RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Securing the future of decontamination science
With an ageing workforce, the decontamination sector urgently needs to develop the next generation of healthcare scientists, to ensure the sector continues to deliver high quality, safe services for patients.
Automating medication storage in theatres
Major savings in medicines expenditure have been reported by a hospital in North Wales, following the installation of an automated medication cabinet within the operating theatre. The automated system is also improving the accountability of medication use and helping to improve safety.
Focus on innovation in clinical engineering
The EBME chairman, Dr. John Sandham, discusses what to expect at the EBME Expo, being held in the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, in Autumn 2020.
AMR threat: infection prevention vital
At Infection Prevention & Control 2020, NHS leaders warned that increased efforts are required to reduce healthcare-associated infections, if we are to win the fight against antimicrobial resistance. With ambitious targets now set to cut Gram-negative bloodstream infections, what role can clinicians have in delivering improvement? Louise Frampton reports
Falling short: the NHS workforce challenge
The NHS has seen significant changes in the profile of its staff as it struggles to fill widespread and growing nurse shortages. Analysis by the Health Foundation shows that the skills mix is changing, as the number of registered nurses is being outstripped by increases in clinical support staff.
What we learned from Arab Health 2020
Paul McGrade provides his thoughts on health trends on show at Arab Health.
The impact of austerity on health outcomes
The Marmot Review 10 Years On has highlighted the devastating impact that a decade of austerity has had on health outcomes. For the first time in over a century, progress in life expectancy has stalled and even declined for women, while health inequalities have widened.
Disruptive behaviours persist in theatres
There is increasing recognition of the need to tackle disruptive behaviours in the perioperative setting, including ‘incivility’. Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the issue of bullying in theatres and the impact that this has on patient safety and the retention of staff.
Machine learning will reshape clinical services
Stefan Hogendoorn, chief technical officer at Cloud Technology Solutions, explains how machine learning is being used to improve medical diagnoses and healthcare provision, highlighting the potential to reshape the future of clinical services in the UK.
Eliminating the risks of mattress damage
Shaun Ambrose-Jones, an independent consultant at AMJO Business Development, explores how using a non-corrosive, chlorine-free, high-level disinfectant can optimise cleaning and reduce the risk of damage to mattress covers.
Smartphones and the future of diagnostics
Could smartphones democratise healthcare and relieve the pressure on healthcare facilities? Louise Frampton discusses how the combination of mobile devices with diagnostic tools could offer new possibilities to test, track and treat conditions – from rapid diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and HIV, to the tracking of Ebola outbreaks.
Short-term financial fixes ‘not sustainable’
The NHS is treating more patients but has not yet achieved the fundamental transformation in services and finance regime needed to meet rising demand. Short-term fixes have made some parts of the NHS seriously financially unstable, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).
Turning a blind eye to delays?
Urgent action is needed to transform ophthalmic services to prevent devastating and avoidable sight loss for patients. Lack of timely follow-up for glaucoma patients is a recognised issue across the NHS and research suggests that around 22 patients a month suffer severe or permanent sight loss as a result of delays.
Using SSI surveillance to drive improvement
Surgical site infection surveillance saves lives, but theatre staff need to take a more proactive role, says Pauline Harrington, National surgical site infection surveillance manager at Public Health England. Louise Frampton reports.
Protecting choice and ‘gold standards’
The consequences of ‘efficiency savings’ are being felt within the urology and continence care sector, according to Chris Whitehouse, chairman of the Urology Trade Association. He warns that cutting costs for urology devices risks causing avoidable urinary tract infections, and reducing the quality of life of patients.
Beating breast cancer: the breakthroughs
The mortality rate for breast cancer has fallen dramatically, with the development of new tests and treatments. The latest research offers hope for further improvements, not least through the development of artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis. The Clinical Services Journal reports on the latest advances.
Creating a safe and just culture in healthcare
Trevor Dale, an expert in human factors training, believes that the NHS still has a long way to go in creating a ‘just culture’, where organisations learn from mistakes, human factors are understood, and hierarchy is flexible. So, what exactly does a ‘just culture’ look like?
Group B Strep – what are we missing?
Group B Strep is the most common cause of severe infection in newborn babies in the UK. Despite a risk-based prevention strategy being in place since 2003, to tackle early-onset infection, rates have significantly increased. Jane Plumb and Kate F Walker discuss the current UK approach and what needs to change.
NHS must tackle gap in technology skills
The NHS is currently in a ‘technological meltdown’ as a result of decades of under-investment in technology, according Dr. John Sandham, chairman of the EBME Expo. EBME and IT departments are also on a ‘collision course’ and there is a need to address the knowledge gap between the two disciplines, if the NHS is to succeed in its vision for a digital future. Louise Frampton reports.
Tackling the burden of PE mortality
A National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death recently found delays in the processing of care in over a third of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). With over 10% of deaths in hospital related to PE, how can the NHS further improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this potentially deadly condition?
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Upcoming Events
Diversity, inclusion and equality in surgery conference
RCS England Headquarters, London, WC2A 3PE
30th September 2023
UK Respiratory Infections Seminar
Mary Ward House, London
4th October 2023
Ecolab's Public Health & Sustainability Day
Old Trafford, Manchester United
10th October 2023
CSC Autumn Study Day 2023
LMI conference centre, Liverpool
16th October 2023
Prevent, Protect, Provide: Minimising infections for patients and the NHS
The Clermont Hotel, London, WC2N 5HX
30th October 2023
Infection 360 Conference
Pendulum Hotel and Manchester Conference Centre
8th - 9th November 2023
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