FEATURE ARTICLES

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.

Five years on since the global threat of severe acquired respiratory syndome was first identified, significant work has been undertaken into understanding the causes, diagnosis and treatment of this potentially pandemic disease. Dr RICHARD COLLINS discusses the lessons that have been learned.

The European symposium at the Society for Surgical Infection Congress, held in Turkey, examined some of the non-pharmaceutical strategies used in the fight against SSIs – ranging from microbial sealants, to autologous blood transfusions. CHRIS BIRD reports.

Financial targets must not be put ahead of quality and safety, senior healthcare professionals were told at the recent Patient Safety Congress. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS supports the implementation of the World Health Organization’s latest initiative, which aims to improve surgical quality and safety in the operating theatre.

Organisational failures affecting the outcome of coronary artery bypass grafts have been identified as a result of a confidential enquiry. Communication and teamwork were highlighted as key areas for improvement, at the report’s launch in London. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Infection Prevention Society (incorporating ICNA) conference and exhibition will focus on informing infection prevention practice, promoting patient and public safety through control of infection, and sustaining quality improvement. The Clinical Services Journal reports on the importance of attending this event.

LYNDA HAMLYN, the new head of NHS Blood and Transplant, talks to The Clinical Services Journal about the challenges ahead in providing a safe and sufficient supply of blood, organs and other specialist services.

What impact do independent sector radiology services have on the NHS? Do outsourced services meet the standards of the NHS and what are the risks and benefits? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports on divided opinion expressed at a recent radiology conference.

Robotics in surgery, system integration, safety in electrosurgery, infection control issues relating to medical equipment, endoscopic technologies, and the prevention of incidents involving medical devices were subjects examined at this year’s Completing the Picture event – the seventh in a series of annual educational symposiums for clinical and biomedical engineers. The series is sponsored by education grants from Welch Allyn. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

Significant reductions in bacteraemias have been reported at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust. LOUISE FRAMPTON talks to the “Saving Lives” implementation team to find out how these improvements were achieved.

The celebration of the NHS at 60 provides the opportunity to reflect on one of the most astounding human endeavors of modern times. The many changes within the service, over the past six decades, have been described as an exciting and challenging journey. But questions arise: what if the UK had chosen another path and have we chosen well? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.