FEATURE ARTICLES

A coroner’s inquest into the death of a patient poses complex challenges for any NHS organisation. These are likely to intensify with the advent of the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007 which came into force in April this year. JOANNA TREWIN, a partner at legal firm Hill Dickinson LLP, provides guidance for those who may become involved in an inquest as a witness or as a manager liaising with the coroner’s office.

BERYL DE SOUZA and KAUSHIK CHAKRABARTY provide an insight into the many sub-specialties within the pioneering field of plastic surgery and discuss its origins and development.

A hands-free, wireless system is improving communications, and ultimately patient care, at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. At the Royal Victoria Hospital, an estimated 4,000 hours of wasted time are being saved annually within the emergency department alone. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

When MEDICA – the 40th world forum for medicine – takes place in Düsseldorf (19-22 November 2008), procedures for improved diagnostics and therapy for cancer patients will be among the topics. High on the agenda will be significant advances in the field of hyperthermia, which are showing promising results in European studies.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), in collaboration with the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA), has issued guidance to reduce the risk of pneumonia in patients who are on a ventilator. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG) is piloting a remote teleconsultation system that combines video, audio and medical technology with IP telephony to create a “consulting room” environment in a medical setting, home, office or shopping mall. Two key goals are to enable patients many miles from their nearest doctor to receive remote consultations, and to reduce pressure in hospital emergency departments. JONATHAN BAILLIE reports.

Dr FERDINAND SERRACINO-INGLOTT looks at why a growing number of vascular surgeons are offering a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery, known as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

MARTIN KIERNAN, nurse consultant, infection prevention and control, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, and vice-president of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) discusses best practice when using drapes and gowns.

The concept of transfusing patients in a non-hospital environment is growing in popularity and has many benefits. Transfusion scientist BARRY HILL examines the background behind this development and the implications for healthcare providers.

DANIEL STEINES and JONG LEE discuss the issue of revision surgery in patients receiving knee implants and argue that a patient-specific approach to implant design could have significant value.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) recently published its third annual report on surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in England. The results showed that significant progress has been achieved, but the agency warned that vigilance is required in relation to changes in epidemiology and new strains of pathogen. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

Wound care in neonatal patients presents significant challenges, says TRUDIE YOUNG – a lecturer in tissue viability at Bangor University. She reports on one of the first uses of an ionic hydrogel in the neonatal population, which involved a difficult case of necrotic extravasation injury.

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.