FEATURE ARTICLES

Fiona Kirk, a former nurse and now a clinical consultant for Ascom, explores how technology is not only enabling better health outcomes, slicker clinical processes and supporting clinicians, it’s also empowering patients to take greater ownership of their health and wellbeing.

Chris Carver, board member of the National Clinical Homecare Association (NCHA), suggests that clinical homecare could provide a long-term solution to some of the challenges faced by the NHS. He highlights the findings of a new report.

Lives are saved every year in Scotland as a result of a major screening programmeusing advanced ultrasound imaging. CSJ provides an insight into the technology that is ensuring early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms

2024 is a huge year for The Association of Perioperative Practice (AfPP) as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. To mark the organisation’s long history of supporting best practice and education, a programme of events will be taking place across the country. CSJ provides an overview.

Apprenticeships are the missing piece of the puzzle to reduce staff shortages and treatment waiting times. They can also promote diversity, says Professor Lynne Gell, Dean of the School of Nursing, at BPP.

It feels like a lifetime ago since the UK’s referendum on European Union (EU) membership in June 2016, with the UK exiting in January 2020. But what does that mean if you are looking to bring an innovative device to the UK market, and what steps do you need to take to ensure you are successful? Laura Friedl-Hirst dives into the essential strategies for innovators in the UK’s medical device industry

The NHS is responsible for 4% of England’s carbon emissions and NHS England has pledged to achieve Net Zero by 2045, with Scotland and Wales setting similar targets. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a report highlighting the fact that engineers are essential at every level of healthcare to achieve this ambition. CSJ provides an overview of the report.

The EBME Expo is returning to the Coventry Building Society Arena on 26- 27 June 2024. This large indoor arena is ready to welcome more delegates, and a wider variety of innovative and internationally respected companies in the exhibition hall. The Chair of the EBME Expo, John Sandham discusses the 2024 programme.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses some of the strategies that could help operating theatre teams to reduce their impact on the environment and to maximise their contribution towards achieving the NHS’s Net Zero target.

Three new orthopaedic operating theatres built at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge by MTX using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are playing a leading role in a national scheme to deliver more than 50 new surgical hubs across England.

Helen Marshall discusses how modular facilities are helping the NHS to upgrade capacity. Backed by a boost in funding, they are expected to help relieve waiting list pressures, but they are more than a quick fix.

The results of an NHS workforce survey show that staff experience is improving but there is still much work to do to tackle staff morale, dissatisfaction with pay, discrimination and sexual harassment, as well as the ability to raise clinical concerns.

Effective removal of biofilm and contamination from endoscopes is vital to ensure patient safety. Ellie Wishart, says that new endoscope cleaning approaches are required and outlines the key criteria required to assess their potential.

Stuart White and Emile Jubeli highlight the importance of Instructions for Use (IFUs) to ensure the effective decontamination of instruments, including those used in robot-assisted surgery.

Graham Johnson discusses the latest developments in inflammatory bowel disease management, including the potential for at-home therapeutic drug monitoring for patients on biologics, which could help reduce the reliance on hospital-based services.

What do sterile services departments need to know about the UK Medical Devices Regulations? Jack Walters provides an insight into the ‘UK MDR for Healthcare Organisations’ and discusses how this applies to the reprocessing of surgical instruments

Mr Keith Tucker, FRCS, Chairman of the Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) and the Beyond Compliance Advisory Group, discusses how registries can reduce the risk of fewer treatment options under the new medical device regulations. He explores the delicate balance needed to navigate the new regulatory landscape, while ensuring patient safety is prioritised.

Through the smarter use of emerging technologies, healthcare providers will be able to move services from generalised to personalised care delivery. Dr. John Sandham, Chair of EBME, discusses the implications for EBME departments of new technology acquisition, and how to implement an effective health technology plan.

Dedicated to reducing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), OneTogether recently hosted a conference at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham. High on the agenda was the potential of AI in predicting risk, the role of care bundles in SSI prevention, and the evidence-based resources available that can help guide clinical practice. Louise Frampton reports.

NHS England has published the key priorities for the NHS, during the year ahead, as part of new planning guidance. NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard describes the forecast for 2024/25 as ‘challenging’ but is optimistic that real improvement is possible – even in the toughest of circumstances.