FEATURE ARTICLES

In the UK, Pseudomonas is the cause of around 10% of nosocomial infections and is one of the most common causes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A recent masterclass on waterborne diseases, held in Nottingham, highlighted the risks for healthcare-associated infection, as well as offering guidance aimed at preventing transmission. SUSAN PEARSON reports.

Sterile services departments require large volumes of high purity water to ensure a consistent supply of clean, sterilised equipment throughout the hospital. MARK BOSLEY explains how the contamination challenges facing hospital staff today can be addressed by modern water purification technology.

MELISSA ROCHON BSc Hons (Nursing) discusses the importance of robust, local surgical site infection surveillance in driving improvements in clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Thermography is now being used to aid detection of small nerve fibre dysfunction in diabetics, to help clinicians determine the effectiveness of local anaesthetic, as well as improve patient care for burns victims. The Clinical Services Journal takes a look at some of the latest pioneering uses of the technology.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the current situation regarding the quality of care for IBD patients across the UK – both adults and children – and finds out what IBD inpatients felt about their hospital experience.

Haemorrhage remains a leading cause of mortality, following trauma. Survival could be significantly improved by optimising early resuscitation procedures. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the findings of a recent NCEPOD study that reviewed the care received by patients who had a CPR attempt following a cardiac arrest in hospital.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on a new and developing role in the UK – the Physicians’ Assistant (Anaesthesia). Although the focus of some resistance from consultants, the role has now become part of a successful anaesthesia delivery model for some Trusts.

Providing inspiration and education for infection prevention and control professionals, Infection Prevention 2012 will provide an insight into best practice, innovation and ideas for improvement.

Quality and safety in endoscopy was high on the agenda at the recent Digestive Disorders Federation conference, held in Liverpool. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Thermography is now being used to aid detection of small nerve fibre dysfunction in diabetics, to help clinicians determine the effectiveness of local anaesthetic, as well as improve patient care for burns victims. The Clinical Services Journal takes a look at some of the latest pioneering uses of the technology.

Electro-biomedical engineering departments will have a central role to play, as the reorganisation of the NHS intensifies, argued a leading a health economist at a recent EBME symposium. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

SUZANNE CALLANDER spoke to Professor Dr Konrad Reinhart, chairman of the Global Sepsis Alliance, to find out more about the first ever World Sepsis Day, which will take place on 13 September.

Chronic migraine is a debilitating disorder with few treatment options. However, a promising new therapy involving peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the occipital nerve is set to become available at a number of hospitals throughout the UK. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

SUZANNE CALLANDER finds out how the skills of a healthcare focused consultancy can help Trusts meet the QIPP challenge and ensure they are prepared for future challenges.

TOM JORDAN and STEVE RIDDLE provide an overview of best practice for launching an antimicrobial stewardship programme.

Do you have an idea which you believe fulfils an unmet need in the healthcare environment? The Clinical Services Journal explains how these ideas could be turned into a reality.

The Department of Health has announced that it is extending the list of ‘Never Events’, which will be backed by hard-hitting financial penalties. KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS discusses the implications and highlights the importance of developing a safety culture.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists’ 2012 anniversary meeting offered much food for thought as the specialty innovates in high risk surgery and tackles controversies in quality care. ANDREW BRISTER reports.

An audit of adverse incidents has shown that the risks associated with obese patients continue to be underestimated, so how can safety be improved for this patient group? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.