FEATURE ARTICLES

The Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) recently won first prize in the Oxoid Infection Control Team of the Year Awards for its sustained commitment to reducing healthcare-associated infections.

STEFANO DI LULLO argues that intelligent remote monitoring systems could enable healthcare professionals to predict the course of chronic diseases and therefore take pre-emptive action. Arrhythmia is one example where significant cost benefits could be realised through this approach.

Vanguard Healthcare, a provider of mobile surgery and endoscopy services to the NHS, became an independent company in April 2009, following a management buy out from Nuffield Health. LOUISE FRAMPTON speaks to chief executive Ian Gillespie about the company’s role in providing extra capacity for the NHS, its plans for growth and his views on waiting list targets.

In three years’ time, hospital radiology departments will be “running to stand still” according to the latest market intelligence. In order to meet the increase in demand, the off-site reading market is predicted to grow from £7 m to £74 m in just five years. LOUISE FRAMPTON looks at how one independent sector provider is striving to address this need.

Since committing to the national campaign Patient Safety First, Trusts are reporting significant improvements. One Trust has reduced incidence of cardiac arrest outside critical care by almost a third, while another is making progress in implementing steps to prevent cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Oesophageal cancer is now one of the most common causes of cancer death and the incident rate is rising. Key to reversing this trend is further research into Barrett’s oesophagus – a condition caused by acid reflux. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Aspiring and experienced surgeons across the West Midlands can now hone their skills in a highly realistic simulated operating theatre environment, following the recent opening of a new surgical skills training centre at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire. JONATHAN BAILLIE reports.

Dr SIMON MELLOR, medical director, Alliance Medical, says that the independent sector has a key role in improving access to the latest technological advances in radiology which are helping to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Team work is an essential factor for improving patient safety – yet hierarchies, bullying and a culture of blame continue to hamper progress, according to speakers at this year’s Patient Safety Congress. Human factors need to be fully understood if attempts to improve safety are to succeed. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Could you imagine your surgical team as a highly disciplined race team? How do you advance your career from practitioner to chief executive? Inspiration can be gained from the latest high profile speakers at the AfPP Congress – from a leading figure in Formula One, to a Dame Commander of the British Empire, recognised for her services to nursing.

Abdominal ultrasound scanning provides a useful diagnostic test in surgical patients but immediate access is often not possible – potentially leading to delays in patient management and discharge. A single centre observational study, carried out at Queen’s Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, to assess the impact, found that bed blockages due to delays resulted in significant financial costs.

While patients must not be put at risk of developing pressure ulcers, patients must be comfortable in their hospital bed to aid recovery. The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has conducted research on patients’ perceptions of mattress comfort, with a view to ensuring satisfaction. Nurse consultant (tissue viability), FANIA PAGNAMENTA, MSC, MA, BSC (HONS), DIP N, RGN, reports on the findings.

From prevention of IV infection and surgical site infection, to tackling the threat of pandemic flu, the IPS 2009 conference is set to discuss the latest challenges faced by healthcare professionals. The Clinical Services Journal provides an insight into the topical issues that will be explored at the event.

Infection prevention strategies have focused on improving hand washing and deep cleaning – but how can we reduce the risk of cross-contamination from surfaces with high contact frequency, through better design? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The majority of adverse incidents involving medical devices are user-related, yet the equipment is usually blamed. The “Completing the Picture” event, attended by clinical and biomedical engineers, examined how to minimise risk and the clinical issues that must be addressed to improve the quality and safety of patient care. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Innovation Expo exhibition showcased the latest innovative concepts and new technologies aimed at improving healthcare – from futuristic treatment “pods” to the latest technologies to “design bugs out”.

Speaking at the Innovation Expo, held in London, Health Minister Lord Darzi said that creating a culture of innovation will play an essential role in helping the NHS to meet the current economic challenges. Technology could provide the key to taking cost out of the system, but NHS leaders must be more sympathetic to risk takers. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilisation has an important contribution to ensuring effective infection control. ASHLEY MOONEY, managing director, Andersen Products, provides an insight into the technology.

In 2010, every NHS surgeon will be using a safety checklist to help save more lives on the operating table. However, as CEO TONY DAVIS Medilink West Midlands explains, there are already home-grown solutions available to prevent avoidable casualties.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections were once viewed as “inevitable” but zero rates are now being reported. A recent conference on IV infection examined how implementing best practice can have an impact on infection rates and highlighted a need to raise awareness of the latest guidelines. LOUISE FRAMPTON report