FEATURE ARTICLES

It is estimated that around one million people in the UK, aged over 65, are suffering from malnutrition. Despite the publication of many reports, policies and reviews on this subject, and reorganisation of the health service to improve patient care, it would appear that there is still work to do to ensure better nutritional care for patients.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS provides an insight into the latest findings of a task force, which was established to tackle the problem of ‘never events’ in surgery.

The 6th annual Reducing HCAIs conference and exhibition – Improving processes, improving outcomes – provided an insight into improvement initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections.

Following the Francis Inquiry there has been an increased focus on delivering openness and on being ‘candid’ when mistakes are made. A recent conference discussed the importance of supporting and encouraging frontline staff to come forward with concerns and provided an insight into the statutory duty of candour.

The newly competitive nature of the NHS makes it even more important for Trusts to consider the reputational risks that could result from adverse healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) rates. SUZANNE CALLANDER reports.

RICHARD DEED, innovation unit manager at TRUSTECH, a leading NHS innovation service, shares the stages that successful innovators follow to ensure their ideas have the best opportunity to make their mark on the healthcare sector.

A recently published study has highlighted the economic and clinical benefits of incorporating a point-of-care nucleic acid amplification test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae into genitourinary medicine clinics.1

A recent discussion on the quality of hospital water raised the question: is the presence of pathogens being underestimated. Moreover, are current control methods ‘killing’ bacteria or simply putting them to ‘sleep’? If the latter proves to be the case, what are the risks to patient safety? SUSAN PEARSON reports.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on the evidence that supports the use of ATP bioluminescence testing for the validation of decontamination processes in endoscopy units and sterile services departments.

In February 2012, The Clinical Services Journal reported on how lessons learned on the battlefield could soon find their way into the treatment of civilian trauma cases by the NHS. BARRY HILL explains how one such initiative is already saving lives in the London region.

The Association for Perioperative Practice is celebrating 50 years of setting standards, promoting patient safety and supporting professional development in perioperative practice. LOUISE FRAMPTON speaks to AfPP CEO DAWN STOTT about the association’s history, current focus and plans for the future.

SUZANNE CALLANDER looks at the findings of a recent report that highlights the connection between NHS staff morale and the quality of patient care.

A year after the introduction of its ‘Compassion in Practice Strategy’ NHS England has published a report on progress so far in its three-year plan to ensure more compassionate, better quality care and better patient outcomes.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS considers the latest updates to guidance and best practice regarding surveillance, prevention and control of surgical site infection.

NICK BATTERSBY provides an insight into the complexities and dilemmas posed by the management of early rectal cancer, discussed at an educational event hosted by the Pelican Cancer Foundation.

A one-day seminar, hosted by the Getinge Academy, tackled key decontamination issues. Taking place at the Holiday Inn, London Elstree, an audience of healthcare professionals, responsible for general and endoscopy decontamination, gained an insight into water, chemicals, testing and more.

LIZ LAVERICK investigates a pathogen that has global impact, yet one that has been the subject of little research despite its impact in areas of the developing world where the virus is endemic.

LIZ LAVERICK investigates a pathogen that has global impact, yet one that has been the subject of little research despite its impact in areas of the developing world where the virus is endemic.

An ageing population, rising levels of obesity and an increase in the number of patients living with cancer-related morbidity are presenting challenges in terms of the complexity and volume of hip fracture cases.

The 6th annual Reducing HCAIs conference and exhibition – Improving processes, improving outcomes – focused on the challenges being faced within the clinical setting, and how reductions of surgical site infections (SSI) can be achieved.