge-based manufacturer of surgical robots has put UK MedTech on the map – setting an example of how clinician-led innovation can be scaled-up at pace. The Clinical Services Journal visited CMR Surgical’s new state-of-the-art facility and saw first-hand how the company plans to boost innovation in the UK.

How can you ensure your medical device innovation enters the right market and meets the necessary regulations? Leeanne Baker advises on the pros and cons of the regulatory scenarios in key international markets (the UK, the US and Europe).

A survey of UK surgeons has highlighted the urgent need to upgrade healthcare technology. The report suggest that significant time is being wasted due to inefficient technologies, and that an upgrade in technology in the operating room is long overdue.

The process for innovators bringing their products to the NHS is still lengthy and complex, says the Medical Technology Group (MTG) in its latest Deja Review report. However, the Government has shown that it is committed to using medical technology to address some of the issues facing the NHS. With further measures – such as a single pathway for innovation – there is hope for the future, says MTG’s Chair, Barbara Harpham.

The Institute of Decontamination Sciences conference and exhibition takes place on 28-29 November 2023 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. CSJ provides an insight into the hot topics being discussed during the conference and the innovative decontamination solutions being highlighted at the event.

Dr. Trevor Smith, President of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), talks about the serious risk of malnutrition and what can be done to improve specialist care in the NHS and social sector, identifying four key recommendations to support nutritional care in the UK.

Kate Woodhead, Chair of Trustees at Friends of African Nursing, discusses the challenges around perioperative safety in Africa including the need for training of perioperative nurses. She highlights how one small charity aims to make a difference.

As hospitals face the challenge to master more complex operating theatre (OT) technology with strained resources, equipment that almost become active members of the surgical team can help facilitate the work. This proactive philosophy is the foundation of Getinge’s new Maquet Corin operating table

The world of HealthTech is fast evolving to meet the changing needs of a growing and ageing population. The UK has long been recognised as a world leader in this space, and the expertise of leading industry players will be on display on the ABHI UK Pavilion at the world’s biggest event for the medical sector this November.