RECENT NEWS

Vernacare, which exports infection control products, has set up a South African operation, in Johannesburg.

NHS Direct is part of a successful bid to take part in a telecare system that will help Newham residents with long term conditions (LTCs), such as diabetes and coronary heart disease, to live independent, healthy lives. The programme is aimed at reducing complications and sudden deterioration that could result in patients being admitted to hospital.

Advalytix, a subsidiary of Olympus Life and Material Science Europa, and the Medical University of Graz, are testing a new method for the genetic analysis of fetal cells from maternal blood.

Nuffield Proactive Health is introducing new health and well being programmes for organisations looking to encourage employees to make healthier decisions in the workplace.

Evidence to suggest endometriosis increases cancer risk, regardless of whether women have given birth before, has been uncovered by a team of Swedish doctors.

Researchers at St Martins College (soon to become University of Cumbria) are planning a project that could help to save lives through a reduction in the number of inaccurate x-ray diagnoses and quicker warnings of the early signs of bowel cancer.

An independent study of staff views of the progress of the NHS IT programme has found that financial deficits and poor communication are hampering its successful implementation. Staff also expressed fears that delays will present a risk to patient safety.

Dr Paul Hurlstone, Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield has won a prestigious Cancer Innovation Award, a category within the Medical Futures Innovation Awards 2007.

A group of leading healthcare professionals – The Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group - has called for the eradication of the “postcode lottery system” for prostate cancer patients seeking a form of treatment known as low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy.

Patients requiring orthopaedic procedures such as hip and knee replacements wait longer than any other patients to be treated on the NHS according to the latest waiting lists published by the Department of Health.

Nearly half of all patients are currently being treated within 18 weeks, a year and a half ahead of schedule, according to official figures produced by the Department of Health.

An investigation into whether robotic surgery can be controlled via satellite and the internet has found that quality of surgery is not compromised. Robots that perform surgery can be driven by surgeons that direct the operation from a computer console. However, in most cases, the surgeon is seated within the theatre - only a few metres away from the patient.

Guidelines to assist health professionals who suspect cases of forced marriage have been launched by the Government. Aimed at frontline practitioners such as GPs, midwives and A&E staff, the guidelines provide advice on how to recognise the warning signs and what to do.

A report by the Office of Fair Trading has recommended that pricing of drugs is based not on how much the drug costs to develop, but on the benefit that the drug can bring.

A hand-held ultrasound system is being used by Endovascular surgeons at the Great Western Hospital, in Wiltshire, for assessing vein ablation patients prior to surgery and for guidance during the procedure.

New research is underway to investigate whether controlling the blood sugar levels of children in intensive care helps reduce deaths and serious complications.

The daughter of the late broadcaster, Alistair Cooke, has welcomed new rules to control the import and export of human tissue in the UK and Europe.

The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, has the first UK installation of Siemens Medical Solutions’ AXIOM Aristos FX Plus digital radiography system with integrated flat detector technology.

As part of its drive to improve patient identification, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital has adopted the Safe Surgery System that is supplied by Safe Surgery Systems Ltd and based on technology provided by Brenmoor Ltd.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued an amendment to the guidelines on the management of depression and anxiety in primary and secondary care.