FEATURE ARTICLES

Proposals by the European Commission aim to remove barriers to obtaining cross-border healthcare for member states. But “health tourism” remains controversial in the UK and continues to raise complex financial and ethical issues. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Two years ago, the Government announced its health research strategy, with the aim of driving forward innovation in the NHS. But what steps have been taken, so far, to support the ambition of securing the UK’s place as an international leader in R&D? LOUISE FRAMPTON provides an overview.

The number of staff in the NHS undertaking clinical duties previously performed by doctors has been growing over a number of years. However, the issue of accountability still causes concern for those considering extending their practice or embarking on a new role. JACKIE YOUNGER explains the basic principles of accountability in relation to the individual, supervisors, employers and regulators.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is pioneering in the field of magnetic navigation ablation, assisted by innovations in cardiac imaging. Faster patient recovery, reduced X-ray exposure and improved patient safety are some of the benefits being achieved. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The 44th Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) Congress and Exhibition (6-9 October 2008, Harrogate International Centre) will examine the latest initiatives for improving safety and ideas for increasing theatre efficiency. Motivational seminars dedicated to personal development will also be held.

Medical director and consultant anaesthetist Dr Tim Peachey recently gave an insight into the lessons learned from adverse incidents and the approaches being taken to improve patient safety at the Royal Free Hospital. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust has achieved significant improvements in both patient safety and theatre efficiency as a result of introducing RFID tracking. Speaking at the Patient Safety Congress, recently held in London, David Morgan provided an insight into how this was achieved. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The process of obtaining patient consent is a legal and ethical minefield. The latest guidelines from the General Medical Council, changes to the legal framework on mental capacity and a new Advanced Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) card all seek to address the issues. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

This time of year sees the annual rise in Legionella infections. Increased awareness is key to the control of this significant infection and KATE RICKETTS and CAROL JOSEPH from the Health Protection Agency provide a refresher on the killer disease caused by Legionella species.

Clinical chemistry is notoriously difficult to transfer out of the laboratory, but the emergency department at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust is leading the way in point-of-care testing and has improved patient waiting times in the process. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

A protocol aimed at minimising blood transfusions, and adopted by 80% of hospitals in the Netherlands, has significantly improved patient outcomes and shortened recovery times. This proven blood sparing approach has been championed by Dr Robert Slappendel. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

In addition to saving patients’ lives, doctors are now being asked to take an active role in saving the planet. But how important is environmental policy to the health of the nation? Should the ‘green issue’ become a ‘health issue’ and why should doctors in the UK be concerned about the environment on behalf of their patients? LOUISE FRAMPTON examines the latest debate.

The role of pathology testing at the point of care continues to increase, but information technology to manage the data produced across many remote sites is in its infancy. However, systems are being developed to address this shortcoming, as ANDREW SLADEN explains.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE) has reversed an earlier decision on the use of drug-eluting stents when treating coronary artery disease. Under new guidance, the organisation states that drug-eluting stents may be cost-effective for some patients. The Clinical Services Journal provides a summary of the key points.

Dr CHARLES McINTOSH tackles the issue of league tables and examines the lessons that can be learned in bridging the gap between infection control guidelines and best practice. He asks: how can a hospital rise from the lowest point on the Healthcare Commission’s measurement scale to near the top of the league, in just one year?

Professor CURTIS GEMMELL discusses the history of antiseptics in medicine and their growing role in preventing infection.

Key figures in the formation of NHS strategy (including Alan Johnson, Lord Darzi and Sir Liam Donaldson) have emphasised the role of the health service in promoting public health. Prevention initiatives have helped reduce mortality, over the last ten years, but health inequalities remain a challenge. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

The progressive development of an electronic-biomedical engineering (EBME) department at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust is providing many outstanding benefits. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS, technical editor of The Clinical Services Journal, reviews significant items of healthcare sector news.

A gall bladder can now be removed through the mouth, but do the benefits outweigh the risks? The UK’s first course on minimal access surgery via natural orifices, held at the University of Surrey, tackled the benefits and limitations of this controversial technique, while responding to sceptics’ concerns. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.