FEATURE ARTICLES

The use of cryotherapy to freeze and destroy cancerous tumours is becoming more widely adopted but has encountered significant barriers in terms of funding and recognition from NICE. Some clinicians argue that UK patients are being disadvantaged. LOUISE FRAMPTON looks at how this procedure is advancing.

Management of acute post-operative pain, issues relating to inter-hospital patient transfer, and paediatric emergencies were among topics studied at a conference recently held in London by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI). NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) recently held a conference at Westminster which included the latest scientific opinion on minimising secondary brain injury. LOUISE FRAMPTON provides an overview.

Research continues to find an effective method to eliminate the risk of prion contamination on reusable surgical instruments. To date, there is no consensus on the way forward. The Clinical Services Journal looks at the latest contributions to the debate and some new developments.

Successes achieved in the development and running of a new cardiothoracic centre in Essex are numerous. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

Increased pressure on endoscopy services has prompted pilot initiatives to evaluate the feasibility of training non-traditional individuals to undertake flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS). ANGELA GARDINER PhD, senior lecturer and programme lead for gastroenterology at the University of Hull, reports on the pilot findings and outlines a case for training of endoscopic practitioners.

The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) Annual Scientific Meeting will take place 10-13 March 2008 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham. The Clinical Services Journal provides an insight into some of the highlights.

KEN BATE, a Jehovah’s Witness and Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) member, talks to The Clinical Services Journal about the challenges that religious beliefs pose for healthcare professionals.

The Government has published some surprising findings on the risk factors that lead to variations in rates of hospital acquired MRSA. The link between high bed occupancy and infection rates has been weakened, but there are still significant regional differences and areas that cause concern. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

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

Sabi Khan, chief nursing officer at the Portland Hospital, London, talks to LOUISE FRAMPTON about the provision of patient-focused care, the growth of nurse-led services and the increasing use of interactive technology at the facility.

Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not having their condition diagnosed in the early stages and subsequently receive sub-standard care. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Access to stroke services has been described as a “postcode lottery” and many patients fail to receive life-saving rapid diagnosis and treatment. A new Government strategy hopes to improve outcomes and bring stroke services in line with those for cancer and heart disease. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

There is a lack of awareness and understanding among many clinicians of the role skin-dwelling bacteria have in the transmission of bloodstream infections. Evidence-based guidelines and the latest trials highlight a cost-effective solution. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS says that with pandemic flu it is not a case of “if” but “when”. Pre-planning for the eventuality is critical, she explains.

As the typical patient profile changes, trends in joint replacement surgery are placing increased demands on the NHS as well as the implants being used. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

An assessment of glove types and suppliers has resulted in significant savings at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Foundation Trust, according to clinical resources manager Gina Mackay. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

The rapid rise of health associated infections (HAIs) within hospitals has become a major cause of concern. Against this backdrop, The Clinical Services Journal reports on a recent study day on infection control issues, organised by the Schülke Forum.

Last year, 30,000 junior doctors competed for just 20,000 specialist training posts. The Government came under fire for failures in the recruitment process and for leaving junior doctors “disillusioned”. Reforms are now being urged as a result of an independent inquiry. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Wound dehiscence is an unwelcome post-operative complication and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, but advances in negative pressure wound therapy can improve outcomes. Clinical case studies reported by nursing professionals, in conjunction with TALLEY MEDICAL, demonstrate the improvements that can be achieved.