The Operating Theatre Journal

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The OTJ - Next issue copy deadline, Tuesday 25th January 2011All enquiries: Mr. L.A.Evans Editor/Advertising Manager, Mr. A. Fletcher Graphics Editor. The OTJ Lawrand Ltd,PO Box 51, Pontyclun, CF72 9YY Tel: 020 7100 2867 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lawrand.comThe Operating Theatre Journal is published twelve times per year. Available in electronic format from the pages of www.otjonline.comand in hard copy to hospitals throughout the United Kingdom. Personal copies are available by nominal subscription.Neither the Editor or Directors of Lawrand Ltd are in any way responsible for the statements made or views expressed by the contributors. All communications in respect of advertising quotations, obtaining a rate card and supplying all editorial communications and pictures to the Editor at the PO Box address. No part of this journal may be reproduced without prior permission from Lawrand Ltd. © 2011Journal Printers: The Warwick Printing Co Ltd, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. CV31 1QD

Groundbreaking NICE recommendation for B.Braun productThe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued its rst medical technology guidance, which supports the use of a device developed by a South Yorkshire healthcare company.

In groundbreaking guidance, B.Braun Medical’s SeQuent Please angioplasty balloon catheter, used in coronary artery surgery, is recommended for use in patients with restenosis following insertion of bare metal coronary artery stents. A stent is a small mesh tube that is used to prop open or treat narrowed or weakened blood vessels.

The B.Braun Medical SeQuent Please balloon catheter

Restenosis is where the blood vessel becomes blocked again after previous treatment with a stent, which happens in around ten per cent of cases. These patients would usually need further intervention to place a new stent as well as requiring expensive drug therapy.

Liam Huson, National Sales Manager, VasTech at Shef eld-based B. Braun Medical, said: “SeQuent Please was selected by NICE to demonstrate the clinical and cost bene ts of our drug eluting balloon technology in the NHS.

“We are delighted with the very positive recommendations which con rm the cost effectiveness of the product and the substantial bene ts of its use to both patients and the NHS.”

SeQuent Please consists of balloon angioplasty (a surgical procedure to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries) and local delivery of the drug paclitaxel to treat the part of the artery affected.

The guidance was issued by NICE’s new medical technologies advisory committee (MTAC), which aims to accelerate the adoption of new technologies in the NHS in England.

In particular, MTAC looks at whether a device offers bene ts to the patient and NHS at a lower cost compared with similar products, or increased bene ts for equal cost. After the rst year of use, SeQuent Please balloon catheter is associated with an annual estimated cost saving to the NHS of nearly £485,000, compared with standard therapy.

MTAC considered that reductions in the number of cases of restenosis requiring medical treatment, readmission and repeat surgery would have future cost savings, if these effects were maintained in the long term.

And, the guidance recommends further research in a UK setting comparing long-term outcomes of patients treated with SeQuent Please balloon catheter to those treated with other types of drug-eluting balloon catheter and stent.

Liam added: “This recommendation from NICE is a clear statement of con dence in this technology and its place in interventional cardiology in the UK.

“It is also a ringing endorsement of emphasis we as a company place on innovation which delivers improved outcomes for patients and real value for money for the NHS.”

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Genetic switch discovered that turns on pain

Aberdeen scientists have discovered a switch that turns on a gene that lets us feel pain, in a nding that could be a step towards the development of new painkilling drugs.

The University of Aberdeen researchers also found that capsaicin the compound in chillies that gives them their kick can also turn the switch on.

The ndings just published in the journal Neuro-signals increase our understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind pain, which is essential for the development of new therapies.

The researchers studied the mechanics of the pain gene known as substance-P - rst shown to be involved in chronic in ammatory pain more than 30 years ago.

Genes on their own are inert and need switches known as promoters and enhancers - to turn them on in the right place, at the right time and at the right level.

One of the major nding of the study was that these switches dont act in isolation and need other switches to speak to in order to activate the gene.

The research team based in the Universitys Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics - spent ve years looking for the switches that turn the substance-P gene on in a group of cells called sensory neurones.

Dr Lynne Shanley, post-doctoral scientist, said: Finding the switch was like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, by comparing the genetic sequences of humans, mice and chickens we were able to nd a short stretch of DNA that had remained unchanged since before the age of dinosaurs.

We were delighted when this little bit of DNA turned out to be a genetic switch, or enhancer sequence, which could turn on the substance-P gene in sensory neurones.

Mrs Marissa Lear, the head technician on the project, said: Because the switch was active in these sensory neurones we applied capsaicin, the hot chemical in curry and chilli to see if the switch could be turned on and, amazingly, it was.

Chronic in ammatory pain in the form of arthritis or cancer pain affects many thousands of people in Britain each year and, in many cases, is untreatable using current therapy.

For many years capsaicin which recreates many symptoms of chronic in ammatory pain has been explored by researchers investigating chronic in ammatory pain. It has also been used as treatment for chronic pain. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that allow capsaicin to induce in ammatory pain will allow a better understanding of the pain process.

Professor Ruth Ross, head of the Kosterlitz centre and a co-author on the paper, said: Understanding the genetic processes that trigger in ammatory pain is essential to developing new therapies. Finding this new substance-P enhancer sequence, and showing that it can respond to capsaicin, has allowed us to add another part of the complex jigsaw puzzle that makes up the in ammatory pain response.

Dr Alasdair MacKenzie, who lead the project added: In order to discover this genetic switch we had to develop new technologies which are now unique to the Kosterlitz Centre and which can be used to look for other important genetic switches. This is very important as medical geneticists now know that 88% of heritable diseases such as arthritis, obesity, depression, heart disease and dementia may be caused by faulty genetic switches rather than faults in the genes themselves.

By nding the switches which turn on the substance-P gene in the parts of the body which deal with pain and then nding out how they work, we will be able to accelerate the development of novel drugs that target these switches.

4 THE OPERATING THEATRE JOURNAL www.otjonline.com

B.Braun Medical wins prestigious best

practice awardA revolutionary computer navigated operating technique developed by B.Braun Medical has scooped a global best practice award.The OrthoPilot® system received the honour at the prestigious Frost & Sullivan Growth Excellence Awards 2010, which recognise companies that are making a positive impact with unique and innovative solutions, despite the challenging economic climate.

OrthoPilot is the result of a 10-year research and development programme which uses sat-nav-type technology to lift the accuracy of total knee replacement surgery from around 80 per cent to over 95 per cent.

This offers NHS health trusts the potential of signi cant savings by reducing hospital stays and virtually eliminating the likelihood of replacement knees failing because they were not aligned accurately.

The groundbreaking system can also be used for hip replacements, anterior cruciate ligament and other sports related knee operations.

Paul Steel, Implant Systems Director at B. Braun Medical Ltd, the UK subsidiary of the global healthcare giant which has developed OrthoPilot, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award which recognises the signi cant increase in European market share for OrthoPilot in the last couple of years.

“Research currently taking place looks very promising for the capacity of computer navigated surgery to reduce average inpatient bed stays and potentially save the NHS signi cant resources.”

Computer navigated surgery forms part of the drive to develop the implants and surgical techniques which will ensure knees and hips do not buckle under the strain of an increasingly energetic ageing population.

By 2025, more than a third of the UK’s population will be over 55. Over 60,000 knee replacements are already performed in the UK each year but experts predict that the number will increase by a staggering 700 per cent by 2030.

Paul added: “We are rmly convinced that computer guided surgery will play an increasingly vital role in enhancing surgical work ow and raising quality assurance in orthopaedic surgery.”

Global growth consulting company Frost & Sullivan held the Growth Excellence Awards at the Emirates Stadium, London.

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Let me Hear Your Heart BeatWhat if monitoring your heart rate were as easy as listening to music while you jog? Thanks to advances in space technology, an iPhone will soon be able to do double duty: keep you in tune with your favourite artists and your vital signs.

With the support of ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme (ESA TTP), Swiss company CSEM created the nal prototype for their Pulsear device this year. A tiny unit embedded in a regular earphone uses infrared signals to see how fast your heart is beating. It sends infrared signals through the tissues in your ear. A tiny photo diode records the results and sends the information via the earphone wires to a device that plugs into your phone.

The result is an accurate reading of your heart rate, without the irritation of wearing a chest belt. “Lots of people listen to music while they exercise and lots of people nd the belts uncomfortable,” said CSEM’s Dr Andrea Ridol , “so we thought it made sense to measure heart rate through the ear.”

Solution thanks to space-tech Earlier attempts by CSEM to monitor heart rate using earphones were not satisfactory, said Dr Ridol , because the available technology was not sophisticated enough. But that was before CSEM developed a complex chest sensor for measuring astronauts’ blood oxygen levels for ESA’s Long Term Medical Survey system. “Once we were done,” said Dr Ridol , “we said, ‘let’s recycle this’.”

With a grant from the ESA TTP’s ‘Technology Transfer Demonstrator’ initiative, pe. The initiative supports development of new hardware and software to bridge the gap between the space technology and its terrestrial use.

An iPhone application shows your heart rate over time onscreen and compares, say, today’s jog with last week’s. Subjects who tested the app during their tness training rated the device highly. While the current prototype measures only heart rate, future versions could easily be adapted to measure additional vital signs such as blood oxygen levels. This would open up a number of medical applications.

“Technology transfer from space has a huge potential to spur innovation in areas you wouldn’t expect to nd space-tech”, explains Frank M. Salzgeber, Head of ESA TTP. “ESA TTP wants to help European industry to apply sophisticated space solutions to their markets.”

Open Call for Technology Transfer Demonstrators: http://www.technology-forum.com/demonstrators/ More information: http://www.esa.int/ttp Source: European Space Agency

Volk Mini Gonio Lens for Static and Dynamic GonioscopyCompact, four mirror designDesigned for small anatomies and narrow palpebral ssures, Volk Optical’s new Mini 4 Mirror Gonio Lens delivers complete angle views.

With a slight lens rotation, the Mini 4 Mirror offers a full view of the chamber angle at 1.0x magni cation. The small body and ring ease manipulation of the lens, especially within a small orbit. Volk’s proprietary contact design has the stability of a anged contact without the use of viscous interface solutions required by typical anged lenses. Arti cial tears or a thick natural tear layer is all that is required for patient comfort.

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Blood transfusion and the anaesthetist: management of massive haemorrhage

The management of massive haemorrhage is usually only one component of the management of a critically unwell patient. These guidelines are intended to supplement current resuscitation guidelines and are speci cally directed at improving management of massive haemorrhage.

The guidance is intended to provide a better understanding of the priorities in speci c situations. Effective teamwork and communication are an essential part of this process.

Available from: http://www.aagbi.org/publications/guidelines/docs/massive_haemorrhage_2010.pdf


SimMan makes way for a new era in simulation training

Launched by Laerdal Medical in 2001, SimMan became the world’s most widely used advanced patient simulator. A de ning success story in Laerdal’s 50 year history of creating innovative training solutions for the healthcare industry, the company re ects on why it is time to retire the current SimMan and reveals what exciting developments are now underway to take his place.

A Pioneering Patient Simulator 2001: SimMan

Laerdal has been at the cutting edge of healthcare training since the launch of Resusci Anne which revolutionized CPR training across the healthcare services and lay communities at large. The introduction of SimMan set another landmark in the company’s history of creating high quality basic, intermediate and advanced simulation training solutions. Martin Hetland, Director of Strategic Marketing at Laerdal re ects, “Prior to SimMan’s launch, simulation had limitations generally due to its high cost and operational complexity. Although there was a growing demand for simulation, in reality it was only available to a few. SimMan helped to change that. Far exceeding our expectations at the time of his launch, we watched SimMan help to transform simulation into a costeffective, viable and sustainable training solution. His legacy is one of which we are really proud.”

Paving the way for a new era in simulation 2010: SimMan Essential

As new technologies emerge the opportunities to take simulation to the next stage become profound. With the advent of wireless technology, the time came to fundamentally review how far a patient simulator could go in terms of delivering both quality learning experiences and greateraccessibility to the wider healthcare community across multiple disciplines. Laerdal’s new SimMan Essential has been designed to meet this challenge and is set to facilitate the now growing demand for in situ and multi-disciplinary team training. Wireless and greatly enhanced with new clinical features and supporting services, SimMan Essential is a complete mobile simulation solution.

The Final CallWhile the current SimMan is due to ‘retire’ in April 2011, he will not be con ned to a retirement home just yet as for another 5 years, Laerdal will continue to offer technical and maintenancesupport for the 6,000 SimMan that are currently the mainstay of many successful simulation programmes globally. As one door closes another door opens, and in this spirit Laerdal is con dent that the new SimMan Essential will continue the legacy of SimMan by further increasing the use of this most valued training methodology in support of the company’s longheld mission – helping save lives.www.laerdal.com


Poor treatment of abnormal heart rhythm puts patients lives at risk

Campaign calls for urgent action to improve patients health and reduce costs to national health systems

The lives of thousands of patients with atrial brillation (AF) could be at risk due to poor diagnosis, failure to follow treatment guidelines and lack of quality information for patients suffering from this debilitating heart condition, warns a report[1] published today by the AF AWARE partnership. The report argues that poor diagnosis and treatment of AF may lead to increased risk of hospitalization, stroke and other cardiovascular complications, as well as to unnecessary costs to individuals and to healthcare systems in Europe. These ndings come at a time when experts are meeting in London to exchange insights about the effective management of AF, at the EuropeAF conference. The ndings have prompted an urgent call from the AF AWARE partnership for European-wide improvements.

Six million people across Europe are affected by AF1, making it the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). While common symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness, some patients with AF experience no symptoms. AF increases a persons risk of stroke by four to ve fold.[2]

AF is a serious, progressive and chronic disease, which can have devastating consequences on patients and healthcare systems said Professor Günter Breithardt, spokesperson for the World Heart Federation. This report highlights missed opportunities to manage AF more effectively, saving costs to European healthcare systems and most importantly, saving patients lives.

The report reveals inconsistencies in adherence to treatment guidelines, inadequate patient resources, and a lack of country-level estimates of AF incidence and prevalence, which raises concerns that AF may be vastly underdiagnosed. This may hinder effective planning within national healthcare systems.

The report highlights that AF may cost the European Union 10 billion per year, based on a French estimate of a total average healthcare costs per year of 3,220 per AF patient. However, costs could be greatly reduced through the use of screening tools in primary care. As a study from the UK indicated, opportunistic screening of primary care patients can cost approximately £200 per patient, but is likely to lead to cost savings, avoiding more expensive secondary care.

The report also highlights substantial costs related to loss of work due to sickness absence, loss of productivity while at work and the need for early retirement. In Italy and Germany, these indirect costs have been estimated at over 3,000 per AF patient per year, while in the Netherlands, Greece and France these costs are in the hundreds of euros for each patient. The result is increased pressure on individuals with AF, their caregivers, employers, as well as the healthcare and welfare systems.

In response to the report, the AF AWARE partnership, led by the World Heart Federation and the Stroke Alliance for Europe, is calling for immediate action in four areas:

1. Wider availability and use of disease registries, to get a more accurate estimate of AF prevalence and assess the true burden of the disease

2. More educational tools on interpreting and applying treatment guidelines to country-speci c needs

3. An assessment of clinician training needs, patient information gaps and treatment preferences

4. Quality patient materials, enabling patients to become true partners in making treatment decisions, with appropriate support from their clinicianAF is a growing public health concern, with prevalence set to double by 2050 said Dr Markus Wagner, President, Stroke Alliance for Europe. The AF AWARE partnership is calling for urgent steps to be taken now to improve care for AF patients in Europe and reduce the physical, psychological and economic impact of this disease.

www.atrial brillation.org.ukwww.afa-international.org

References[1] Barham, L. Atrial Fibrillation in Europe: How AWARE are you?, November 2010[2] PA Wolf, RD Abbott and WB Kannel. Atrial brillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke 1991;22;983-988. URL: http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/22/8/983 - Last accessed: 27.10.2010


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Fukuda Denshi Launch New CardiMax FX-8222 with Large 6.4 inch TFT Colour DisplayFukuda Denshi is a leading supplier of advanced patient monitoring and user-con gurable clinical information management systems. The company has just launched its new CardiMax FX-8222 electrocardiograph, featuring a large 6.4 inch TFT colour display.

The CardiMax FX-8222provides easy data management with both USB and SD card ports, and can be connected to a Data Management System (DMS) via either wired or wireless network. It comes with a large touch screen, which provides easy operation using either the touch panel or the friendly function keys.

With 3, 6 and 12 lead ECG display, the CardiMax FX-8222 also offers 3, 6 and 12 channel recording on 145mm paper, enabling instant hard copy print-outs. The compact unit is also lightweight at only 3Kg, making it portable when required.

Other Fukuda Denshi electrocardiographs available in the CardiMax family include:

• FCP-7101/FX-7102 with large built-in 3/6/12 lead ECG display.• FX-7202 with touch screen operation and internal memory for ECG

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optimise measurement precision.• FX-7402 with IC card slot as standard for additional ECG storage and

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For more information on the new CardiMax FX-8222, contact Fukuda Denshi on 01483 728065.

Fukuda Denshi: Healthcare bound by technology. Please quote ‘OTJ’

Anesthesia Providers Contribute to Surgical Site Contamination

Anesthesia providers contribute signi cantly to the transmission of bacteria to the surgical eld during operations, according to a study.

The study, which appears in the January issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, the of cial journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society, highlights the fact that using surgical drapes without following recommended hand-washing procedures is not suf cient to prevent the transmission of bacteria.

Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., sought to determine the origin of bacteria transmitted to the surgical eld in 164 operating room procedures. Culture tests indicated the transmission of bacteria to the stopcock valves of IV lines in 11.5% of procedures. In nearly half of those cases, the bacteria in IV lines were the same as those found on the hands of anesthesia providers, including anesthesiologists, residents and nurse-anesthetists.

Contamination with potential disease-causing bacteria was found on the hands of anesthesia providers in 66% of cases before procedures. Bacteria was transmitted to the intraoperative environment in 89% of all cases, and in 12% of those cases the bacteria source was the anesthesia providers’ hands.

The researchers found that bacteria transmission was more likely when the anesthesiologist had to supervise more than one room simultaneously. It also was more likely in older patients, and in cases when the patient was sent directly from the OR to the ICU.

Lead author Randy W. Loftus, MD, and his colleagues wrote that contamination of provider hands before patient care “represents an important modi able risk factor for bacterial cross-contamination. These ndings support initiatives designed to improve intraoperative hand hygiene of anesthesia providers both before and during patient care, as well as intraoperative decontamination strategies.”

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Leading S&LTs agree to share complex cases to help improve competency levelsA group of leading dysphagia experts have pledged to join forces to share patient-approved videos of complex-rated Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES®) cases, assisting Speech and Language Therapists (S&LTs) from across the UK and Ireland to meet their competencies in accordance with Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ (RCSLT) guidelines.

The consensus was reached following a presentation from Gary Wood, Principal Speech and Language Therapist at the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital at the KayPENTAX Digital Swallowing Workstation (DSW) User Group Study Day, the rst event of its type to take place outside of the USA.

The challenges faced by assessing clinicians in keeping up their competency levels were discussed and it was agreed there is a need to help colleagues improve and maintain their own nasendoscopy and FEES skills. Mr Wood said:

“It’s really important for the future of S&LT that competencies are standardised between endoscopy skills and interpretation, but if as an assessing clinician, you don’t have access to the breadth of caseload, assessment tools and supervision in your hospital then it’s impossible for you to progress, and ultimately then to help others to do the same.”

“The KayPENTAX system has a database where cases can be uploaded and logged. Joining forces and working together to populate this database with patient-approved complex FEES cases that have been either rated by competent clinicians helps collectively improve access and training. By agreeing to this knowledge share we will help each other to keep up our competencies and help move S&LTs forward, both in the UK and globally.”

This sentiment was agreed by all 25 attendees, leading Speech and Language Therapists from across the UK and Ireland, who agreed to participate in the initiative.

Commenting on the proposal, Marie-Therese O’Callaghan, Senior S&LT in Ear Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Oncology at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, said: “Something like this could open doors for us.”

Commenting on the event, Bruce Diamante, International Sales Manager,

KayPENTAX, said: “Sharing information and experience of complex cases is an exciting idea and we’ll be working with S&LTs to gather clinical cases so that we can host this valuable database within the system.”


Scientists unlock bacterias survival aid Scientists have worked out how to control a protective mechanism found in many bacteria that helps them grow and stay alive.

In a nding that is hoped will help the future development of new antimicrobial drugs, researchers have revealed they are able to manipulate the protein or channel that protects E.coli, Salmonella, Legionella, which causes Legionnaires disease, and Pseudomonas, which can affect cystic brosis patients and sufferers of other chronic lung conditions.

All bacteria have channels that aid their survival by protecting them when they are threatened or under attack.

Last year Ian Booth and Tarmo Roosild at the University of Aberdeen, Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas and the Salk Institute in San Diego published a paper that explained the mechanics of these channels, which stay shut if all is normal, but spring open to help protect bacteria against potential toxins.

Now these scientists, in collaboration with Stuart Conway at the University of Oxford, have taken their ndings another step forward.

In a new study, which appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (http://www.pnas.org/content/107/46/19784.full.pdf+html), they describe how a synthetic chemical can force the channel to stay open which then stunts the bacterias growth.

The researchers were also able to test their ideas by modifying the channel so that it could be opened or closed by other chemicals.

Both studies have been supported by the Wellcome Trust, which has now awarded £1.5 million to the Universities of Aberdeen, Oxford and St Andrews to further develop these ndings.

Professor Ian Booth, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Aberdeens Institute of Medical Sciences, has been researching E.coli for more than 30 years. He said: After discovering last year how these protective channels in bacteria worked, our next goal was to devise chemicals that could trick the channel in the bacterium into staying open, slowing its growth, or force it to remain closed, which undermines its defences.

We have been able to achieve this in a move that is really signi cant as we see these channels, found in many pathogenic bacteria, as a target for the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

With new funding from the Wellcome Trust we will develop our understanding of these channels with the aim of creating potential new drugs to tackle a range of bacteria which has become more resistant to antibiotics.

Dr Stuart Conway, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford, said We are very excited about applying our chemical tools to the study of fundamental biological problems, which may ultimately allow us to develop new leads for novel antibiotic drugs.

Professor James Naismith from the Biomolecular Sciences Building at the University of St Andrews said: The Wellcome Trust Grant is a real boost as it allows us to continue this very productive collaboration. It is an exciting combination of chemistry, biology and structural biology.

Reviewing the Working Time

Directive President of the Royal College of Surgeons John Black, said:

The RCS are delighted that the EU have acknowledged the need for exibility in working hours regulation with this new review. We will examine these new proposals and take a full part in responding.

UK Surgeons and Physicians know that the European Working Time Directive has failed to improve work-life balance while putting patients at risk through diminished training and excessive shift handovers.

The UK government have acknowledged this too and this EU review presents a clear opportunity for UK politicians to negotiate an effective solution.

The EU review document may be found here:

http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6419&langId=en


Attractions on the ConvaTec stand at WCET gain delegates attention

ConvaTec has created innovative medical technologies and offered unique services in stoma care for over 30 years. Through compassion and understanding, it is committed to seeking inventive solutions to enhance patients’ quality of life.

At the recent WCET (World Council of Enterostomal Therapists) convention in Bournemouth, the company played host to over 400 delegates who attended its’ exhibition stand.

ConvaTec showcased its new Vitala™ continence control device, a pouchless system that provides security and temporary continence for up to 12 hours per day for people with colostomies. This innovative and compact device was on display for the rst time in the UK.

Additionally ConvaTec invited key stoma specialists to a satellite symposium, entitled ‘Transforming Stoma Care.’ During the symposium, patient testimonies for Vitala™ Continence Care device were given, based on evidence produced from a 25 patient pre-evaluation study.

Other attractions on the ConvaTec stand included:• The Esteem synergy® Flat Mouldable stoma system which provides a snug

t for advanced skin protection and which adapts to a changing stoma shape automatically.

• The stoma support series ‘Living with stoma’ patient booklets.• A new paediatric folder and Adolescent Booklet, written by paediatric

stoma care nurses as a highly regarded patient support tool.

For more information on Vitala™, Esteem synergy® Flat Mouldable or the patient support material, please visit www.convatec.co.uk or telephone 0800 282 254.

ConvaTec: Realise the possibilities™™/® Indicates a trademark of ConvaTec Inc. ConvaTec Ltd is an authorised user. © ConvaTec Inc 2009

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More exible, more responsive to employers needs: new health vocational

quali cations go liveNew vocational quali cations to promote a skilled, exible and productive health sector workforce go live this month, replacing the existing range of Health and Health & Social Care NVQs.

The new quali cations are designed to be more exible and responsive to employers and learners needs and have been developed by Skills for Health working in partnership with employers and training providers.

Skills for Health Director for Quali cations Strategy, Anne Eaton, said: Education and training is vital to our sector but it is important that the quali cations offered are exible and can respond to the fast-changing needs of employers and their staff.

The introduction of these new vocational quali cations on the Quali cations and Credit Framework will help to ensure that our workforce is competent in the skills they need to do their jobs.

New health and health-related quali cations published to the QCF by Skills for Health include Awards, Certi cates and Diplomas at both Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE at grades A-C or BTEC First Certi cate) and Level 3 (equivalent to A Level or BTEC National Certi cate/Diploma). Subjects range from Health Informatics to Emergency Care Assistance, Maternity and Paediatric Support and Optical Retail Skills.

The new quali cations are approved by the Quali cations Regulator for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are recognised by regulators and workforce development organisations as the benchmark for the sector.

In Wales the quali cations also sit on the Quali cations Credit Framework for Wales (CQFW). Within Scotland, where the QCF does not apply, quali cations will continue to be regulated by the Scottish Quali cations Authority.

Further information on the quali cations is available from: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/qcf









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More exible, more responsive toemployers needs: new health vocational

quali cations go liveNew vocational quali cations to promote a skilled, exible and productivehealth sector workforce go live this month, replacing the existing range of Health and Health & Social Care NVQs.

The new quali cations are designed to be more exible and responsive toemployers and learners needs and have been developed by Skills for Healthworking in partnership with employers and training providers.

Skills for Health Director for Quali cations Strategy, Anne Eaton, said:Education and training is vital to our sector but it is important that thequali cations offered are exible and can respond to the fast-changing needsof employers and their staff.

The introduction of these new vocational quali cations on the Quali cationsand Credit Framework will help to ensure that our workforce is competentin the skills they need to do their jobs.

New health and health-related quali cations published to the QCF by Skills for Health include Awards, Certi cates and Diplomas at both Level 2 (equivalentto GCSE at grades A-C or BTEC First Certi cate) and Level 3 (equivalent toA Level or BTEC National Certi cate/Diploma). Subjects range from HealthInformatics to Emergency Care Assistance, Maternity and Paediatric Supportand Optical Retail Skills.

The new quali cations are approved by the Quali cations Regulator for usein England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are recognised by regulators andworkforce development organisations as the benchmark for the sector.

OPERATINGTABLES
































iiiiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmmmppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeee ccccccccccccoooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmpppppppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttteeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnccccccccccccyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy lllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeevvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllssssssssssssA group of leading dysphagiaexperts have pledged to joinforces to share patient-approvedvideos of complex-rated FibreopticEndoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing(FEES®) cases, assisting Speech andLanguage Therapists (S&LTs) fromacross the UK and Ireland to meettheir competencies in accordancewith Royal College of Speech andLanguage Therapists’ (RCSLT)guidelines.

The consensus was reached followinga presentation from Gary Wood,Principal Speech and LanguageTherapist at the Royal NationalThroat Nose and Ear Hospital atthe KayPENTAX Digital SwallowingWorkstation (DSW) User GroupStudy Day, the rst event of its typeto take place outside of the USA.

The challenges faced by assessingclinicians in keeping up their competency levels were discussedand it was agreed there is a needto help colleagues improve andmaintain their own nasendoscopyand FEES skills. Mr Wood said:

“It’s really important for the futureof S&LT that competencies arestandardised between endoscopyskills and interpretation, but if as anassessing clinician, you don’t haveaccess to the breadth of caseload,assessment tools and supervision inyour hospital then it’s impossible for you to progress, and ultimately thento help others to do the same.”

“The KayPENTAX system hasa database where cases can be uploaded and logged. Joining forcesand working together to populatethis database with patient-approvedcomplex FEES cases that have beeneither rated by competent clinicianshelps collectively improve accessand training. By agreeing to thisknowledge share we will help eachother to keep up our competenciesand help move S&LTs forward, bothin the UK and globally.”

This sentiment was agreed by all25 attendees, leading Speech andLanguage Therapists from acrossthe UK and Ireland, who agreed toparticipate in the initiative.





Scientists unlock bacterias survival aid Scientists have worked out how tocontrol a protective mechanismfound in many bacteria that helpsthem grow and stay alive.

In a nding that is hoped will helpthe future development of newantimicrobial drugs, researchers haverevealed they are able to manipulatethe protein or channel that protectsE.coli, Salmonella, Legionella, whichcauses Legionnaires disease, andPseudomonas, which can affectcystic brosis patients and sufferersof other chronic lung conditions.

All bacteria have channels that aidtheir survival by protecting themwhen they are threatened or under attack.

Last year Ian Booth and TarmoRoosild at the University of Aberdeen, Nevada Cancer Institutein Las Vegas and the Salk Institutein San Diego published a paper thatexplained the mechanics of thesechannels, which stay shut if all is

In a new study, which appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesUSA (http://www.pnas.org/content/107/46/19784.full.pdf+html), they describe how a synthetic chemical can force the channel to stay open which then stunts thebacterias growth.

The researchers were also able to test their ideas by modifying the channel so that it could be openedor closed by other chemicals.

Both studies have been supportedby the Wellcome Trust, which has now awarded £1.5 million to theUniversities of Aberdeen, Oxfordand St Andrews to further develop these ndings.

Professor Ian Booth, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Aberdeens Institute of Medical Sciences, has been researching E.coli for more than 30 years.




Professor James Naismith from the

Reviewing theWorking Time

DirectivePresident of the Royal College of Surgeons John Black, said:


UK Surgeons and Physicians know that the European Working Time Directive has failed toimprove work-life balance whileputting patients at risk through diminished training and excessive shift handovers.

The UK government haveacknowledged this too and this EU review presents a clear opportunity for UK politicians to

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Wide range of sizes

Reusable blades



Versatile





















Wide range of sizesW

Reusable bladesR

Rental Systems availableRentalRRR lable

Ideal for resurfacing devicesvices

Versatilele

Tel: 0845 8803 545 Fax: 0845 880 3555555vations.co.uk www.hospitalinnovations.co.ukinfo@hospitaaaaalllill [email protected] wwwwwww.www.hosp uk

Universal Hip CupUniversal Hip Cup Removal SystemyyyRemoval SystemRemoval Syystem

More exible, more responsive toemployers needs: new health vocational

quali cations go liveNew vocational quali cations to promote a skilled, exible and productivehealth sector workforce go live this month, replacing the existing range of Health and Health & Social Care NVQs.

The new quali cations are designed to be more exible and responsive toemployers and learners needs and have been developed by Skills for Healthworking in partnership with employers and training providers.

Skills for Health Director for Quali cations Strategy, Anne Eaton, said:Education and training is vital to our sector but it is important that thequali cations offered are exible and can respond to the fast-changing needsof employers and their staff.

The introduction of these new vocational quali cations on the Quali cationsand Credit Framework will help to ensure that our workforce is competentin the skills they need to do their jobs.

New health and health-related quali cations published to the QCF by Skills for Health include Awards, Certi cates and Diplomas at both Level 2 (equivalentto GCSE at grades A-C or BTEC First Certi cate) and Level 3 (equivalent toA Level or BTEC National Certi cate/Diploma). Subjects range from HealthInformatics to Emergency Care Assistance, Maternity and Paediatric Supportand Optical Retail Skills.

The new quali cations are approved by the Quali cations Regulator for usein England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are recognised by regulators andworkforce development organisations as the benchmark for the sector.
































iiiiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmmmppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeee ccccccccccccoooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmpppppppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttteeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnccccccccccccyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy lllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeevvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllssssssssssssA group of leading dysphagiaexperts have pledged to joinforces to share patient-approvedvideos of complex-rated FibreopticEndoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing(FEES®) cases, assisting Speech andLanguage Therapists (S&LTs) fromacross the UK and Ireland to meettheir competencies in accordancewith Royal College of Speech andLanguage Therapists’ (RCSLT)guidelines.

The consensus was reached followinga presentation from Gary Wood,Principal Speech and LanguageTherapist at the Royal NationalThroat Nose and Ear Hospital atthe KayPENTAX Digital SwallowingWorkstation (DSW) User GroupStudy Day, the rst event of its typeto take place outside of the USA.

The challenges faced by assessingclinicians in keeping up their competency levels were discussedand it was agreed there is a needto help colleagues improve andmaintain their own nasendoscopyand FEES skills. Mr Wood said:

“It’s really important for the futureof S&LT that competencies arestandardised between endoscopyskills and interpretation, but if as anassessing clinician, you don’t haveaccess to the breadth of caseload,assessment tools and supervision inyour hospital then it’s impossible for you to progress, and ultimately thento help others to do the same.”

“The KayPENTAX system hasa database where cases can be uploaded and logged. Joining forcesand working together to populatethis database with patient-approvedcomplex FEES cases that have beeneither rated by competent clinicianshelps collectively improve accessand training. By agreeing to thisknowledge share we will help eachother to keep up our competenciesand help move S&LTs forward, bothin the UK and globally.”

This sentiment was agreed by all25 attendees, leading Speech andLanguage Therapists from acrossthe UK and Ireland, who agreed toparticipate in the initiative.





Scientists unlock bacterias survival aid Scientists have worked out how tocontrol a protective mechanismfound in many bacteria that helpsthem grow and stay alive.

In a nding that is hoped will helpthe future development of newantimicrobial drugs, researchers haverevealed they are able to manipulatethe protein or channel that protectsE.coli, Salmonella, Legionella, whichcauses Legionnaires disease, andPseudomonas, which can affectcystic brosis patients and sufferersof other chronic lung conditions.

All bacteria have channels that aidtheir survival by protecting themwhen they are threatened or under attack.

Last year Ian Booth and TarmoRoosild at the University of Aberdeen, Nevada Cancer Institutein Las Vegas and the Salk Institutein San Diego published a paper thatexplained the mechanics of thesechannels, which stay shut if all is

In a new study, which appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesUSA (http://www.pnas.org/content/107/46/19784.full.pdf+html), they describe how a synthetic chemical can force the channel to stay open which then stunts thebacterias growth.

The researchers were also able to test their ideas by modifying the channel so that it could be openedor closed by other chemicals.

Both studies have been supportedby the Wellcome Trust, which has now awarded £1.5 million to theUniversities of Aberdeen, Oxfordand St Andrews to further develop these ndings.

Professor Ian Booth, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Aberdeens Institute of Medical Sciences, has been researching E.coli for more than 30 years.




Professor James Naismith from the

Reviewing theWorking Time

DirectivePresident of the Royal College of Surgeons John Black, said:


UK Surgeons and Physicians know that the European Working Time Directive has failed toimprove work-life balance whileputting patients at risk through diminished training and excessive shift handovers.

The UK government haveacknowledged this too and this EU review presents a clear opportunity for UK politicians to

OPERATINGTABLES













Wide range of sizes

Reusable blades



Versatile














How to guide to the ve steps to safer surgery (NPSA)

Effective teamwork and communication are at the heart of providing safe surgical care.

Through the reliable implementation of the ve step approach to safer surgery (Brie ng: three stages of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and Debrie ng) and by paying greater attention to crucial human factors in perioperative practice, signi cant improvements in outcomes for patients as well a better and more ef cient working environment for staff can be realised.

This ‘How to Guide’ replaces the Patient Safety First’s and builds on existing learning in team working and non-technical skills. Obtain the guide from: http://www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/resources/?entryid45=92901

Look what’s on-lineThe Operating Theatre Journal aims to be proactive for its readers and works hard to maintain an online presence with its Jobs, News, Blogger and websites, but as well as our LINKS pages which illustrate many other ‘operating theatre’ related websites and sources of interest, social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn have lots of information for the theatre professional.A quick search on LinkedIn nds many useful resources for ODPs and Theatre Nurses from recruitment to forums that an individual may join.Try searching for ‘ODP’ or ‘Operating Theatre’ the next time you are on Facebook to see what some of your colleagues both Nationally and Internationally, get up to in their spare time.If you have any sites that you think will be of interest to fellow readers just let us know so that we can update you all.

MEIKO TAKE INFECTION CONTROL SERIOUSLYFor care home and nursing staff looking for a reliable and functional system for the cleaning and thermal disinfection of bedpans, urine bottles and re-useable utensils, Meiko has a solution to suit all criteria. Meiko’s sluice room equipment offers optimum hygiene security and helps in the ght against infection and cross-contamination across all healthcare sectors leaving healthcare staff free to devote precious time to patient care.

Meiko has two extensive ranges of thermal disinfection machines with proven infection control credentials that are second to none and cover all healthcare sectors’ needs.

Trebling Day Patient Surgical Activity The Radiology Department at the Mid Western Regional Hospital Nenagh, situated in County Tipperary, has just taken delivery of a new Ziehm Solo Fluoroscopy C-Arm, supplied by Xograph Healthcare Ireland Ltd, for the Hospital’s new build Endoscopy suite.

The Department selected the Ziehm Solo as it offered signi cant ergonomic advantages over conventional systems when working in con ned spaces. A high resolution at-screen monitor is thoughtfully mounted directly onto the C-Arm, reducing the need for a separate monitor cart and the requirement to manage the connecting cable.. The Solo bene ts from the latest dose reduction features such as Object Detection, Motion Detection, Automatic Dose Reduction & Automatic Metal Correction (ODDC) package, coupled the new Smart Eye feature to provide greater ease of use for department’s radiographers.

The new Endoscopy Suite will be operational early 2011 providing a valuable service for the people of North Tipperary and the Region as a whole. As a result of this new service in Nenagh and in line with the HSE’s recon guration of services ethos for the Region, patient throughput is planned to treble. Commenting on the new suite and their “C” Arm system of choice; Ms. Jacqueline Noonan (Radiography Services Manager 1) said. “Our new Solo will help to enhance patient care and complement the existing services here at Nenagh, which currently offers a general radiology service, barium studies, urography, specialised interventional procedures, ultrasound procedures & CT scanning.”

Michael Leonard Business Manager for Xograph Healthcare Ireland said, “I am delighted that Nenagh selected the Solo; this is the 4th “C” Arm that Xograph Healthcare Ireland has been successful in winning since

the company set up in Ireland late 2008. I look forward to working closely with Jacqueline and her team; we have already carried initial clinical applications training and will continue to provide this service at no extra cost for the life time of the equipment.”

Left to Right: Michael Leonard, Territory Manager, Xograph Healthcare Ireland Ltd and Jacqueline Noonan, Radiography Services Manager 1, MWRH Nenagh

For further information on Xograph please contact: Lorna Macbean, Marketing Executive, Tel: [+44] (0)1666 501501Email: [email protected]


Topline is a superior, high speci cation washing and thermal disinfection system that uses highly effective and powerful cleaning technology that is suitable for use across all healthcare sectors. The machines feature innovative drying technology, electronic controls and data management for optimum ef ciency.

The Topic cleaning and thermal disinfection range of appliances is speci cally designed to meet the everyday demands of care and residential home environments delivering ef ciency, simple operation and proven cleaning ef ciency.

For more than 75 years, Meiko has been developing, manufacturing, installing and servicing washer disinfector appliances and sluice room furniture to meet the everyday demands of this critical environment. When it comes to providing effective infection control, which is at the top of any healthcare agenda, Meiko’s Topline and Topic sluice room ranges hard to beat.

For more information contact: Meiko UK LimitedTel: 01753 215120 Fax: 01753 215159 Email: [email protected] Web: www.meiko-uk.co.uk Please quote ‘OTJ’

Are you reading someone else’s copy of the OTJ?

Then why not “download” your own from the Links Page of

www.otjonline.com

www.lawrand.comFor advertiser rates & information

or

www.otjonline.comFor reader information, including

subscription & downloads

www.operatingtheatrejobs.comFor online Recruitment advertising

Cardiothoracic Theatres

Registered Theatre Practitioners

R/Ns O.D.Ps

Salary in accordance with agenda for change guidelines.

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is an aspiring Foundation Trust that works in close

partnership with the University of Plymouth’s Medical and Nursing Schools.

Situated in the Southwest, between Dartmoor National Park and a spectacular

coastline, Plymouth is a vibrant and historic city that offers excitement, beautiful

surroundings and a wonderful quality of life

.

Our Cardiothoracic Centre is a source of pride for the Trust and region with its

growing international reputation and superb facilities, created by the recent

completion of a truly innovative new build.

Due to internal promotions we are seeking high calibre nursing staff to join our

team. To be successful, you must be committed to helping us deliver excellent

standards of surgical health to the people of the South West, and to contribute

to the further development of the national and international standing of our unit.

In return, you will enjoy being part of a flexible and friendly te

am, a first class

working environment, a commitment to helping you achieve your ambitions,

and an array of generous staff benefits

We offer Preceptorship for newly qualified practitioners.

For informal enquiries or for visits please contact Sr. Jean Hobson,

Theatre Manager, on 01752 763 853

Please apply online at www.jobs.nhs.uk quoting

216-Mer-2284-Cardiac5a.

Closing date for applications: 27 July 2008.

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is

working towards a smoke-free working environment. Under the Trust’s

Green Commuter Strategy, on site parking is restricted.

Working in partnership with the Peninsula Medical School

We’ll take ca

re of you

www.p

lymouth

hospita

ls.nhs.uk

New

Zealand

ODPSCome for a year or immigrate

permanently! We work with the best

surgical units and District Health Boards in

New Zealand.

We have a number of great career opportunities for qualifi ed

and experienced ODPs.

Contact Medacs Healthcare today to learn more about the

vacancies available in the North and South Island – so you

choose your destination!

Medacs can offer you:

• Full assistance with registration and immigration

• Arrangement of accommodation and travel bookings

• Advice and assistance on many aspects of moving to a

new city or country.

We reply within 24 hours so call us today!

Contact the team today on tel: +64 9 630 1769

or email your CV to: [email protected]

www.medacs.co.nz

Make your move toMake your move toNew Zealand!New Zealand!

Based in the City of Sails, Auckland District Health Board is one of the leading public healthcare providers within New Zealand.

We have over 32 operating theatres (adult and paediatrics) covering neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, transplants, vascular, ophthalmology, general, urology, orthopaedics, ORL (including major head and neck surgery), obstetrics and gynaecology. We are looking for skilled and enthusiastic Registered Nurses and Anaesthetic Technicians looking to relocate to our beautiful country.

Auckland City Hospital is a major teaching hospital, offering a supportive environment for education and learning.

Senior Clinicians will be in London to interview applicants in May 2008. Contact us now to book your time to speak directly with our Clinicians.

For more information, please contact Michelle on [email protected] or call + 64 9 638 0364. Relocation assistance will be offered to all successful applicants (conditions apply).

http://www.adhb.govt.nz/careers/

Calling all Anaesthetic Technicians & Registered Nurses Calling all Anaesthetic Technicians & Registered Nurses

Theatres

We deliver theatre services across the Trust from the six theatre suites that make up the Theatres Care Group. There are 26

theatres (21 inpatient theatres, five recovery areas and five day surgery theatres). Our aim is to provide the highest quality

environment to enable surgeons to provide excellent surgical care. Due to our increasing workload, we are expanding our team,

which offers you a wide variety of experience, including cardiac and neuro. Our dedicated team actively seeks to develop our staff

and their skills. In return for your hard work we offer a wide range of opportunities for professional development and further

training both in-house, via our post-grad centre, and the University of Kingston.

Cardiac Theatres

Theatre Practitioners –

Surgical Scrub

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJKD-179-KR

In our state of the art building, we undertake 4,000 neurosurgical

and cardiothoracic procedures each year with excellent clinical

results. You’ll be enthusiastic and enjoy the challenge of major

surgery. You’ll initially be based in one set of theatres but rotation

is encouraged.


Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc


In addition to the requirement for the band 5 post, you’ll need

experience in either neurosurgical or cardiothoracic specialties.

You’ll be an advanced scrub practitioner, either nurse or ODP,

as well as excellent communication skills and the ability to work

as part of a team. Your duties will include participation in an

on-call rota once competent.

For an informal discussion about the above posts, please contact

Andrew Prescott on 020 8725 1492.

Neuro Theatres

Theatre Practitioners -

Surgical Scrub & Anaesthetics

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJAA-183-KR

A scrub/anaesthetic practitioner, either Nurse or ODP, you’ll

strengthen and support our current team to provide a valuable

contribution to the provision of high quality care to our patients.



Inpatient Recovery

Theatre Practitioners

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Post ref: 200-SJJD-185-KR

You’ll provide essential care and support to patients in the

recovery area, as well as clinical support and leadership in the

absence of more senior staff. Rotation to all areas is expected

and you’ll preferably have experience in Recovery/HDU/ITU care,

although full training will be available. Paediatric qualifications

and/or experience are highly desirable.

For an informal discussion, please contact Derek Reid

on 020 8725 3509.

Inpatient Theatres

We have vacancies for the following specialties where we

can offer you a wide variety of experience in: ENT and

Maxillo-facial, Urology, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Plastic surgery

and Orthopaedics.

You’ll be either a nurse or ODP.



Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJJE-181-KR

Advanced Theatre Practitioners

- Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc


You’ll be an advanced scrub practitioner, either nurse or ODP.

For an informal discussion, please contact Alberto Castrillon

on 020 8725 2129 or Maggie Savage on 020 8725 1958.

Day Surgery


Surgical Scrub, Anaesthetics

& Recovery

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJLA-184-KR

Our busy stand-alone Day Surgery Unit comprises five operating

theatres, recovery and a pre-assessment centre, which serves

both adult and paediatric patients.

We undertake elective and trauma work and our theatre

practitioners rotate between theatres and recovery. You’ll be a

scrub/anaesthetic practitioners, either nurse or ODP.

For an informal discussion, please contact Cathie Stirling

on 020 8725 0223.

Please apply online at

www.stgeorges.nhs.uk

Closing date for all posts: 3 July 2008.

Interview date: w/c 21 July 2008.

Please note this vacancy will close before the advertised

closing date if sufficient suitable applications are received.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

www.stgeorges.nhs.uk Bedford HospitalNHS Trust

Let’s get youworking!

ODPs & Theatre NursesAs a specialist agency our knowledgeable consultants

understand your needs.• Excellent rates of pay• Regular work• Flexible hours to suit you• Recommendation bonusWe have exclusive contracts with NHS Trustsand Private Hospitals with immediate starts.

For more information contact the TheatreStaff Recruitment Specialists near you:London - 0845 1305150Midlands - 08457 23 24 25NW & Yorks - 0845 1306209

www.firstpointhealthcare.com

SOLEprovider

to VanguardHealthcareMobile OperatingTheatres

Face To Face Interviews In April With

Prestigious Auckland Hospital, New Zealand

Secure your new role and new life now for 2008

MercyAscot and Geneva Health International are coming to the UK this April to interview and

offer jobs to skilled and professional Registered Operating Department Practitioners

and Theatre and Recovery Nurses with a goal to live and work in New Zealand.

The private sector in New Zealand offers you the best of the best in terms of facilities,

surgeons, procedures and opportunities. As New Zealand’s largest private surgical

facilities, with state-of-the-art hospitals based in Auckland, MercyAscot offers a diverse

range of surgical specialities and a supportive, top-rate team.

As a RODP or Theatre/Recovery Nurse in MercyAscot you will have the opportunity

to scrub and assist in a variety of procedures, working alongside New Zealand’s top

surgeons and theatre staff.Ideally if will you have a minimum of 24 months current RODP experience within

a Theatre Suite/OR and have your sights on New Zealand, then MercyAscot is the

organisation for you.MercyAscot are offering an excellent relocation package (some conditions apply) to all

successful candidates, and Geneva Health are here to support your move every step

of the way.To book your interview

contact Julia Johnson on

freephone 0800 404 7591

email [email protected]

or register online at

www.genevahealth.co.nz

OPERATING DEPARTMENT PRACTITIONER

The Gibraltar Health Authority is looking for an enthusiastic and highly

motivated Operating Department Practitioner.

Candidates must feel comfortable working in a busy Operating Department

that provides a comprehensive range of surgical services such as General,

Urology, Obs & Gynae, Ophthalmic, ENT, Dentals, Maxillo-Facial, Plastic,

Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery.

The above appointment will be on contract terms for one-year and salary

dependable on experience ranges from £15,964 to £20,202 per annum*.

Additionally a tax-free gratuity of 25% of basic salary earned during

employment is payable on satisfactory completion of contract. Passages are

payable in full and transportation of personal effects and accommodation are

subsidised.

Further details on the above post are obtainable from the Deputy Director of

Nursing Services on Tel: 00-350-72266 ext 2313.

For an Application Pack contact the GHA’s Recruitment Section, Gibraltar

Health Authority, St Bernard’s Hospital, Gibraltar on (Tel: 00-350-200-72266

ext 2081) (Fax: 00-350-200-43864) or (e.mail: [email protected])

Closing Date: 31 st March 2008

*Please note that these are 2006 figures, as 2007/08

Pay scales are currently under negotiation.

GIBRALTAR HEALTH AUTHORITY



Secure your new role and new life in 2008










surgeons and theatre staff.

Ideally you will have a minimum of 24 months current RODP experience within a

Theatre Suite/OR and have your sights on New Zealand, then MercyAscot is the

organisation for you.

MercyAscot are offering an excellent relocation package (some conditions apply) to all


of the way.

To book your interview


freephone 0800 404 7591




Telephone: 0870 333 8312

Website: w

ww.orion-lo

cums.com

Fax: 01268 244399

email: admin@orio

n-locums.c

om

Licensed by Commissi

on for Social C

are Inspection

Orion Locums is

an Equal Opportunitie

s Employer

Immediate Long Term vacancies

Day rates

up to £35/hr

We urgently need staff fo

r

long term and ad hoc posts in

Surrey

London

Suffolk

Kent

Manchester &

NW

Essex

Sussex

Northampton

Call now fo

r up to

date National vacancies

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is an aspiring Foundation Trust that works in close partnership with the University

Situated in the South West, between Dartmoor National Park and a spectacular coastline, Plymouth is a vibrant beautiful surroundings and a wonderful quality of life.

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Cardiothoracic Centre is a source of pride for the Trust and region with its growinfacilities, created by the recent completion of a truly innovative new build.

Due to internal promotions we are seeking high calibre nursing staff at Band 5 and Band 6 to join our team. Youexcellent standards of surgical health to the people of the South West, and contribute to the further developmenour unit. In return, you will enjoy being part of a flexible and friendly team, a first class working environment, an a committment to helping you achieve your ambitions.

For informal enquiries or to arrange a visit please contact Sr Jean Hobson, Theatre Manager on 01752 763

For further particulars and to apply please visit our website: www.plymouthhospitals.nhClosing date: Monday, 7th April 2008

Interview date: Tuesday, 22nd April 2008.

W

www.plymouthhospitals.org.uk

Band 5 Scrub Practitioners Ref: 216-MER-2284-CARDIAC5

based patient care with the ability to support and supervise the learning of others

Band 6 Scrub PTeam LeaderRef: 216-MER-2285

to the theatre team.

Medic International is part of Pinnacle

Healthcare, one of the largest suppliersof specialist nurses and theatre staff

to the NHS and private sector.We urgently require:ODPs & Theatre Nurses;Scrub, Anaesthetic & RecoveryOn-going placements UK wide

Contracted supplier to NHS ScotlandExcellent rates of pay

Call Allison on 0844 736 0280 for a chat,

or e-mail [email protected]

www.pinnacle-staffing-group.co.uk

As part of a major development of surgical facilities at the

College, including skills labs and minimal access surgery

suites, we are opening a mock operating theatre to help

train surgeons and surgical teams for the future.

You will join a highly-regarded team in the setup, running

and setdown of courses in the theatre, minimal access

and skills lab, using simulators, models, animal and

cadaveric tissue.

You will have worked in an operating theatre as an ODP

(or ODA), although the role could be open to other

theatre staff with appropriate experience.

For further information on this role and to apply

please visit our website or email

[email protected]

quoting reference 25/08.

Closing date: 12th May.

We are an employer fully committed to our equality

and diversity policies.

Registered charity No. 212808www.rcseng.ac.uk

Surgical Resources

Technician

£24,800 + Excellent Benefits

C. London

nisation f

rcyAscot are offering an e

uccessful candidates, and G

of the way.

TToTooo bbbbbbooooookok your inte

ervie

cccoooononnnntnttaacact Julia Johnso

fffrfrrereeeeeeeppphone 0800 404

eeeeememmmmamaail juliaj@geneva

ooooororr rregister online a

wwwwwwww.genevahealt

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Anaesthetic Technicians/ODP’sWe are looking for Anaesthetic Tech’s to join our theatre teams based at North Shore and Waitakere Hospitals in Auckland. If you

are a Kiwi returning home or a Brit looking for a change in climate, then we want to hear from you. We currently have four vacant

positions within our Anaesthetics services and are offering short or long-term contracts to experienced AT/ODP’s.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in knowing more about, please contact

Angela Shaw on +64 9 487 1551 or email [email protected].

www.aucklandhealthcareers.co.nz/wdhb

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AnaesthheeeeeettttttttiiiiicccWe are looking for Anaesthetic Tare a Kiwi returning home or a Bripositions within our Anaesthetics If this sounds like something you’dAngela Shaw on +64 9 487 1551 or

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www.opera ngtheatrejobs.comwww.opera ngtheatrejobs.comA one-stop resource for ALL your theatre related Career opportuni es

Whether you’re looking for a role in Anaesthetics, Surgery or Recovery, in a clinical or managementrole within the NHS or private sector-

Operating Theatre Jobs. com will have something to offer you.

We also aim to provide the latest vacancies in the Allied areas of :Sterile Services, Endoscopy, Critical Care and Education.

If you’d prefer to work for a medical recruitment agency their recent careeropportunities are also illustrated.

Many individuals may wish to focus their clinical skills in the hospital sales environment. Operating Theatre Jobs.com offers an opportunity to explore current medical representative vacancies.

For the advertiser we offer:

Competitive rates

Reaches the staff you need Nationally and Internationally

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Using the Power of:

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Theatre Nurses/ODPs Required

for prestigious healthcare facilities in

England, The Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland

To Apply contact a dedicated Cpl Healthcare consultant on

T: +353 91 509748 (Ire) or T: 0844 232 0714 (UK)

Email: [email protected] www.cplhealthcare.com

* Refer your friends – Incentives in Place *

Revolutionary clinical monitoring system trialled by NHS IC as Queensland deploys VLAD CM in response to hospital incident

Following one of Queensland’s most notorious hospital incidents, at Bundaberg Hospital, Queensland Health has nalised the implementation of the clinical monitoring system ‘VLAD CM’ from Opus 5K. This state-of-the-art software platform has improved quality of care for patients in hospitals in Australia by monitoring and triggering critical events, escalating them to senior staff to take action. This is now implemented across 90 public and private hospitals, one of the largest installations of a critical care monitoring technology in the world.

Members of the Queensland Health Measurement Monitoring Unit reviewing charts generated by VLAD CM.

VLAD CM has also been trialled by the NHS Information Centre (NHS IC), with positive indications of its potential application and bene ts. The NHS IC completed a three-month Proof of Concept trial and was impressed with the capabilities of VLAD CM such that it is now a reference site for the system. “Because of the way the system works it forces organisations to follow up and address any possible issues quickly,” says Heather Dawe, Clinical Indicator Programme Manager at the NHS IC. “If a trigger is raised by VLAD CM, someone has to answer it.”

Additionally, VLAD CM has improved clinical monitoring in Queensland by the frequency and relevancy of data analysis. The previous monitoring system, similar to most used around the world even today, looked at data annually, too late to address the root cause of mortality issues. VLAD CM monitors and reports on clinical outcomes monthly, alerting management early enough so issues can be resolved before they reach critical levels. “The VLAD CM methodology meant we could disseminate VLADs on a monthly basis and align it to clinical governance,” explains Graham Hall, Manager Clinical Monitoring Team, Queensland Health (QH). “With the inquiry into the events at Bundaberg Hospital raising awareness of the importance of timely monitoring, there was a real emphasis on timely reporting and a requirement for effective governance. The system met this need, and overcame logistical issues too, such as effective dissemination of such a wealth of data to a diverse range of hospitals, whilst at the same time greatly improving data security.”

“Whilst there may be tools that provide useful monitoring for a broad ‘bird’s eye’ view of a hospital’s overall mortality rate, VLAD CM drills down to a particular condition or surgical procedure highlighting to a hospital the clinical area that should be focused on,” says Kirstine Sketcher-Baker, Director Measurement Monitoring from QH. “We realised the ef ciencies from day of implementation - VLAD CM can monitor a diverse range of patient outcomes from readmissions and complications of surgery to long stays and even third and fourth degree perineal tears. VLAD CM is not just about identifying problems but also highlighting exemplary performance and propagating best practice throughout.”

The results of VLAD CM have been immediate and compelling – leading to sponsorship of the system at senior levels within Queensland Health and supported by the department’s dedicated Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Service.

See www.opus5k.com.au .

For further information contact: Hassan Kani, Director, Opus 5K, Telephone +61 (0) 438 462440 Email: [email protected] When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’

3D keyhole surgery at the forefront of cutting-edge researchDoctors will shortly be performing the world’s rst remote 3D keyhole surgery during a symposium at the University of Surrey. Keyhole surgery - where doctors operate on organs through a tiny incision - reduces the length of hospital stays and post-operative complications.

This also means that patients experience less scarring and pain. 3D keyhole surgery is a state-of-the-art extension of standard keyhole surgery that uses 3D cameras like those used to make the lm ‘Avatar’. It puts the surgeon right inside the patient’s body and signi cantly improves accuracy.

This surgical breakthrough forms part of a large-scale study into operator fatigue using 3D surgical equipment that arises from a collaboration between surgeons at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and academics at the University of Surrey. As well as surgical evaluation, cutting-edge research, led by Dr David Windridge of the University’s Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing, will seek to measure the changes in a surgeon’s focus of attention during prolonged operations by incorporating eye-tracking and computer-vision technology into the 3D surgical environment.

This research consequently offers a unique opportunity both to improve surgical safety and to further our understanding of how the human brain functions while performing tasks involving complex hand-eye coordination.

Dr Windridge, comments: “By measuring attention while performing operations using state-of-the-art 3D surgical equipment, this collaboration between surgeons and academics at the University of Surrey gives us a unique opportunity both to improve surgical safety and also address far-reaching questions how the human mind focuses attention while performing complex tasks.”


Point-of-care cardiac assays shorten turnaround times in emergency departments

Radiometer, the world-renowned provider of point-of-care blood gas analysers, has used its expertise in acute clinical testing to develop a compact and cost-effective immunoassay analyser for measuring critical biomarkers at the patients bedside.

The AQT90 FLEX uses advanced technology to accurately measure a range of biochemical parameters, including Troponin I and Troponin T, at the point of patient care, ensuring a fast and accurate process for ruling-in or ruling-out patients for further assessment or urgent treatment.

The AQT90 FLEX is an easy-to-use, safe and compact analyser, based on a closed tube system which eliminates the risk of users coming into contact with blood or waste products. Cardiac markers, coagulation markers, infection markers and pregnancy markers can be measured from a single sample, with no sample preparation required.

With results in just 20 minutes, the AQT90 FLEX saves time and cuts costs by improving patient ow and reducing the number of unnecessary procedures requested by emergency departments and medical admissions units.

To nd out more about the AQT90 FLEX, please contact [email protected] or visit http://aqt90 ex.radiometer.com

Diligence and Care Are Key to Preventing Surgical Errors

Acting methodically, exercising diligence and avoiding distractions are some of the best ways to prevent surgical errors.

Acting methodically, exercising diligence and avoiding distractions are some of the best ways to prevent surgical errors, according to recommendations released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). An ACOG committee tackled the issue of surgical errors to coincide with efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint Commission designed to highlight this oft-overlooked patient danger.

Checklists Are a Great Tool

It is the opinion of the ACOG -- and other medical organizations -- that a key component in performing safer operations is to carefully draft checklists that address every step of the process in minute detail. By having a physical tool to guide them, patients and doctors alike gain both peace of mind and a sense of control over the surgery, leading to better results all around. Checklists not only ensure that vital steps have been taken in the right order, but they also prevent careless errors that could cause catastrophic results. Even the seemingly obvious, like operating on the wrong body part, happens with frightening regularity -- 116 times across the country in the year 2008, according to the Joint Commission. By simply checking the body part pursuant to the checklist, the medical team is acting to make the patient safer.

Avoiding Multi-Tasking Keeps Patients Safer

Distractions in the operating room must be avoided whenever possible. Some distractions are inevitable, particularly in emergency situations, but by limiting non-essential distractions like optional phone calls, beepers, casual conversations and music, the attention stays where it belongs -- on the patient.

Rest Is Not an Option -- It Is a Necessity

Perhaps just as important as the surgical team avoiding distractions is that they be well-rested and well-fed. Fatigue and hunger are hugely distracting, and they both cause a loss of alertness and slowed reaction times. The idea of having only well-rested staff members is a novel one in the medical community, where 36-hour shifts have been seen as both a badge of honor and a rite of passage, but it is de nitely one whose time has come. Studies have been done in every industry showing how detrimental fatigue is to function; fatigue can result in reaction times slower than those caused by alcohol intoxication.

Checklists, adequate training, patient involvement, avoiding distractions, having emergency protocols in place and being well-rested: all of these are excellent practices that help reduce the rate and severity of surgical errors. Unfortunately, not every medical facility around the country has such protocols in place. Until that day, it is likely that surgical errors will continue. If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to a surgery-related mistake, you should consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney in your area to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Article provided by Law Of ce of Michels & WatkinsVisit us at www.michelswatkins.com


Spectrum Surgical Release How to Test and Inspect Laparoscopic

Instruments GuideThe guide features tips on how to properly examine laparoscopic surgical instruments.

Spectrum Surgical Instruments Corp. is proud to announce the release of their free instrument education guide, How to Test and Inspect Laparoscopic Instruments. Learn how to test the functionality of laparoscopic instruments, inspect key points, and properly clean these surgical instruments.

The complimentary educational guide offers tips to help you and your staff properly identify, test and inspect the most commonly used laparoscopic surgical instruments. Too often surgical instruments are improperly inspected, resulting in surgical instrument repairs and replacements.

With the guide, gain an understanding of key inspection points and test standards for better instrument processing, quality assurance, improved clinical con dence and reduced surgeon complaints. The guide also offers tips on how to thoroughly clean a surgical instrument to help reduce any surgical instrument maintenance costs. For example, learn how to protect a surgical instrument with laparoscopic tip protectors.The guide is available here: ht tp: //www.spectrumsurgical .com/contact /Inspect-Laparoscopic-Instruments.php

For more information regarding surgical instruments, please contact a Spectrum representative at 800-444-5644 or visit the company’s website.

The free guide is the fourth in a series that also includes: How to Inspect Hemostats & Forceps, How to Inspect Needle Holders, and How to Test and Inspect Surgical Scissors.

Visit the Spectrum Surgical Instruments blog: ht tp: //www.spectrumsurgical .com/surgical -instruments-blog

Please Quote: ‘OperatingTheatreJournal’ if requesting a copy of the guide.

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Anglia Ruskin University lecturer wins Nurse Practitioner Award in recognition of furthering professional development and enhancing the standard of expertise.A lecturer from Anglia Ruskin University’s Faculty of Health & Social Care has collected a specialist industry award for her professional development teaching of students who work in and around the operating theatre settings.Angela Cobbold, a Module Leader in Allied Health/Operating Department Practice, from Felixstowe, has won an educational bursary of £1000 to fund an educational activity of her choice to t with her own personal development objectives.

The Association for Perioperative Practice 2010 Nurse Practitioner Award was made to an individual ‘who offered an outstanding contribution to Perioperative Practice’ during the preceding year. Nominations of individuals are made by fellow professionals. The award is sponsored by Ethicon, who focus on the advancement of the practice of surgery.In order to qualify to receive this award, perioperative practitioners were required to clearly demonstrate the bene ts of undertaking educational activity within perioperative practice development in order to enhance safer contemporary practice.Clearly delighted with the award, Angela Cobbold commented: ‘Working in an operating theatre can at times be a dynamic and challenging profession. It is essential that perioperative practice is constantly developed and challenged through research and evidence-based practice, which enforces current working practices to remain at the forefront of healthcare improvements.’‘It is essential that research led practitioners are kept informed, and abreast of current developments in practice by ensuring best working practices are embraced, and ultimately moving best practice forward. It is paramount that education in uences and improves practice, and practice improves and in uences education.’

‘Receiving this award has been a great encouragement to my personal and professional development by recognising my passion and commitment to the development of the advancing perioperative practitioner role.’The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) was established as the National Association of Theatre Nurses (NATN), in 1964. It is a registered charity working to enhance skills and knowledge within operating departments, associated areas and sterile services departments. It aims to enhance the quality of care in the NHS and the independent sector throughout the UK. Perioperative nursing includes those activities performed by the professional registered nurse in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of surgery.In April 2005 NATN changed its name, structures and systems in recognition of the signi cant changes that were happening in the healthcare sector. The reference to theatre was regarded as too restrictive a name with many members working in associated perioperative environments. The ‘perioperative’ emphasis was regarded as important to further accommodate the growing numbers of Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) and Healthcare Support Workers (HSWs) who were previously not eligible for full membership.

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www.OperatingTheatreJobs.comIf you are looking for a job as an ODP, Scrub, Anaesthetic or Recovery Room Nurse / Practitioner. In the allied elds of ITU, Sterile Services, Endoscopy or Critical Care or even as a Clinical Specialist, Trainer or Representative for a leading Medical Company. Don’t endlessly scour the web looking at stacks of recruitment sites but bookmark OperatingTheatreJobs.com as your unique resource !

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