FEATURE ARTICLES

Although blood culture is arguably one of the most common and important diagnostic tests in the proper management of infectious diseases, it is frequently overlooked or underestimated. Yet blood cultures provide essential information for patient management. Failing to optimise their use, in particular through appropriate collection, processing and analysis, represents a missed opportunity for clinicians and ultimately for patients, warns Dr. Yoann Personne.

Rob Kinnersley discusses the benefits of leveraging technology to accurately and efficiently track vital hospital equipment in healthcare environments.

As one of the largest gatherings of perioperative professionals in the UK, the AfPP Annual Conference is essential for anyone working in the perioperative field. CSJ provides an overview of this year’s programme and the many reasons to attend.

It is important for everyone that clinical entrepreneurs are able to succeed and bring new innovations to market. Angie Reynolds, head of Birmingham Research Park, discusses how this innovation can be supported.

The EBME Expo medical equipment exhibition and conference will take place at The Coventry Building Society Arena, 28–29 June 2023. CSJ provides an insight into the hot topics to be discussed at the event and the innovations on show.

At the recent Infection Prevention & Control conference, held in Birmingham at The National Conference Centre, surgical site infection (SSI) was high on the agenda – from infection prevention in theatres and the importance of care bundles, to antibiotic stewardship within the surgical pathway, and SSI surveillance. Louise Frampton reports on some of the highlights

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the findings of the Hewitt Review on plans for Integrated Care Systems. The Review identifies six key principles, which will enable the ICSs to thrive. However, it remains to be seen how much of the report and its proposals will be accepted by the Department of Health and Social Care.

An independent review of clinical trials by Lord James O’Shaughnessy is due to report imminently. Helen Jones looks at how taking trials into the heart of communities can play a pivotal role

One of the strategic objectives of the New Hospital Programme, which aims to transform the delivery of healthcare infrastructure for the NHS, is to ‘deliver hospitals for less cost and less time’. Modern Methods of Construction are meeting this strategic objective, while enabling Trusts to tackle the backlog

The Clinical Engineering team at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has improved the management of medical equipment by tracking assets with a RFID system, resulting in reduced costs and improved patient flow.

Patients and wound care experts are calling for higher standards in wound care. The Making Wound Care Work recommendations have been launched, signposting to key areas that will help drive improvements to wound care services.

Toma Pagojute says that training and development, recognition, and culture are all key to employee retention – it isn’t just about the pay. She reports on a recent survey which showed that stress was the biggest reason prompting healthcare staff to consider leaving the profession.

A new report by the Public Accounts Committee has criticised NHS England’s recovery programme for its ‘over-optimism’ and highlights a need for improved workforce planning – particularly around social care. CSJ provides an overview of the key findings and recommendations.

The latest NHS staff survey reveals concerns over the care provided to patients and a decline in morale. The findings also highlight increasing levels of discrimination.

Trevor Garcia, the new chair of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc), calls for a focus on education and training within the sector, to safeguard the next generation of highly motivated and competent decontamination science staff

Dr. John Sandham CEng FIHEEM warns that when medical technology fails its ‘MOT’ so does the whole of the NHS. He argues that effective medical technology management can lead to better clinical outcomes, happier staff, and a more efficient NHS.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the role of the independent sector in healthcare and whether it could mitigate the extreme pressures in the NHS – both in acute and primary care services.

Over the last five years, NHS Supply Chain procurement exercises have benefitted from increased frontline clinical engagement, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective products that meet the needs of the NHS. In this article, Sue Green outlines how clinical engagement has supported the development of a robust infection prevention and control framework for the provision of hand hygiene products and services.

During the pandemic, increased demand for alcohol-based hand rub led to some questionable solutions entering the market. So, what questions should healthcare providers ask suppliers to ensure that their product is suitable and effective for hospital use? Thomas Oh, Mandy Michie, Pearleen Ho and Lars Passvogel provide an insight.

Getinge’s digital patient flow management solution, INSIGHT, has successfully improved patient flow, reduced staff stress levels, and increased efficiency for a leading orthopaedic hospital in Japan.