FEATURE ARTICLES

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS takes a closer look at some of the latest topical healthcare news headlines.

With less than 24 months before the UK Government has to introduce the European Directive on prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector, GRAHAM JOHNSON discusses the practical steps that employers can take now to prepare for the introduction of this legislation.

There is a long history of using overseas-trained clinical staff within the NHS, but how can the recruitment process be improved to avoid the mistakes that have been highlighted by recent inquests? ANDREW ANASTASIOU comments on the key issues and offers some valuable advice.

TONY MOSS takes a look at the employment opportunities that still exist in the NHS, despite the economically challenging environment.

The implementation of HD video technology has offered one hospital Trust a solution to the impact of the European Working Time Directive on vital training time for surgical trainees.

Dr FRANCES REES and Dr CHRIS DEIGHTON highlight the need to optimise outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, through rapid referral to a specialist and early treatment. They discuss some of the barriers that need to be addressed to improve diagnosis and management of the disease.

UTIs make up a large proportion of healthcare-associated infections in the UK today. Most can be traced to the use of catheters. SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on two different methods that have been employed, as part of the Protection from Infection HIAs, to reduce infection rates.

GUY HIRST, an expert in human factors training, explains how a well-trained team can help save the day in spite of personal vulnerabilities. He also explains how a skills framework, originally developed for use in the aviation industry, can also be applied to the clinical environment.

In the wake of the latest guidance on reducing delays in the provision of emergency blood, transfusion scientist BARRY HILL examines how this process has historically developed and outlines the latest innovations in this field.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the results of a study conducted by the NHS Technology Adoption Centre into the implementation of a non-invasive bladder analysis system.

With the ever-present threat of healthcare-associated infections, MICHELLE HOLLAND explores the importance of the rapid diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection as an aid to patient prioritisation and appropriate resource allocation.

The Clinical Services Journal reports from the recent Healthcare Innovation Expo, which highlighted the important role that innovation, in all its forms, will have in driving up quality and value in the NHS of the future.

The annual NHS staff satisfaction survey, recently published by the Care Quality Commission, has produced some surprising results, which could offer some encouragement for Trusts. KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS reports.

The Pelican Cancer Foundation has championed the multidisciplinary team (MDT) management of pelvic cancers. In this article, the charity considers how Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is playing a critical role in managing low bowel (rectal) cancers.

The Crono Twin is a new addition to the range of miniature syringe pumps available from APPLIED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY. It is claimed to be the first portable system to offer two pumps within the same device.

A National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report, On the face of it considered the provision of cosmetic surgery. The Clinical Services Journal looks at its findings.

Between 8% and 15% of knee arthroplasties in the UK are partial knee replacements. The Clinical Services Journal finds out more about this alternative to total knee arthroplasty.

GUY HIRST, an expert in human factors training, says that medical errors are an inevitable outcome of the human cognitive system working within the complex and sometimes chaotic healthcare system.

The Pelican Cancer Foundation outlines the progress achieved in treating metastatic liver cancer, and highlights its new plans to ensure every patient is offered the opportunity for prompt treatment in the future.

The latest research, policy developments and practice issues in tissue viability will be discussed at the 30th anniversary conference and exhibition of the Tissue Viability Society in April.