FEATURE ARTICLES

In the current financial climate, the challenge faced by the NHS is how to “do more for less”. However, what contribution could quality improvements have in releasing the savings required in these tough times? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The UK continues to lag behind other countries in terms of length of hospital stay, while there is significant scope to increase the number of operations performed as day case procedures.

Patient safety was a central theme throughout the Association for Perioperative Practice’s annual Congress. Key figures spoke candidly about their experiences, the need to protect whistleblowers, and the difficulties they encountered in raising concerns. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

New developments in hybrid scanning, the latest approaches in treating atrial fibrillation; improvements in prosthesis design; and the development of a “bloodless scalpel” that uses high-energy ultrasound, are among the key advances highlighted at MEDICA 2010.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is developing a number of quality standards to enable Trusts to benchmark their services and evaluate the quality of care being delivered across a wide range of services. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

A major culture change will be required if the NHS is to deliver cost savings without compromising quality. In these tough economic times, the question arises: “Can Lord Darzi’s vision of ‘High Quality Care for All’ survive into the future?” LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Experts at Barts and The London NHS Trust are campaigning to raise awareness of the risk of unretrieved device fragments posed by poor quality surgical instruments, which can lead to infection, perforation or obstruction of blood vessels, and even death.

Professor McMahon speaks to LOUISE FRAMPTON about the importance of surgeon-led innovation and reveals how he transformed a novel idea, aimed at improving the safety of laparoscopic surgery, into an award-winning business.

Professor McMahon speaks to LOUISE FRAMPTON about the importance of surgeon-led innovation and reveals how he transformed a novel idea, aimed at improving the safety of laparoscopic surgery, into an award-winning business.

A panel of judges recently praised an ambitious project by the medical engineering team at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. LOUISE FRAMPTON provides an insight into the team’s achievements.

Anne Reed MSc Pg/Dip NDN RGN, a qualified nurse and solicitor, warned delegates of the legal implications of surgical site infection, at the Ethicon SSI Symposium 2010, in Birmingham.

A “smart” dressing is being developed in response to the problem of burns in young children, with the aim of providing quick detection of infection to ensure rapid intervention. SUSAN PEARSON reports.

There must be a focus on providing a culture in hospitals where it is safe for patients and staff to speak out, without fear, and where they will be heard, says KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS.

Recent developments at Barts and The London NHS Trust are expected to save lives by improving cardiac care. Investment in the latest state-of-the-art technology and rapid access to cardiology services are among the key components of the Trust’s strategy. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

In view of a recent Health and Safety Executive survey, revealing that work-related violence is increasing, The Clinical Services Journal examines the implications for hospitals and healthcare staff.

Specialist diabetes nurses from the FORUM FOR INJECTION TECHNIQUE are raising awareness of the importance of optimising glycaemic control. In this article, the Forum provides a preview of new UK recommendations.

HIS 2010 takes place every four years and is the major international conference focusing on infection control. From prevention strategies, epidemiology and surveillance, to decontamination and new technologies, the conference will examine the hottest topics affecting health organisations across the globe.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS, technical editor of The Clinical Services Journal, reviews significant items of healthcare sector news.

ZOË ELKINS, head of care at The Good Care Group, argues that fresh thought must be given to caring for individuals with dementia admitted to hospital.

A symposium, sponsored by Welch Allyn, recently discussed the latest developments in medical device technology, affecting the biomedical engineering sector, while celebrating the important contribution that biomedical engineers have to offer in improving efficiency, ensuring patient safety and delivering savings for Trusts. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.