FEATURE ARTICLES

The 2006 Institute of Decontamination Sciences Conference in Scotland attracted about 200 delegates and covered a wide range of topics, from compliance standards to endoscopy services. KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS reports.

Achieving an aseptic state in the hospital environment is vital. Professor MIKE WREN examines some of the methods available for ensuring high levels of cleanliness are achieved.

At a recent Oxoid Infection Control Seminar, the problem of multidrug resistance in Gram-negative organisms was examined. The introduction of a new screening test aims to slow the spread of these bacteria, both within and between hospitals, as FIONA MACRAE reports.

PCTs can be more efficient and will enhance patient care if they reconsider their high volume care pathways.

With the move towards more non-invasive surgical techniques throughout medicine, BARRY THOMAS from Cook Incorporated discusses his company's Zenith stent grafts with Lesley Adair, and explains how the products are playing a crucial role in the growing demand for non-invasive endovascular treatment.

A group of experts recently issued a warning to healthcare staff that they could be legally liable if they advise patients to crush pills. Dr DAVID WRIGHT, senior lecturer in pharmacy at the University of East Anglia and a member of the group, contributes to this article on the implications for healthcare staff involved in administering medication. Report by Lesley Adair.

A new system to find intensive care cots for sick and premature babies has been launched by Health Minister Ivan Lewis. CSJ reports.

At the end of November last year the Department of Health released its consultation document Code of Practice for Promotion of NHS Services. With patient choice a central theme, The Clinical Services Journal takes a closer look at what the document has to say on this and other subjects.

It is essential that healthcare organisations have robust systems in place for managing patient confidentiality. This is not only a legal requirement but also an ethical one. The integrity of the healthcare system is based on mutual trust between clinician and patient. JOHN BEESLEY LLM Healthcare Law, BA (Hons) RGN explores organisational guidelines for information governance.

Healthcare providers aim to improve patients' lives. However, as the range and complexity of interventions increase, so too does the risk of patients being harmed unintentionally by procedures intended to help them. In a drive to improve patient safety, a new commitment aims to supplement existing standards and guidelines.

A keynote lecture at an Oxoid Infection Control Seminar focused on hospital-acquired infection and lessons that might be learned from the food industry. In this article, Professor CHRIS GRIFFITH provides a rTsumT of his presentation.

Since its introduction in 2004, the Hospital at Night project has helped to redefine how out-of-hours medical cover needs to be provided in hospitals. The Clinical Services Journal updates on its progress to date and in particular the findings of its recent baseline report.

In August 2006, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued a statement advising employers that they could "benefit from older workers" and that they should "do more to tackle age discrimination". CSJ looks at the implications for an ageing workforce in the UK health sector.