FEATURE ARTICLES

Procurement of theatre lighting requires careful consideration of a range of complex factors, to ensure efficient solutions that meet the demands of a wide range of surgical procedures.

JOAN KINGSLEY discusses the impact of a culture of fear and bullying, which has been highlighted by some high profile reports in recent years.

DR TIM SANDLE considers best practice in the use of chlorhexidine skin disinfection, prior to surgery, with the aim of reducing the risk of surgical site infection.

DAVID EDWARDS argues that the potential risks associated with reusable scopes could be avoided by using single-use devices.

CSJ reports on the latest award-winning initiatives that are driving innovation and best practice in infection prevention and control.

The SMART series of conferences, hosted by KARL STORZ, explore the question of ‘how can we do more for less?’ More importantly, how can we achieve this while maintaining patient safety?

SUZANNE CALLANDER looks at some of the successful infection prevention programmes introduced at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Approaches to enhance recovery after surgery and prevention of surgical site infection were high on the agenda at the QIST conference, hosted by the Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

The O’Neil Review on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has highlighted the important role that point-of-care diagnostic devices could play in tackling AMR.

A new report argues that the NHS could cut emergency admission costs by £1 billion, through better use of medical technology.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS discusses the latest efforts to reduce surgical site infection. What progress has been achieved, in recent years, and is the evidence being put into practice?

MEDICA recently highlighted the latest innovation in medical technology – from wearable devices for patient monitoring, to an award-winning app to help overcome speech difficulties.

Aseptic technique has dropped off the agenda, yet infection strategies – such as Aseptic Non-Touch Technique – will have a vital role to play in the wake of growing antibiotic resistance.

A recent conference hosted by 3M Health Care discussed techniques being employed to help improve patient safety by reducing the risk of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia and preventable healthcare associated infections.

A recent NCEPOD report set out to look at remedial factors which could help improve the care of patients with sepsis. The Clinical Services Journal reports on its findings.

Over the years, there has been a change in mindset in terms of the specialty of infection prevention, but what can we learn from the past? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports on the EM Cottrell lecture at the Infection Prevention Society’s annual congress.

Experts are calling for action to tackle the global threat posed to human health by fungal infections, as resistance in the most fatal infections is reported to be increasing.

Tom Brophy, lead medical engineering technologist at Barts Health, recently provided an insight into some of the key issues uncovered when inspecting surgical instruments, at the ‘Dirty Little Secrets 2’ seminar.

An innovative device has been developed which offers pain relief using radiofrequency energy, with the aim of reducing the need for heavy reliance on medication.

SUZANNE CALLANDER brings together the latest figures, data and recommendations surrounding healthcare for newborn babies across the UK.