The Operating Theatre Journal - · PDF fileBVM’s & Capnography Pulse Oximetry SpO ... a 60% market share worldwide in the hand-carried ultrasound ... the company increased its global

ISSN 1747-728X November/December 2005 Issue No. 182

TheOperating Theatre Journal

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‘OTJ’...for all your ‘OR’ needs...Latest News...Equipment...Suppliers...Recruitment...Letters...&...More...

PROACT Medical Ltd - www.proactmedical.co.uk

Tel: 0870 909 7400 Fax: 0870 909 7500 e-mail: [email protected]

NEW! Products Launched at AfPP 2005 by PRO ACT

Pulse OximetryCapnography SpO2 Sensors ECG Cables ThermometersBVM’s &

Face Masks

Laryngoscopes PRO-Breathe™

LaryngealAirways

To see the entire

PROACT product

range, please call

for our free, full

colour catalogue

The PROACT Disposable Safety Anaesthetic Tray (SAT) - is the only purpose built, single

patient use product for picking and storing “ready to use” syringes and drug vials safely, prior

to and during use. The trays are made from recyclable HIPS polymer with hand-holds at each

end & are supplied clean in boxes of 300, sub-divided into bags of 25 for easy use. The trays

are suitable for use in; Theatres / ICU, A&E, Ward Areas, Ambulance Services, GP’s,

Pharmacies and many more departments. “SATs” Trays are a registered design. Please call for

a sample and amazing prices.

The PRO-Breathe™ Laryngeal Airway - is available as both a disposable and reusable LA.

The PRO-Breathe™ can be used for a wide range of routine applications from general

anaesthesia to emergency use or as a resuscitation device. Both are made as a smooth,

integrated design from medical grade latex-free silicone. The reusable PROBreathe™ may

be Autoclaved up to 40 times and is supplied with a record card.

They are also clearly marked with Inflation volume and guide-lines for a fast and simple

insertion. Both are available from sizes 2 - 5.

PROACT Laryngoscopes now on NHS Contract - A selection of the world’s largest

laryngoscope range is now available on NHS Contract! PROACT Disposable Laryngoscopes offer you

superb strength and quality at cost effective prices - anything less is a comprimise.

Available on NHS Contract; Metal Max™ 100 Conventional Laryngoscopes, Metal Max™ 90

Conventional Laryngoscopes, Metal Max™ 100 Green System Laryngoscopes, Metal Max™ 90 Green

System Laryngoscopes Truphatek™ LiteBlade® Laryngoscopes, Truphatek™ Dolphin® Conventional

Handle, PROACT DUO Modular Green System Handle* (with Autoclavable Reusable Sleeve). Please

call for your free sample!*Disposable Sleeves available from PROACT Medical in packs of 10

Besmed Air Cushion Mask without Valve - Besmed have produced a superb quality, yet

economical disposable mask. It’s air cushion gives a superb seal round the patient’s face

for added comfort and safety. The mask is latex-free and is also transparent, which allows

you to safely view the interior.

They are available from sizes 0 - 6 (Neonatal to Adult) and are supplied unscented. Please

call for a sample and amazing prices!

Nonin - Onyx II Digital Finger Pulse Oximeter - The best has just got

better as Nonin have re-designed the UK and World’s top selling pulse

oximeter. The Onyx II retains the Onyx's legendary durability, reliability

and accuracy, and now offers 50% faster response times. The Onyx II

also retains Nonin's patented automatic On/Off when the finger is

inserted. Nonin's PureSAT™ Technology is built into the Onyx II which

offers impeccable low perfusion accuracy and superb motion tolerance.

The Onyx II also gives you 5000 spot checks and a 35,000 hour battery

shelf life. Now at an amazing new price.

In Partnership with

SPECIAL

OFFER!

£195.00+VAT

Includes Holster Case, Soft Full Case,

Neck Cord, 2 x AAA Fitted Batteries &

3 Year Full Nonin Warranty(price excludes carriage and VAT)

Offer Ends 31st

of Jan 2006

Usual Price

£325.00 + VAT

Biogel Eclipse.A giant leap for surgical gloves.

Regent Medical Ltd,Two Omega Drive, Irlam, Manchester M44 5BJ, UK.Tel: 0161 777 2600. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.regentmedical.com RegentMedical, the Regent Medical logo, Biogel and Eclipse are trademarks registered in the UK, US and/or other countries globally and are owned by Regent Medical Limited.

Reference: 1.WP ref: FGC04034. Data on file at Regent Medical.

Regent Medical

Biogel Eclipse is the new surgical glove from the makers of Biogel, the world’s leading

glove manufacturer – it’s innovation that will create a standard that eclipses all others.

Biogel Eclipse is made from an entirely new form of natural latex that’s deproteinised

to minimise extractable protein content, helping reduce allergenic potential.1

And in terms of fit and feel it’s the most comfortable experience in surgical space,

providing a level of sensitivity that’s a significant step forward.

Biogel EclipseDeproteinised latex

Setting the standard in protection

®TM

fi nd out more 0207 100 2867 • e-mail [email protected] Issue 182 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 3 l

The Operating Theatre Journalis published twelve times per year. Available in electronic

format from the pages of www.otjonline.com

and in hard copy to hospitals throughout the UK. Personal

copies are available by nominal subscription.

Would you like to see YOUR name in print?

We welcome case studies, research articles, product

reviews, letters to the editor, news items or any other

literary contribution you would like to make

Contact us on: 0207 100 2867

or E-mail

[email protected]

for further information.

Looking to advertise within

‘The OTJ’ Next Issue Copy DeadlineFriday 25th November 2005

All enquiries:Mr. L.A.EvansEditor/Advertising ManagerMr. A.S.FletcherGraphics EditorThe OTJPO Box 51Pontyclun CF72 9YYTel: 0207 100 2867Email: [email protected]: www.lawrand.com

Journal Printers:The Warwick Printing Co Ltd, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. CV31 1QD

Neither the Editor or Directors of Lawrand Ltd are in any way responsi-ble for the statements made or views expressed by the contributors. All communications in respect of advertis-ing quotations, obtaining a rate card and supplying all editorial communica-tions and pictures to the Editor at the PO Box address. No part of this journal may be reproduced without prior per-mission from Lawrand Ltd. © 2005

Publishers of:The Operating Theatre Journal

Brandon Medical have become the fi rst company to produce anti-microbial operating theatre lighting.

All Galaxy Ultra lighting now comes treated with Polygiene – the latest anti-microbial compound from chemicals giant Perstorp. Polygiene uses a combination of specially treated silver ions and chemical agents to break down and destroy harmful virus / bacteria / yeast cell walls. This action is effective against both SARS and MRSA.

Because Polygiene is non-toxic, non-allergic and environmentally friendly Brandon Medical have been able to mould it directly into both their Galaxy Ultra and Astralite lamp heads quickly and safely. This process never needs to be repeated, as Polygiene will remain active for the entire lifetime of the light with no wearing off or diminishing effect.

As Polygiene is impregnated in the Galaxy Ultra this way the “killing effect” starts to work very quickly - completely destroying harmful bacteria /

viruses which come into contact with the device within hours. This “killing effect” has been independently tested and proven to be effective.

This quick “killing effect” is complemented by an anti-mutation facility, preventing harmful cells from becoming resistant to Polygiene.

Anti-microbial coatings are a step-forward in infection control in the healthcare environment, especially in high-risk areas such as operating theatres and treatment rooms where they are used in combination with general sanitary procedures.

For more information please visit www.brandon-medical.com/polygiene.

Polygiene is a registered trademark of Perstorp AB

Making Operating Theatres Safer with PolygieneTM

Please quote ‘OTJ’

SonoSite, Inc. (NASDAQ: SONO), the world leader in hand-carried ultrasound, has announced that the company offers a 5-year warranty to customers purchasing its recently introduced SonoSite MicroMaxx system. The multi-year warranty is a fi rst in the ultrasound industry.

“Service contracts typically cost customers an additional 7 to 10% annually of the purchase price of their ultrasound systems,” says Graham Cox, SonoSite Vice President, International. “Our customers have clearly confi rmed how important long-term security and predictability of expenditures are to healthcare decision makers. This warranty underscores our confi dence in the durability of our advanced imaging system based on its highly integrated microchip technology as well as the track record established by our previous generation systems.”

SonoSite’s fi ve year warranty applies to the MicroMaxx system itself and transducers for most clinical applications. A standard one-year warranty applies to the TEE probe and all transducers for veterinary use.

Weighing only 3.7 kg, the SonoSite MicroMaxx system delivers the

performance of a high-end, cart-based ultrasound system in

a reliable, hand-carried device. This laptop-

sized unit represents the technological

crossover point between hand-carried ultrasound and

larger, more expensive high-performance systems.

Leadership in Hand Carried Ultrasound

More than 20,000 SonoSite systems have been installed all over the world. SonoSite’s products and technology deliver proven reliability and durability in conventional medical settings, but also far more challenging environments, such as rescue operations following natural disasters like the 2004 Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf coast in the United States. Extensive quality controls, such as “drop testing”, ensure that SonoSite continues to set the industry standard for both reliability and durability.

SonoSite is the innovator and leader in hand-carried ultrasound with a 60% market share worldwide in the hand-carried ultrasound market. Hand carried ultrasound is defi ned as a system weighing under 5kg. In a recent, independently conducted survey commissioned by SonoSite, customers gave the company’s products an overall satisfaction rating of 97% based on image quality, ease of use, durability, reliability and ergonomic transducer design. Since the fi rst product shipment in 1999, SonoSite ultrasound devices are increasingly being used in and for procedures where physicians need inexpensive, non-radiating imaging for diverse applications such as real time assessment in emergency situations, guiding biopsies and nerve blocks, as well as for full diagnostic examinations. About SonoSite Headquartered near Seattle, Washington, USA, SonoSite (www.sonosite.com) is represented by seven subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 75 countries. Approximately half of its revenues are generated from international markets. SonoSite’s small, lightweight systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high performance ultrasound to the point of patient care. The Company employs approximately 450 people worldwide.

SonoSite, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of SonoSite, Inc. based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, oversees a direct sales distribution network in the UK as well as operates the Company’s European Service Centre and provides sales and marketing support for SonoSite’s European offi ces.

For more information please contact: www.sonosite.com or email: [email protected].

SONOSITE BACKS MICROMAXX WITH A 5-YEAR WARRANTY

Market Leader in Hand-Carried Ultrasound Guarantees the Durability of its Latest Lightweight Device

When responding please quote ‘OTJ’

4 THE OPERATING THEATRE JOURNAL www.otjonline.com

Frost & Sullivan has bestowed Dräger Medical with the 2005 Frost & Sullivan Brand Development Strategy Leadership Award for the European anaesthesia and respiratory equipment market. The award recognizes Dräger Medical‘s ability to best perceive consumer needs and develop marketing strategies that elevate Dräger’s quality, style, and image to create an overall value perception. Through a unique combination of product quality, communication and distribution, Dräger Medical has demonstrated superior market growth skills.

In 2004, the company increased its global net sales by around 11.2 per cent to amass over 1,020 million Euros. Underlining its strong competitive performance, Dräger Medical has consistently outpaced the market with a long-term annual average growth rate of around 8 per cent. Moreover, it increased its EBIT from EUR 9.1 million in 2000 to EUR 94.2 million in 2004, marking the fi rst four years of its business turn-around.

Currently, Dräger Medical is structured into the following „CareArea™ Solutions“ - emergency care, perioperative care, critical care, perinatal care and home care. The company’s acquisition of the American-based Air-Shields® warming therapy product line in July 2004, further testifi es to its dedication to acute care.

To select the recipient, the Frost & Sullivan research team tracks all the major participants in the industry, paying close attention to their brand development efforts. This process includes interviews with the market participants, customers, and suppliers. The companies’ brand development efforts are then analyzed based on the number of participants, competing brands and the brands’ recognition among its peers and consumers. Industry participants are then ranked based on the predetermined measurement criteria such as market penetration and market share growth in existing market segments, development of unique brand strategies and increased customer loyalty.

“Dräger Medical’s mission is to ‘evolutionize’ the acute point of care by providing state-of-the-art products and integrated solutions. These help customers reduce clinical process costs and improve effi ciency while increasing the quality of patient care,” said Mandy Hartman, vice president, of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Dräger Medical. “To be formally recognized for our work is proof that Dräger Medical is changing the healthcare environment by offering innovative technologies and leading expertise.”

“The products and solutions provided are based on its commitment to innovation, so customers continue to benefi t from leading-edge technologies. Excellence in global business processes has, moreover, underpinned the company’s efforts to achieve a benchmark cost position in the industry,“ comments Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Analyst Dr. Fiona Rahman.

Additional information on Drager Medical is available on the Company’s website : www.draeger-medical.com

Dräger Medical Receives Frost & Sullivan Brand Development

Strategy Leadership Award


Showing in your Theatre now!

THE

OPERATING

THEATRE

JOURNAL

The PMS Instruments MANDAUS® II manual sphygmomanometer is a direct environmentally friendly replacement for mercury and aneroid sphygmomanometers with all of the accuracy but none of the disadvantages.

The user infl ates the cuff manually and then using a stethoscope, defl ates the thumb wheel valve manually at the recommended 2-3mmHg, listening for fi rst and fi fth Korotkoff sounds. The MANDAUS® II can be recommended for clinical use in an adult population as well as being suitable for use on children, to determine pre-eclampsia in pregnant women and on patients that may suffer from Dysrhythmias.

The MANDAUS® II is AAMI SP9 shock and splash resistant and has an automatic calibration reminder. It is supplied with an adult cuff, stethoscope, has a long battery life (approximately 3,000 measurements) and a two-year warranty.

For further details please visit www.pmsinstruments.co.uk or E-mail [email protected] 01628 773233, Fax 01628 770562

MANDAUS® II – INFLATE, BLEED, LISTEN AND READ!

The Electrode Company Ltd specialises in non-invasive monitoring, optical sensors and high performance pulse oximetry. The company has just updated its scientifi c pack on the Lightman instrument, as of August 2005, and it contains comprehensive clinical references on the performance of the instrument in the testing of pulse oximeters accuracy.

It is not unusual to fi nd pulse oximeters with sensors that may have light wavelength errors of suffi cient magnitude to compromise patient safety (see the company’s newsletter of 2004, Issue 5).

New scientifi c pack on The Lightman® available from

The Electrode Company


The Lightman instrument is described as a miniature spectrometer that calibrates itself using an internal, highly stable emission source, prior to every sensor test. The portable Lightman tests circuit integrity and measures LED wavelength spectrum and light output, within the sensor wherever it is located in the hospital. The calculated sensor accuracy at critical SpO2 levels appears on The Lightman screen, enabling inaccurate and/or faulty sensors to be rapidly identifi ed and withdrawn from clinical use.

The Scientifi c pack contains sections on : • Sensors that read high – with patient ramifi cations.• Sensors that read low.• Manufacturers pulse oximeter accuracy claims.• Sources of the signal in pulse oximetry.• A bibliography of over 20 literature references related to

pulse oximetry and the optical properties of blood.

For more information on The Lightman, or for a copy of the Scientifi c Pack and / or latest newsletter, please telephone the company on:01633 861772.

The Electrode Company Ltd: Ensuring accurate data for better clinical outcomes. Please quote ‘OTJ’


Focused on providing innovative, clinical solutions to protect patients and healthcare workers, Kimberly-Clark is announcing the UK launch of its Patient Warming System. Designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare acquired infections (HAI) across a wide range of surgical procedures, the new system allows anaesthetists and surgeons to manage precisely patient temperatures during complex operations. It is proven to be the most effi cient, non-invasive method of temperature control available[1].

The Patient Warming System prevents hypothermia[2] which reduces bleeding and the need for blood transfusion, intubation and recovery times. The patient’s stay in hospital is minimised and there is also a lower chance of post-operative infection.

Kimberly-Clark’s system is suited to a wider range of applications than existing solutions, particularly long operations of over three hours, including cardiothoracic, trauma and intensive care procedures.

Kimberly-Clark’s device can be customised to fi t any adult patient and will stay in place where applied throughout the procedure. As the patient’s temperature is being controlled, the operating theatre temperature can be set to provide the most comfortable environment for staff.

For the fi rst time, surgeons only need to cover less than 20% of the patient’s body through the direct application of a novel warming pad. In contrast, conventional warming blankets cover up to 80% of the body and can restrict the surgical fi eld.

The Patient Warming System is a compact, stand-alone unit which circulates water at a precise temperature through hygienic, disposable hyrdogel pads placed directly on the patient to deliver even, all-over body warming. Available in different shapes, the gel pads can be confi gured in various ways to allow surgeons the best possible access to the patient. When the patient’s ideal temperature is reached, the Patient Warming System adjusts the water temperature to maintain the preset target. The unit can either be set to an automatic mode or customised depending on the requirements of each procedure.

Normothermia can be maintained throughout the operation and into the recovery room as the system is fully portable, reducing the amount of time the patient spends in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

Luke Fryer, General Manager, Kimberly-Clark Health Care commented: “Our new Patient Warming System has the highest thermal effi ciency of any product on the market. We’ve had excellent feedback from trials in a number of UK hospitals and our analysis demonstrates the scope to minimize costs associated with complications arising from peri-operative hypothermia in patients during surgery.”

For further information please contact: Bob Panrucker, Telephone: 0121 704 2756 or E-mail: [email protected]: www.kchealthcare.com[1] Brauer A, English MJ, Steinmetz N, Lorenz N, Perl T, Braun U, Weyland W. Comparison of forced-air warming systems with upper body blankets using a copper mannequin of the human body. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2002;46:965-972[2] Steven R Insler, DO et al., “Perioperative Maintenance of Normothermia Reduces the Incidence of Morbid Cardiac Events,” JAMA, (April 9,1997), Vol 277, No 14; 1127-1134

KIMBERLY-CLARK HEALTH CARE INTRODUCES NEW PATIENT

WARMING SYSTEM



Ad_Gammex Hydrasoft_UK.indd 1 9/13/05 11:26:02 AM

Gambro Hospal Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gambro AB, has recently commissioned its annual independent customer satisfaction benchmarking survey, and the results show a 4.1% performance enhancement over 2004. Overall the company achieved a ‘Good’ rating when assessed over key performance parameters.

Telephone calls to a range of customers, from Consultant Renal Physicians, through Technicians to Sisters, were carried out in January/February 2005. Key areas researched included customer satisfaction with representative support, customer service, clinical nurse training, fi eld service back up, after sales service and product quality.

Among the primary fi ndings were: ٠ 89% of customers feel Gambro nurse satisfaction to be Very Good or Good ٠ 85% of customers feel Gambro product quality to be Very Good or Good ٠ 81% of customers feel Gambro customer service to be Very Good or Good

The Company has produced a case study revealing the results more fully. This shows that regular product mailers were particularly appreciated by customers as a means of complementing personal direct communication, and that the experience of Gambro education and training is very positive.

Customer feedback is extremely valuable to Gambro Hospal and additional initiatives are either now in place, or in the pipeline, in order for the company to fulfi l its mission of being the preferred provider of renal solutions.

For a copy of the 2005 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results Case Study, or for further information, please telephone Gambro Hospal on:01480 444000.

Gambro Customer Satisfaction results up over 4% in 2005

The National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice

is pleased to announce their

4th

Annual Conference & Exhibition

“The Challenges Facing the Wider Surgical Team”

Wednesday 1st – Friday 3

rd March 2006

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, Bristol

1st March 2006, Workshops Including:

Suture & Knot tying sponsored by: Ethicon Products Ltd

Medico-Legal , Records & Documentation

Professional Presentations Skills

&

Confident Assessment of the Peri-Surgical Patient:

All workshops are full day with limited delegate places available. It is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Thursday 2nd

& Friday 3rd

March 2006 Main Conference Programme

Including the challenges facing the wider surgical team. We will be hearing from the Royal Medical Colleges on

how we prepare teams for multidisciplinary collaboration. We will also hear about pointing risk towards consent

and how regulation will affect all advanced practitioners. We will have education symposiums for the Surgical

Care Practitioner, Advanced Scrub Practitioner, and Emergency Care Practitioner’s role.

Keynote Speakers Mr. Andrew Raferty

For more information or to request a registration form please contact

NAASP, PO Box 182, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5GD

Tel No 01625-536577 Fax No 01625-522264

Email: [email protected]

Or visit NAASP website: www.naasp.org.uk

To download your delegate registration & accommodation booking form

When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’

St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London is upgrading two of its Ziehm Vista mobile C-arm image intensifi ers to be fully DICOM enabled and allow the sharing of medical images.

The upgraded C-arms will now be capable of transferring images and patient data to and from PACS or Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and provide a completely integrated digital networked solution.

The surgical team at St. Bartholomew’s will benefi t from total access to all image information available from a PACS without the need for an additional workstation or monitor. The Ziehm NetPort DICOM upgrade also enables DICOM Multiframe Class allowing the transfer of dynamic image sequences to and from the operating theatre.

“DICOM connectivity is a key requirement in the NHS Connecting for Health project, delivering new, integrated IT systems and services to help modernise the NHS,” said Neil Staff, Technical Director at Xograph Imaging Systems. “We are fi nding many hospitals are upgrading their mobile image intensifi ers in readiness for the transfer and sharing of medical imaging data as the integrated hospital environment takes shape.”

www.xograph.com About Xograph Imaging Systems Xograph Imaging Systems, the leading independent medical imaging equipment supplier to the UK and Republic of Ireland, has a 38-year track record in providing technology and services to hospitals and veterinary practices. This includes general, surgical, mobile and dental imaging equipment as well as the latest healthcare IT and digital imaging solutions. The company’s partnerships with global leaders in imaging innovation ensure that hi-tech solutions can be managed from project inception through to installation. Xograph Imaging Systems is based in Tetbury, Gloucestershire but also has a Scottish offi ce in Stirling. Xograph’s Technical Support Department excels at all aspects of customer care. It offers a ‘one call’ service to all customers enabling them to book a service, report a problem or speak to their local engineer for technical advice immediately with no waiting or call back processes. Its range of ‘Xtend’ maintenance contract options offer effective, fl exible and cost effective solutions for equipment maintenance, designed to maximise productivity and equipment up-time.

St. Bartholomew’s Hospital adds DICOM connectivity to its surgical

imaging systemsXograph upgrades Ziehm Vista mobile C-arm image intensifi ers

An operating department practitioner from High Wycombe has been removed from the Register by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

A panel of the Investigating Committee met to consider the allegation that an entry in the register relating to Mr. Hockley has been fraudulently procured in that he failed to declare in his application for readmission to the Register dated 3rd March 2005 his police cautions and convictions.

The cautions and convictions were for a number of drug related crimes including possessing a class A drug and possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Lionel Campuzano, Chairman of the panel, said…..” The Panel is satisfi ed that Mr Hockley failed to disclose the convictions referred to in the notice of allegation, did so knowingly and that accordingly his registration was obtained fraudulently. The panel is unanimously of the opinion that the Registrar should be ordered to remove his name from the Register.”

The Health Professions Council is a UK wide health regulator set up to protect the public. It sets standards for thirteen health professions. The HPC only registers people who meet its standards for their professional skills, behaviour and health, and will take action against people who do not.

Information about the HPC’s fi tness to practise proceedings can be found on the HPC website here: http://www.hpc-uk.org/complaints/

UK Health Regulator removes Operating Department Practitioner from Register


The surgical glove with built-in hydration

The new Gammex® PF HydraSoft® powder-free latex surgical glove rehydrates your skin as you wear it. Its innovative synthetic inner coating uses Ansell’s HydraSoft® technology to retain the moisture in your skin, countering the damaging effects of continual glove-wearing and frequent contact with anti-bacterials. HydraSoft® technology also makes the glove easy to don, even when you are double-gloving for greater security. And it gives a softer feel to the glove, meaning greater comfort for you. Gammex® PF HydraSoft® builds upon the established reputation of the Gammex® PF glove, the standard for patient and surgeon protection in operating theatres throughout Europe.

Gammex® PF HydraSoft®

Ansell UK Ltd Northgate Business Centre 38 Northgate - Newark Notts NG24 1EZ UK Tel : +44 (0)1636 642 843 Fax : +44 (0)1636 642 844 http://www.anselleurope.com E-mail : [email protected]

Gammex® PF HydraSoft®

Ad_Gammex Hydrasoft_UK.indd 1 9/13/05 11:26:02 AM


Rigel Medical has incorporated the test specifi cations of a number of major Pulse Oximeter manufacturers in its new high performance Rigel 322 Pulse Oximetry Analyser.

The Rigel 322 electrical SpO2 simulator incorporates the new technology used by manufacturers such as Nellcor (Oximax) and Masimo to ensure that in-service testing and verifi cation of patient diagnostic equipment is carried out to original manufacturers’ specifi cations.

The Rigel 322 incorporates patented direct electrical simulation that provides fast, accurate and effi cient testing of SpO2 devices and eliminates the inconsistencies that are often associated with testing using an optical fi nger. Market leaders in oximeters use and specify instruments using electronic simulation for quality assurance purposes

EFFECTIVE SpO2 TESTING WITH THE RIGEL 322


According to a report by the National Audit Offi ce published on the 3rd of November 2005, around a half of incidents in which NHS hospital patients are unintentionally harmed could have been avoided, if lessons from previous incidents had been learned. Whilst reporting has improved at the local level, at the national level progress on developing a national reporting and learning system has been slower than envisaged in the Department of Health’s 2001 strategy “Building a safer NHS for patients”. Overall, there remains a clear need to improve evaluation and sharing of lessons and solutions by the large number of organisations with a stake in patient safety. There is also a need for a clear system for monitoring that lessons are learned.

The report by head of the NAO Sir John Bourn on progress made by the NHS in improving the patient safety culture concludes that, at the local level, the vast majority of trusts have developed a predominantly open and fair reporting culture, driven largely by the Department’s clinical governance initiative and more effective risk management systems. There are, however, trusts where a blame culture still predominates. There is also scope for trusts to improve their strategies for sharing good practice.

An NAO survey found that, in response to the encouragement to report, there have been year on year increases in the number of patient safety incidents and in 2004-05, there were around 980,000 reported incidents and near misses. Patient safety incidents are estimated to cost the NHS some £2 billion a year in extra bed days.

A retrospective study of patient records in two English hospitals found that just over 10 per cent of patients experienced an ‘adverse event’. Around half of these (5.2 per cent) were judged to have been preventable. Responses to the NAO survey showed that, in 2004-05, trusts recorded some 2,081 deaths as a result of patient safety incidents, but it is widely acknowledged that there is signifi cant under-reporting of deaths and serious incidents. Other estimates of deaths range from 840 to 34,000 but, in reality, the NHS simply does not know.

According to the NAO, trusts are now more likely to be fostering open and questioning communication between staff in teams. Almost all trusts reported that they had made progress in reducing the culture of blame; but surveys of nurses and other non-medical staff highlighted that they perceived that the blame culture continues to exist in the NHS. And there was still more to do to achieve a fully open and fair culture with regard to communicating with patients. In the NAO survey, 69 per cent of trusts had criteria for staff to follow, but only 24 per cent routinely informed patients when those patients had been involved in a reported incident. And six per cent of trusts did not inform patients at all.

All trusts had established effective reporting systems at the local level - although, despite the general increase in reporting, a substantial number of incidents still go unreported (an estimated 22 per cent, mainly medication errors and incidents leading to serious harm). Reporting of near misses is also low, mainly owing to different perceptions of what constitutes a near miss.

The roll-out of the National Patient Safety Agency’s National Reporting and Learning System has taken two years longer than the December 2002 date originally envisaged. The new target date was for all trusts to report to the system by June 2005, but by August 2005 at least 35 trusts had still not reported any data.

Most trusts pointed to specifi c improvements derived from lessons learnt from their local incident reporting systems, but these lessons are still not widely promulgated, either within or between trusts. And the National Patient Safety Agency has provided only limited feedback to trusts of evidence-based solutions or actions derived from the national reporting system.

The NAO has made a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing and sustaining the development of an effective safety culture; improving the reliability and completeness of reporting; and encouraging learning and the development of effective solutions. For example: trusts need to evaluate their safety cultures and develop systems in which NHS employees need not fear blame or unequal treatment if they report incidents; and patient safety must become a core part of professional clinical training.

The report also recommends that there should be a clearer defi nition of ‘near-misses’ and encouragement of staff to report them and that the Department should explore the possibility of a single point to which all staff can report, for example, via the National Programme for Information Technology in the NHS.

A Safer Place for Patients: learning to improve patient safety HC 456 2005-2006 Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General

Patients also need to be engaged by trusts in identifying important patient safety issues and in helping to design solutions. There should be better dissemination of learning between trusts. And the National Patient Safety Agency needs to expedite its evaluation and feedback programme and focus on developing solutions to nationwide problems with the Healthcare Commission taking responsibility for ensuring that appropriate solutions are implemented across the NHS.

Sir John Bourn said : “Reducing unintentional harm to patients in NHS hospitals is a central tenet in the management of healthcare quality and risk. Two factors are crucial to this: the establishment of a culture in which incidents can be reported easily, honestly and without fear of blame; and the ability to ensure that lessons learned from these incidents are successfully promulgated to NHS staff both locally and nationally. What today’s report shows is that the Department of Health and the NHS have made some progress in both of these areas – but not enough.

“There needs to be signifi cantly faster progress at the national level in ensuring effective evaluation of numbers, types and causes of incidents. And lessons and solutions must be better evaluated and shared by all organisations with a role in keeping patients safe.”

Reports are available from the date of publication on the NAO website,which is at www.nao.org.uk

as a direct result of the high accuracy and repeatability of direct electrical simulation.

As well as electrical simulation, the Rigel 322 also has advanced simulation features that include arrhythmias, motion artefact and ambient light.

The tester also incorporates in-built probe analyser for all main probe brands and can identify light sensitivity and continuity in probes, including intermittent faults thanks to its large graphic display.

With a small desktop footprint and built-in battery cell, the Rigel 322 is one of the most portable and comprehensive SpO2 analyser on the market and forms part of a comprehensive range of electromedical testers available from Rigel Medical.

More details from www.rigelmedical.com. or Telephone: 0191 587 8744E-mail: [email protected]


Advanced Vascular Access Techniques

For Health Care Professionals

Health Care Practitioner Study Day/Workshop

Tuesday 10th

January 2006

Venue

Post Graduate Centre

Princess Royal Hospital Haywards Heath

‘Working in new ways,

How Ultrasound improves vascular access placement/cannulation and patient

experience.

Micro introducer insertion techniques for Piccs/CVADs

Theatre practitioners/ Nurses /Phlebotomist/Radiographers/Medical personnel

The aim of this course is to bring practioner cannulation skills up to a higher level, hands -on sessions with skill

stations for practicing advanced cannulation techniques will be the main focus on the day. You will access veins

on our training manikins using ultrasound. Tutors will be currently practicing in advanced vascular techniques

taught.

£150 includes Lunch

20 places, early booking is advised for this course

Application requests to [email protected]

(CME credits applied for)

For Discount on booking fee quote “OTJ”

His Royal Highness The Duke of York recently visited First Water in his capacity as Special Representative for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). First Water develops, manufacturers and converts advanced wound dressings and medical devices for the consumer, occupational health and professional healthcare B2B sectors, based on its patented gel technology.

Matthew Hobbs, UKTI’s Deputy International Trade Director, South West, said: “It is a great honour to welcome HRH The Duke of York to the region as our Special Representative. First Water has done some excellent work in the area of wound care and they deserve this recognition.”

His Royal Highness toured the company’s R&D and manufacturing facilities, where the novel hydrogel materials are synthesised, characterised and tested. Peter Walker, First Water’s Head of Sales and Marketing, said: “His Royal Highness was extremely interested in the scope of our gel systems and how they can be used across the entire wound healing continuum to signifi cantly reduce pain and effectively heal diffi cult chronic wounds.”

After completing a tour of the converting facilities and prior to lunch with the management team, HRH The Duke of York unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit to First Water. Managing Director Cliff Andrews said: “We are delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of York has chosen to visit First Water and allowed us to present some of the work we are undertaking to advance the effectiveness of wound dressings.

In recent years, First Water has harnessed its strengths in polymer science and processing technology to tackle some of the key challenges in professional wound care. In conjunction with blue chip brand owners, First Water’s gel systems can be found in leading blister and burns products sold in pharmacies and supermarkets, while their professional range of pain relieving wound dressings are making signifi cant advances in the professional hospital sector with tissue viability nurses and consultants. The latest addition to the company’s range of patented products is antimicrobial hydrogels, developed to “challenge bacteria head on”. First aid dressings primarily protect a wound from external contamination and additionally absorb blood and wound fl uids. Eliminating the need for preservatives or antimicrobial agents such as silver, these skin-friendly antimicrobial hydrogels are specially designed to ensure any bacteria coming into contact with the gel or contained within the exudate are absorbed, contained and killed. They are effective against a broad range of species including C.albicans, A.niger, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus and E.coli.

Wound care in the workplace is another area of product focus. Burns are regarded as an occupational hazard in busy kitchens, so First Water has developed an easy to apply dressing that immediately cools and soothes the affected area. Again using patented gel technology, the cushioning gel pad is placed directly over the burn and provides instant cooling and prolonged pain relief for several days, allowing kitchen staff to continue working in comfort.

For further information please contact: Peter Walker, First Water Ltd., Hilldrop Lane, Ramsbury, Malborough, Wiltshire, SN8 2RB UK. Telelphone: 01672 522133 Fax: 01672 522134 orE-mail: p.walker@fi rst-water.com Website: www.fi rst-water.com

HRH DUKE OF YORK VISITS ADVANCED WOUND CARE COMPANY

HRH The Duke of York, tours First Water’s manufacturing facilities.


LEONARDO ARRIVES AT THE LONDON CLINICThe London Clinic is delighted to welcome a new member of staff onboard – Leonardo – the hospital’s new ‘robot’. The world-renowned da Vinci surgical system will be housed in the Clinic’s latest purpose-built, state of the art operating theatre. It will allow consultants to provide excellence in patient care, with greater overall treatment and recovery benefi ts for patients. The Clinic’s team of robotic surgeons will perform procedures with the celebrated surgical system from November at The London Clinic. As a result, patients at the Clinic will have easy access to a group of the leading consultants in the fi eld including Mr Chris Anderson, Mr Prokar Dasgupta, Mr David Hrouda, Mr Omer Karim, Professor Roger Kirby, Mr Chris Ogden and Mr Justin Vale.

All of the Clinic’s urology robotic surgeons have received extensive training under the guidance of the world’s leading consultants at the famous Henry Ford Hospital (USA), Hackensack University Medical Centre (USA), Cornell University Medical Centre (NYC) and the European Surgery Institute in Paris.

Initially, surgeons at the Clinic will focus on the da Vinci system’s capacity to provide minimally-invasive procedures such as laparascopic radical prostatectomy. These precise surgical procedures are made possible by technological breakthroughs such as enhanced 3-D visualisation, and an increased range of motion (Endowrist Instruments rotate more than 360° through tiny incisions) all of which contribute to a quicker recovery and better outcomes for the patient.

For the majority of patients, The London Clinic’s ‘robot’ will offer numerous benefi ts over open prostatectomy including less post-operative pain and discomfort, less blood loss and a faster recovery. Recent studies also suggest that a da Vinci prostatectomy may improve cancer control and reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction following surgery.

Malcolm Miller, Chief Executive at The London Clinic comments:“Investing in revolutionary technological advances in surgical equipment is an important growth area for the Clinic, and we are delighted to introduce the da Vinci surgical system to both consultants and patients. The patient benefi ts of the ‘robot’ are clear and it is very exciting to be able to offer the Clinic’s patients such an advantage over open surgery.

“We believe that there are some exciting opportunities for the Clinic’s robotic surgical system, not only for prostate cancer, but also in areas such as gynaecological and abdominal surgery, cardiac surgery and potentially neurosurgery. We look forward to bringing these advances to our patients in the future.”


Medical ProfessionalsNeeds You!

For a number of years Medical Professionals has been successfully supplying the NHS and the Private Sector with high calibre Theatre and AHP Staff. Medical Professionals is part of the Worldwide Recruitment Group operating through a Network of eighteen offi ces nationwide. With its sister company Nursing Professionals the group covers all aspects of Theatre Work.By placing emphasis on candidate care and through personal interviews and tailored skill assessments, Medical Professionals are experiencing higher levels of requests from Clients for both Permanent and Temporary staff.We urgently require more staff.Call our manned on-call service for a full list of Locum Positions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week .Tel: 0845 045 6611 or0845 850 3456

Following extensive analysis into European markets, the prestigious 2005 Frost and Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation Leadership has this year been awarded to “…Sterilox Technologies, because it has laid the foundation to being among the most successful companies in the area of disinfection and sterilization as it has a strong research base, which is highly commendable in this area.

“With an ideal product portfolio and an inimitable technology backing, the company is all set to achieve greater heights.

“Sterilox is on the threshold of expanding into the international markets and Frost and Sullivan is certain that Sterilox is likely to emerge as the disinfectant of choice in the future”

The award, which celebrates the growing importance of disinfection and sterilisation of medical equipment to prevent cross contamination, concludes that it is “…astounding that many people lose their lives due to improper sterilisation of instruments…over 5,000 people lose their lives due to such reasons every year in the United Kingdom alone.”

Commenting for Sterilox Technologies International, Paul Donnelly, Managing Director, said, “This award does not just celebrate one company (Sterilox) but every nurse, infection control specialist and healthcare worker dedicated to the advancement of safe diagnostic care.

“It provides clear vindication to 100 British hospitals which have chosen to use our totally safe and cost effective biocide.

“This is fantastic news and we can take real pride in winning this award.”

Sterilox Technologies Inc., is a privately-owned corporation, established in 1996 and based in Delaware, US. The company’s European headquarters are in Stafford. U.K.

The company’s core product is Sterilox, a safe, fast-acting, broad-spectrum biocide, often referred to as ‘super-oxidized’ water. Sterilox is produced when required using a patented electrolytic cell from water and common salt (sodium chloride), and the main active component of the mixture is hypochlorous acid, a powerful disinfectant. Solutions are fast acting, non-toxic and non-hazardous making them ideal for the rapid, cold sterilisation of heat-sensitive surgical instruments such as endoscopes. The company supplies a complete range of generators and automated washer/disinfectors plus Optident Sterilox, a system developed specifi cally for the dental market.

For further information visit www.sterilox.co.uk

Sterilox Receives Prestigious Frost and Sullivan Award for

‘Technology Innovation Leadership’

Paul J Donnelly, Managing Director, Sterilox, accepting the award.



Under the NHS Redress Bill published on the 13th of October 2005, patients will no longer have to go to court to get compensation, care, apologies and investigations if something goes wrong with their NHS hospital treatment or care.

The NHS Redress Bill gives the Secretary of State the power to establish an NHS Redress Scheme and place a duty on providers and commissioners of hospital services to ensure patients receive a more consistent, speedy and appropriate response to clinical negligence. The scheme will cover low monetary value claims, with the initial upper limit expected to be set at £20,000. It is designed to offer patients a real alternative to litigation, avoiding the long delays and legal costs typical of the current system.

Other key elements of the NHS Redress Bill and Scheme include:- Provision for patients to receive redress in the form of care.- A duty on all scheme members to appoint an appropriate person responsible for learning from mistakes.- A more proactive approach to clinical negligence, with the onus no longer on the patient to initiate a claim. All scheme members will be required to review adverse incidents and trigger the scheme themselves, where appropriate.

The aim of the scheme is not to cut costs, but to ensure NHS money goes directly on benefi tting the patient with less spent on legal costs.

Health Minister, Jane Kennedy says: “The NHS Redress Bill means fairness for patients, not fees for lawyers. It is an important step in preventing a US-style litigation culture. The vast majority of NHS patients receive safe and effective care, but we have to recognise that in our modern, increasingly complex health service, mistakes do happen.

We want to improve patients’ experience of the NHS by giving patients what they tell us they want when something goes wrong with their care - an apology, an explanation of what’s happened and action to put things right. We need to move away from the current way of responding to clinical negligence, which is characterised by variations in outcomes, long and complicated processes and legal costs that often exceed amounts paid out to patients.

The NHS Redress Bill enables us to provide a better and more consistent response to patients when something goes wrong with their NHS care. By understanding the implications of clinical negligence and giving practical support to patients and their families when things go wrong, the NHS will be in a better position to learn from mistakes and drive up the standard and quality of care provided in the future.”

The NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA), will be responsible for overseeing the Scheme and managing the fi nancial compensation. Scheme members will be required to report all cases which may fall within the Scheme to the NHSLA. The NHSLA will then establish liability and, if appropriate, the level of compensation. If fi nancial compensation is not appropriate, the patient will still have the right to receive an investigation, explanation, apology and, if appropriate, remedial care.

Steve Walker, Chief Executive of the NHS Litigation Authority says:“The NHS Redress Scheme should enable us to deliver access to justice even faster and more economically in future.”

The Bill published today sets out the broad powers needed to establish the NHS Redress Scheme. Details of the Scheme will be provided in secondary legislation which will be published for consultation after the Bill receives Royal Assent.

Gary Fereday, Policy Manager at the NHS Confederation says:“We welcome today’s Bill if it can succeed in its aim to make the cumbersome compensation process more effective. “Where patients are entitled to compensation, they should get it more quickly and more effi ciently. We will work with our members to ensure that the detail of the legislation will be workable for patients and NHS organisations on the ground.”

The NHS Redress Bill builds on a commitment made in 2001 to reform the current clinical negligence system and the proposals set out in the Chief Medical Offi cer’s report, “Making Amends”. The NHS Redress Scheme is expected to come into force in 2007/8.A copy of the NHS Redress Bill can be viewed at www.dh.gov.uk/actsandbills or www.parliament.ukThe NHS Litigation Authority is a Special Health Authority (part of the NHS), responsible for handling negligence claims made against NHS bodies in England.For more informaton www.nhsla.comThe NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of NHS organisations.For more information www.nhsconfed.org

BETTER NHS RESPONSE FOR PATIENTS HARMED BY HEALTHCARE

make your agency nervous...

Medical Professionals, one of the leading medical recruitment agencies in the UK

Suite 4, Goldlay House, Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7PREmail: [email protected] online at www.medical-professionals.co.ukMedical Professionals are an equal opportunities employer.Medical Professionals is a trading style of Nursing Professionals Ltd

on 0845 045 6611(24 hour on-call service)

Call Daren, Amit, Dominic or Andy

12 THE OPERATING THEATRE JOURNAL www.otjonline.com 12

supplier to the UK National Health Service of a wide range of quality-assured latex, vinyl and synthetic gloves. Recently the company was strengthened following its acquisition by a joint venture between Tekmedic and Hanfare Protective Clothing (HPC).Tekmedic is a prominent Malaysian manufacturer of gloves, and the new association means that Healthline will be adding to its product range for NHS trusts.Aloe Vera Latex and Aloe Vera Synthetic examination gloves are part of the Aloe Care™ brand, and feature an aloe vera gel coating entirely on the inside of the gloves. The naturally occurring aloe vera reacts to body heat and gently covers the hand from fi nger tip to cuff. This provides a moisturising and hydrating effect which helps to keep hands soft and healthy.These products are now available in two variants:* Aloe Vera Latex examination

gloves S-XL* Aloe Vera powder-free synthetic

vinyl examination gloves S-XLAloe Vera Care products are designed and highly recommended for people who wear gloves frequently or for prolonged periods.In a separate product development programme, and after extensive consultation with users and NHS Logistics the popular Healthline white nitrile gloves have been changed to blue, to avoid the risk that they may be confused as white latex gloves. This change ensures a consistent colour across the range of Healthline gloves.For more information on the new Healthline Aloe Vera Care examination gloves, or for details of the complete range, please telephone the company on:01234 244100.Healthline Products: Advanced solutions for stringent medical procedures.

New Healthline Products result

from the changed ownership


Q-Med is a rapidly growing biotechnology and medical device company that develops, produces and markets medical implants. It also has an exciting programme of education to support its products, including a seminar, to be held in connection with the ICS meeting in Montreal, at the end of August 2005.

Entitled ‘Patient choice or Physician choice – Which comes fi rst?’ Q-Med is sponsoring a debate on SUI treatment in the Palais Des Congres de Montreal, Canada, on the 31st August in Room 520, from 17.30 – 19.00 hours.

Chairing the meeting is internationally acclaimed Urologist, Professor Alan Wein (USA), who introduces three debates, featuring arguments ‘for and against.’ These are on the following subjects:

• Objective measured are the only valid ones for predicting therapeutic outcomes.

• Surgery is the only cost effective treatment for SUI.• Doctor knows best. Patient choice versus Physician

choice.

Experts involved in these debates are Simon Hall (UK), John Heesakkers (Netherlands), Francois Haab (Israel) and Chris Chapple (UK). A Question and Answer Session, as well as the voting on each motion, ensures the meeting is audience interactive.

Q-Med, the sponsors of the seminar, are the manufacturers of Zuidex the SUI injectable gel, NASHA (non-animal hyaluronic acid), which is enjoying wide usage among UK Urologists.

For more details of the Montreal ICS Seminar on SUI, or for information on Zuidex™ (NASHA) gel, please telephone the company on 01737 735503. Q-Med: The NASHA Technology Company.

Which comes fi rst in SUI – the patient or the Physician?


Doctors might be better off washing their hands with yoghurt instead of relying on antiseptic soap-scrubbing, according to a new discussion paper by a UCL (University College London) researcher.

Scientists should investigate whether saturating the skin with ‘good’ bacteria would offer better protection against deadly germs, says the paper. Professor Mark Spigelman, of the UCL Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, is calling for a study to be set up in hospital units in which antibiotics would be banned, to explore alternative health protection measures against MRSA.

In the paper, published in the November issue of Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons, Professor Spigelman says the time has come to re-evaluate the concept of using antibiotics and scrubbing hands and wounds with antiseptic soaps. His paper outlines a six-point proposal to set up surgical hospitals which would be antibiotic-free and would instead comply with the novel standard practices being investigated.

Professor Mark Spigelman says: “Inappropriate use of antibiotics remains a major problem, despite

our ever-growing understanding of how bacteria behave. For example, any student who has grown bacteria in a lab will know that they generally do not grow on top of one another. So when we wash our hands, we could actually be killing off harmless commensals to the extent that we leave space for other bacteria, such as MRSA strains, to settle. “Perhaps we should be thinking about using probiotics and even dipping our hands after thorough washing into a solution which contains harmless bacteria, which could then colonise our skin and prevent pathogenic bacteria from settling on it.

“It must be remembered that after almost 40 years, MRSA has not become widespread except in hospitals where we use the most advanced antibiotics and most rigorous antiseptic measures. Why is this? More of the same does not seem to be working – new antibiotics and antibacterial soaps have not stopped MRSA.

“The idea may sound absurd, but I believe that a probiotic cleaning procedure is an avenue worth exploring. To overcome the current epidemic of MRSA and other bacteria, we should aim to set up a handful of hospitals where the use of antibiotics

would be banned, and any patients who needed them would be transferred to an antibiotic-using hospital. Doctors from these hospitals would not be allowed to enter hospitals which use antibiotics.

“At the same time we could trial the benefi ts of using ‘good’ bacteria to saturate the skin on doctors’ hands and even patients’ wounds prior to surgery, to see if this would prevent the settling of pathogenic, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For instance, a surgeon who has spent the morning repeatedly scrubbing his or her hands in an operating theatre may well have got rid of many harmless skin commensals. When the surgeon then goes to the wards, the more virulent bacteria may settle into the areas left vacant. As a fi rst step, the surgeon could use probiotics to try and prevent this sequence of events, for example by dipping their hands into a probiotic substance such as yoghurt.”

Spigelman M. ‘MRSA - Why treat the symptoms and not the disease?’is published in the Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2005; 87(5): 452-453 and can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588405X60650

Could plain soap and probiotics beat hospital bugs?Doctors might be better off washing their hands with yoghurt instead of relying on antiseptic soap.


TEL:01394 461131 FAX: 01394 461376 EMAIL: [email protected]

ANAESTHETICS & RECOVERY

ESSENTIAL RECOVERY SKILLS - 23 March 2006 15 September 2006

The effects of drugs on the recovering patient. Exploring skills required by today’s PACU staff

Oxygen saturations / interpretation. Emergency re-intubations in PACU. Anaphylaxis and ALS Update.

Caring for the patient following major surgery. Management of Pain in the Recovery Unit. Respiratory

Emergencies in PACU Bronchospasm, Laryngospasm Causes and treatments.

ANAESTHETICS FOR ADULT PATIENTS - 02 March 2006 10 October 2006

Revision of the respiratory tract.Pre Operative – Anaesthetic Scoring Systems - Optimising the patient-

Effects of drugs on the anaesthetic, co-morbidity. Peri Operative –Choice of anaesthetic i.e. general,

regional- Effects of drugs used- Operative implication on the anaesthetic. Post Operative- Effects of

anaesthetic drugs on the recovering patient - Pain management - Special considerations i.e. the elderly.

EMERGENCIES IN RECOVERY - 21 February 2006 08 September 2006

Systematic Approach to Preventing Drug Errors. Accountability Issues in Recovery. Cardiac Emergencies,

How to Interpret Blood Gases. Shock! Airway Emergencies & Anaphylaxis. The Ventilated Patient in

Recovery

IV STUDY DAY - 21 MARCH 2006

Introduction and problems associated with Intravenous Infusion Therapy, Practical Session 1: Venflons, I.V.

Pumps, Venous Access, Venesection, Disasters, Transfusions, Blood Products and Interpretation of Blood

Results, Practical Session 2: Setting up a Blood Transfusion, Problems that can occur, Transfusion scenarios.

PAEDIATIRIC ANAESTHETICS & RECOVERY - 27 January 2006 23 June 2006

Applied Anatomy & Physiology. Paediatric Anaesthetics. Paediatric Assessment in Recovery. Maintenance of

Airway Paediatric Resuscitation. Paediatric Drug Therapy

PAEDIATRICS FOR THE ADULT NURSE - 01 December 2005 16 March 2006

History / Paediatric realities. Safety / Child protection. Legislation and the care standard commission. Drug

administration and calculation. Pain management. Rapid assessment of the deteriorating child

UNDERSTANDING ECG’S & X RAYS - 23 May 2006 10 November 2006

Introduction to ECG, A & P of the Heart, 12 lead ECG, Arial Arrhythmias, Functional Rhythms,

Ventricular Arrhythmias, Myocardial Infarction, XRAYS, interpretation, bone studies, foreign objects

RECOGNISING THE CRITICAL PATIENT - 15 JUNE 2006

Common Complications following Keyhole Surgery – Arthroscopy, Laparoscopy.

General Management of the deteriorating patient. How to interpret the signs using basic observations, BP,

Output, Drains etc. Recognising the Acutely ill patient, and Managing the emergency Blood gases, O2

Therapy, Problems with infusions Practical Scenarios

PAIN MANAGEMENT - 07 MARCH 2006 Physiology of Pain. Role of the Acute Pain Team. Pharmacology. Complimentary Therapies / Multi Modal Approach

Fukuda Denshi is a leading supplier of advanced patient monitoring, cardiac assessment and clinical information management systems. One of these is the recently introduced DS-7600 Central Monitor system, which is highly adaptable for use in a variety of areas from the hospital ICU to the general wards. A new 8-page full colour brochure reveals just how user-friendly the DS-7600 series is designed to be.

Most striking about the brochure is the extensive illustration of the various display modes such as trendgraphs, ST measurements, recall and long term waveforms. Also featured is the screen confi guration for up to 16 monitored patients. Shown too are the typical network systems coping with concentrated care at the nurse station. These can be telemetry or hardwired based, or a combination of the two.

Characteristics of the DS7600 series are also described in detail, including the 15” colour liquid crystal display, the touch screen, customisable user keys, alarm function and built in printer. Also listed is the specifi cation, along with the various optional extras.

further information on any of the Fukuda Denshi monitors, please telephone the company on 01483 720865.

Fukuda Denshi: Healthcare bound by technology.

New brochure on DS7600 Central Monitors from Fukuda


Rigel Medical has launched a unique IEC 60601Checkbox to verify the in-service accuracy of electrical medical safety analysers.

Most instrument manufacturers recommend a calibration interval in which the instrument, under normal use, is expected to perform within the specifi cation provided. However, test frequency and ageing of components are common factors that could affect an instrument’s performance at any time.

The Rigel 601 Checkbox is therefore designed to verify the performance of safety analysers between formal calibrations to provide an effective control system and avoid situations where testing may be undertaken with instruments that are out of true specifi cation.

The Rigel 601 Checkbox is designed to accurately replicate the leakage characteristics of equipment designed to IEC 60601-1 providing up to 11 patient connections. With the ability to generate both AC and DC leakage currents as well offering dedicated F-type circuitry, the Rigel 601 is able to provide calibrated values for Earth Leakage, Enclosure Leakage, Patient Leakage and Patient Leakage Mains on Applied Parts.

In addition, the Rigel 601 is able to provide a series of highly accurate resistance values to check the linearity of the Earth Bond and Insulation measuring circuits.

Dedicated switch positions provide individual pass and fail values for B/BF and CF limits as per IEC 60601-1.

With the use of high precision resistors, the Rigel 601 has a recommended calibration interval of 36 months, providing a stable and accurate reference for all IEC 60601-1 safety analysers for years to come.

For more information, please contact Rigel Medical at [email protected] or visit www.rigelmedical.comor telephone: 0191 587 8744

NEW RIGEL CHECKBOX ENSURES MEDICAL TESTER ACCURACY


NHS SAVES £4.5m in E-AUCTION FOR IT HARDWARE

A group of NHS trusts have achieved potential savings of nearly 30 per cent on this year’s bill for IT Hardware via an on-line auction.In conjunction with Collaborative Procurement organisations, a two-hour e-auction, organised by the Offi ce of Government Commerce’s Coordinated Procurement Division and run by TradingPartners saw 11 IT hardware suppliers battle to get the business of 137 NHS Trusts, grouped into six regional consortia. Between them, these consortia account for nearly a third of all the desktops and laptops needed by the NHS over the next 18 months.The event was led and hosted by Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust which originated the idea, and co-ordinated by its Procurement Manager Malcolm Tell.John Oughton, Chief Executive of the Offi ce of Government Commerce, who viewed the auction, said: “This a great example of how the public sector can work together to achieve savings for the taxpayer that can be ploughed back into frontline services. OGC promotes the use of eAuctions in the public sector and we can provide guidance on how they can be used to help the public sector meet their effi ciency targets.”Stephen Greep, Chief Executive of Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, and Chairman of the Strategic Procurement and Supply Board for the local SHA commented: “I am delighted that this initiative has the potential to deliver signifi cant fi nancial benefi ts. In turn, these will deliver innovative solutions for the benefi t of patients and frontline services in the NHS. We want to build stronger partnerships with our suppliers through commitment to contracts like these, providing a focused route into the health economy.”Chirag Shah, TradingPartners’ CEO said: “We were very pleased with this latest example showing how e-auctions can deliver results for the public sector. This represents a small fraction of spending on IT hardware in the whole of the public sector. I hope other public sector bodies will see what can be achieved and take advantage themselves of these kind of savings.”Projected savings worth nearly 30 per cent, over £4.5m, should reduce the bill for PC equipment from £16m to £11.5m. Details of the contracts will be fi nalised shortly. The total package includes over 21,000 desktop PCs and nearly 4500 laptops.


University College London NHS Foundation Trust has completed installation of an advanced wireless network, thought to be the largest yet implemented in the NHS.

The new Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), implemented by Aruba Networks, has been installed across the whole of the trust to support UCLH’s move to become a ‘paperless’ hospital.

UCLH will use the WLAN to provide its 7,000 staff with secure wireless access to patient records. The system has been installed at UCLH’s eight separate hospitals, including its new fl agship £422 million hospital on Euston Road, London.

In June UCLH went live with the fi rst phase of its Carecast electronic patient record system, supplied by IDX systems. Used in conjunction with the WLAN doctors and nurses will be able to use PDAs and tablet devices to access patient

information on the move anywhere within the hospital, from bedside to operating theatre.

The highly secure network is also designed to support fully converged communications and is fully ready for VoIP (voice over internet protocol) over wireless. “This is a great illustration of the vital role that wireless technology has to play in a modern hospital environment,” said Kevin Jarrold, director of information management at UCLH.

“Moving away from paper-based patient records to a wireless-accessible electronic system really frees up the way that medical staff work - not only is information more accurate, but notes can be referred to and updated in real time from anywhere in the hospital,” he added.

“Staff will have the ability to access patient records anywhere in the hospital, together with email and

electronic correspondence and potentially voice as well,” Rob Vickers, Aruba Network’s head of UK sales told E-Health Insider.

Aruba claims its WLAN technology is set apart by the security of its networks. According to Vickers, concerns about the strength of security have deterred NHS organisations from investing in wireless networks.

“Over the past few years it’s fair to say we have not seen the large take-up of wireless that many had expected. But healthcare is a market that lends itself very well to wireless, we are seeing more and more requirement from trusts,” said Vickers.

“We can show and demonstrate how you can make wireless work and make it secure,” he added. The WLAN provide to UCLH protects patient information using a centralised multi-layered security strategy. Any user or

device attempting to connect to a corporate system is authenticated and checked for potential threats before being allowed onto the network. In addition, all encryption is implemented by a centralised hardware-accelerated encryption engine rather than in individual access points.

Physically the WLAN consists of 3 x Aruba 5000 mobility controllers and 350 centrally managed access points.

“Not only will the wireless network immediately increase the effi ciency of information access, but it also represents the foundation of future converged communications advances,” said Vickers.

Earlier this year Aruba Networks was selected to implement a highly secure wireless network across the giant Microsoft HQ campus in Redmond, Seattle.

© 2005 E-HEALTH-MEDIA LTD.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

University College London NHS Trust goes wireless

Wireless Patient Monitors – a genre of medical devices that bring together the best of two worlds, wireless and medical technology. The arena of healthcare has been under a transformational phase for a few years now after a lull wherein research took the back seat and only development was given due concern in areas such as patient monitoring. A ‘sclerosed’ market was the outcome with the similar products crowding the market and the market space not growing that much either. However, the needs of the industry to survive meant more investment in areas that would perhaps remodel the healthcare delivery structure as we see today. Medical equipment manufacturers rightly identifi ed that any technology that would alleviate costs would be embraced almost immediately, by the budget strapped healthcare delivery systems in Europe. A technology wave that took the area of communications by storm seemed to have more than obvious benefi ts in the area of health care and culminating as wireless healthcare products.

Wire Free Environment: Cutting Clutter and CostsWireless is a vintage concept if spoken in the context of communication technology and has been used in hospitals for over 30 years. There has been large-scale use of radio communications in ambulances and emergency care to communicate the patient condition. If closely observed the progression of wireless technologies into healthcare is a natural culmination. The purpose of medical services is to bring patients back to the normal world, to make them ‘up and running’. Hospitals generally demarcate the care areas depending on levels of acuity, and the level of patient monitoring depends on various medically defi ned guidelines.

Critical care as per textbook defi nitions is an area equipped with advanced medical equipment in order to provide highly specialized medical care. The incumbents are patients who have clinical conditions that are life threatening or those who need constant care and monitoring. Critical care areas are emerging to be the most expensive areas in the hospital with a per day cost incurred to the tune of about $1500-$2500 per day. The

need to free these areas and move patients to less expensive step down or intermediate care areas for patients who have come clear of the danger zone is what healthcare authorities are aiming to do.

The need for constant monitoring of patient’s vital parameters led to them being tied down to the bed as most monitoring equipment were wired and had connections to the central monitoring station through a wired network. In addition to the clutter, the costs that were incurred in laying cables were huge. This led to systems vendors thinking up of making patient monitoring systems that were less cumbersome to handle and that could somehow integrate with the existing infrastructure of the hospital without virtually rebuilding the entire hospital infrastructure by relaying cables and wires. The concept of wireless monitoring took off from there. The use of wireless communication within the hospital in the form of tablet PC’s, laptops and PDA’s, was a seed for the growth of patient monitoring equipment that could be carted around and which could communicate with the central monitoring station from any corner of the hospital. The fact that there is an already existing wireless net work in hospitals provides huge opportunities for vendors in the wireless patient monitoring space. Yet there are huge hurdles that need to be overcome in order to translate the opportunity to revenues.

Wireless Healthcare: Tailoring the ‘Right Fit’The requirement for higher data rates makes the patient-monitoring network more robust and able to withstand high data transfer rates and loads as these would be used to transfer the vital signs data of more than 100 patients at any given time. There are several frequency bands that are being use for the purpose of medical data transmission such as the industrial scientifi c and medical bands (ISM bands) which is more popular in Europe. This works typically in the 2.4 Ghz range for medical transmission and is protected to prevent interference from other high signals such as high defi nition television etc. Unlike in the U.S., Europe is yet to witness a standardised approach in the use of medical frequencies for patient monitoring applications.

The Scandinavian countries are perhaps among those countries which have a frequency range set-aside for patient monitoring applications almost in line with the U.S. FCC ruling. Network standards to be used for patient monitoring data is a lso not harmonised throughout Europe. Though there seems to be a major shift towards the use of 802.11b/g in Europe it remains to see if this will emerge as a standard for all device manufacturers. Patient monitoring equipment vendors have rightly identifi ed the opportunity but these issues need to be addressed if the market needs to see tremendous growth opportunities.

The FutureDevelopments in technology will defi nitely face some teething problems and wireless patient monitoring is going through the same phase. The possibility of having a hospital wide wireless network to be able to integrate with the patient monitoring network (as exemplifi ed by Draeger Medical) presents opportunities to create a ‘less wire’ hospital environment. Growth opportunities are boundless for this area with ground breaking developments in wireless networking and mobile communications, patient monitoring could transgress the walls of the hospital and move into the more comfortable homecare zone and this would be the ideal situation for Europe in the future.

BackgroundFrost & Sullivan, an international growth consultancy, has been supporting clients’ expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies includes custom strategic consulting, market intelligence, and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients’ management teams to deliver market insights and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan’s network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers, and support staff spans the globe with offi ces in every major country.

Further information: Katja FeickTelephone:: +44 (0) 20 7915 7856E-mail : [email protected]

Unwiring Healthcare in Europe By Aarati Ajay, Analyst - Patient Monitoring, Frost & Sullivan

Allen® Irrigation Tower Allen® Uro Catcher™ System


The Bien-Air OSSEODOC table-top control module, for orthopaedic microsurgery is both practical and effi cient.

The brushless Basch motor has standard ISO ‘E’ fi tting coupling to allow the operator to use a wide range of hand tools, microsaws and other surgical instruments. Push-button selection of 4 motor speeds, forward/reverse, with audible signal when motor is in reverse. The LED display clearly displays the speed selection and the fl ow rate of the peristaltic pump. Two irrigation options and four fl ow-rates. Irrigation function operated via the footpedal, using the ‘kick-down’ function.

The Basch motor allows smooth operation, without vibration, in both directions through a speed range extending

from 500 rpm to 40,000 rpm.

The motor is cooled by self-ventilation and is fully a u t o c l a v a b l e , together with the cable. The

Osseodoc conforms to the medical

standards 93/42/EEC and CEI 601-1-2 and is available with

or without the Peristaltic pump.

For details and prices/demonstration please contact:Bien-Air UK Limited, 63 The Street, Capel, Surrey. RH5 5JZ The web-site: www.bienairsurgery.com is recommended for clear visual detail. Tel: 01306-711303

‘Bien-Air OSSEODOC - simple & practical controls with sterilisable micromotor’


Infection in orthopaedic surgeryreport ‘lacks confi dence’

Commenting on new statistics released by the Department of Health on surgical site infections (SSIs) in orthopaedic surgery, Chairman of the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), Jane Reid, said:

“The results from the fi rst mandatory survey of SSI in orthopaedics are interesting because the reported rates of infection are low and the infections detected are described as minor and not deeply embedded in the wound.

“These results do however need to be interpreted with caution and questioned because many of the results are from very small samples. Additional factors which may undermine our confi dence in the report concern the lack of attention to variables such as the age of the patient, the complexity of the procedure and perhaps more importantly the length of post-operative stay which will have an impact on the data collected.”

Ms Reid continued: “The results are useful because they are a base from which further investigation can be undertaken on how we reduce SSIs. For instance, some variation in the rates might be explained by differences in post-operative follow-up techniques. It should be possible to examine these, identify and implement best practice to minimise infection and enhance the care of patients.”

AfPP host an orthopaedic Specialist Interest Group on their website. Any Association member wanting to access more information on orthopaedic issues can use this area by visiting www.afpp.org.uk.

Department of Health report is available at:http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/HealthcareAcquiredInfection/fs/en

The medical technologies industry welcomed the Government’s commitment to encourage the faster adoption of new medical technologies within the NHS.

The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), which represents the UK medical devices and systems sector, said that the Department of Health’s willingness to addressing the Wanless Report’s concerns of slow adoption of more effi cient technologies was critical to delivering better patient care and best value for the NHS.

The ABHI said it would assist the Department’s objectives, including new, better funded systems of evaluating the effi cacy and effi ciency of new technologies and establishing “regional Collaborative Procurement Hubs supported by local specialists and clinicians” to help the NHS make informed, collective decisions.

The Department of Health issued the statement in response to a Health Select Committee report in April, which examined the benefi ts of new innovations. The select committee rightly highlighted the slow uptake of new medical technologies in the NHS. However, it also applauded and endorsed the work carried out by the Department of Health,

Medical technologies industry welcomes Government commitment to encourage innovations within the NHS

the Department of Trade and Industry and the UK med tech sector to develop the Healthcare Industries Task Force (HITF) agenda.

The committee cited silo budgeting and a lack of clinician involvement in evaluation and procurement as reasons for the slow uptake of more new technologies. It also stated that this sometimes meant patients did not receive the benefi ts of British medical breakthroughs and the NHS did not receive best value for its expenditure.

John Wilkinson, Director General of the ABHI said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to encourage the innovation and adoption of the most effi cient technologies from laboratory to patient bedside.

“We will continue to work with the Health Minister, Jane Kennedy MP, on implementing the HITF initiatives. This will go a long way to ensuring that NHS patients benefi t from more effi cient, life-saving treatments as quickly as patients in other countries.”

The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the lead trade association for the medical devices and systems industry (not pharmaceuticals) www.abhi.org.uk

RPSGB Welcomes Yellow Card Scheme,a UK-Wide Pilot for PatientsThe Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) welcomed the launch on the 25th of October 2005 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of a UK-wide pilot to enable patients to report suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) experiences through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Commenting on the importance of the Yellow Card Scheme, Rob Darracott, Director of Corporate & Strategic Development at the RPSGB, says: “The RPSGB has long championed the importance of medicines safety and the role of pharmacists in educating the public about medicines and their use. Pharmacists are ideally placed to engage with members of the public about the affects of their medicines and if appropriate to encourage them to make their own Yellow Card Scheme reports.”

Reports can be made by health professionals and patients on the Yellow Card website at www.yellowcard.gov.uk. Source: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain PR Newswire

MOLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE GROUP ENTERS A NEW ERA

Molnlycke Health Care AB, Regent Medical Ltd and Medlock Ltd have merged to form a new corporate organisation, the Molnlycke Health Care Group.

This new entity was created by investment from Apax Partners, one of the world’s leading private equity investment groups who specialise in the healthcare sector.

The new Molnlycke Health Care Group is a signifi cant force in the manufacture of single use surgical and wound care products.

This exciting announcement means that the new company will be able to deliver a higher quality service and range of products and is committed to continued investment in research and development.

John Bentley, Surgical Business Director, said: “Changes will be evolutionary and we are committed to a seamless transitional period with the provision of a consistent supply of product and services”.

Molnlycke Health Care Limited, Arenson Centre, Arenson Way, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 5UL Tel: 0870 6060766Website: www.molnlycke.net Quality in care for quality of life


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

from the Links Page ofwww.otjonline.com

The Department is pleased to offer all qualified operating department staff, especially those

involved in the Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) role, the professional development

opportunity to undertake formal study through the module:

Assistance in Surgical Practice (2)

The 30 credit Level 3 module facilitates learning and the development of understanding

across a broad range of topic areas. These include:

• Management of patient care in the perioperative environment, patient preparation;

• Surgical clinical skills of suturing, knot tying, tissue retraction and handling;

• Wound management, relevant altered physiology;

• Surgical haemostasis, discharge planning and follow-up;

• Venepuncture, arterial blood sampling, venous cannulation and drug administration; and

• Male and female urinary catheterisation.

Access to the module is open to those practitioners:

• With the opportunity to work in, or work towards, the SCP role in the operating

department and holding a professional registration.

Additionally, those who wish to demonstrate their clinical skills alongside study of the

module need:

• Agreement from a Consultant Surgeon that the practical competencies can be completed

and assessed by his/her team,

• Agreement from the Theatre Manager that the competencies can be completed as a part

of role development/CPD.

The module consists of a total of 15 weeks of study, including 5 study afternoon/ evenings

(2.30-7.30pm) and attendance of the Key Instruction in Surgical Skills (KISS) course (7 and

8 February 2006) in Cardiff. During the period of study you will have the opportunity to

apply knowledge and understanding to practice. Assessment of the module will include a

short-answer examination.

Module commencement is 18th January 2006, only 15 places available, cost £514.

An application pack for this module, through the BSc (Hons) in Operating Department

Practice, of which this is an optional module, is available from Deborah or Siân at:

SCP Module Application

Department of Operating Department Practice

School of Healthcare Studies

Wales College of Medicine, Biology, Life and Health Sciences

Cardiff University

T Dewi Sant, Heath Park

CARDIFF, CF14 4XN

029 2074 2381

Department of

Operating Department

Practice

The Department is pleased to offer all qualified operating department staff, especially

those involved in the care of paediatric patients, the professional development

opportunity to undertake formal study through the module:

Paediatric Practice Development

The 30 credit Level 3 module facilitates learning and the development of

understanding across a broad range of topic areas. These include:

• Clinical implications of normal and altered physiology in infants, children and

young adults;

• Effects on the care needs of infants, children and young adults from underlying

medical and developmental conditions;

• Current guidance surrounding the care of infants, children and young adults in a

hospital setting and, specifically, in the operating theatres;

• Clinical implications of child development theories in relation to emotional and

psychological needs;

• Specialised anaesthetic, surgical and post-anaesthetic and pain control procedures;

• Rationale of resuscitation techniques and transfer of the critically ill infant, child

and young adult.

The module consists of a total of 15 weeks of study, including 7 study afternoon/

evenings (2.30-7.30pm) in Cardiff. During the period of study you will have the

opportunity to explore your knowledge and understanding as it relates to practice.

Assessment of the module will include presentations and a summative case study.

Module commencement is 18th January 2006, only 15 places available, cost

£385.50.

An application pack for this module, through the BSc (Hons) in Operating

Department Practice, of which this is an optional module, is available from Deborah

or Siân at:

Paediatric Module Application

Department of Operating Department Practice

School of Healthcare Studies

Wales College of Medicine, Biology, Life and Health Sciences

Cardiff University

T Dewi Sant

Heath Park

CARDIFF, CF14 4XN

029 2074 2381

E mail: [email protected]

Department of

Operating Department

Practice

Whilst others talk of reducing NHS waiting lists, John Petri, a practicing orthopaedic surgeon from the James Paget Hospital, Great Yarmouth and a nominee for the 2005 Medical Futures Innovation Awards claims that they can be completely eliminated.

He cites himself as a practical example of how a focus on “surgeon utilisation” rather than “theatre utilisation” led to a three-fold increase in the number of operations he performed and a subsequent reduction in patient waiting lists from over a year, to just a few weeks. “Patients can be offered a date for their operation, at a time which is convenient for them,” claims the enterprising surgeon.

“In France, the infrastructure is more effi cient so waiting lists are not a problem. All I have done is to apply my French experience to the UK system and I have abolished my waiting list” claims the French trained surgeon.

His simple solution to the problem of long NHS waiting lists is to maximise the surgeon’s operating time by working closely and effi ciently with his anaesthetic colleagues. When implemented, ‘The Petri System’ can increase surgeons’ utilisation by almost 90%.

“Previously I was spending most of my time kicking my heels rather than operating which is what I am paid for”, said Petri. “We don’t really need more staff or even have to throw more money at the problem: we just need to utilise existing assets better” he added.

John Simpson, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and a Judge for the Medical Futures Innovation Awards comments, “This innovation shows that a harmonious working relationship between the surgeon, anesthetist and the entire theatre team can lead to effi cient and safe clinical care. This demonstrates that a motivated and empowered clinical team is able to improve service delivery from the ground up.”

NHS Waiting Lists Can Be Eliminated ! Claims John Petri, a practicing NHS surgeon

John Petri is one of 40 nominees in this year’s Medical Futures Innovation Awards to be announced on the 3rd November 2005.

The Awards, which were set up in 2001 by a practicing NHS doctor, Dr Andy Goldberg, are designed to encourage and promote a culture of creativity, innovation and leadership amongst healthcare professionals and facilitate the successful commercialisation of these ideas.

This year’s winners will be announced on Thursday 3rd November 2005, at Old Billingsgate, London


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The launch of the Finsbury Orthopaedic Education Institute marks a new phase in the communication of Finsbury’s world class joint implant technology. Finsbury Orthopaedics is a global market leader in the manufacturing of hip resurfacing devices.

Organised in small groups, the next in a series of three-monthly Resurfacing Hip Workshops takes place on November 17. A range of other courses is to be announced shortly. See www.fi nsbury.org.uk for further information.

Based in Leatherhead, Surrey, and set up this year, the Institute’s courses are designed for surgeons, nurses and theatre staff. The courses combine practice with updates on developments in biomechanics and surgery in order to introduce the latest information, share experience and improve skills.

The fi rst course in the series took place in October this year and was aimed at registrars with between one and four years’ experience. Chaired by Professor Mike Freeman FRCS, course features included Bearing Surfaces for Young Hip Arthroplasty - current and future surgical and engineering challenges; Evolution of Shoulder Surgery, Knee Replacement Design and Surgical Technique; Regional Anaesthesia for Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Mike Tuke, Managing Director of Finsbury Orthopaedics, says: “We progress by learning from each other. Education makes this process a science and the Finsbury Orthopaedic Institute is the forum where this scientifi c experience and innovation meet. The intended result is to achieve a rising curve in the surgeon’s understanding and skills”

Courses scheduled for 2006 include: Hip Resurfacing – February 21 SPR Skills – March 16 Nurse Education – April 6 Hip Resurfacing – May 18 Hip Resurfacing – September 12

The courses are run by Events Coordinator Siobhan Thwaites who can be contacted on 01372 360830; E-mail:siobhan.thwaites@fi nsbury.org

JOINT PIONEER FINSBURY LAUNCHES AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME


An NHS medical physicist from Sunderland who developed a device to help throat cancer patients speak again, is the winner of this year’s annual NHS Innovation awards for Innovative Technology, Health Minister Jane Kennedy has announced .

Bill Allan, consultant medical physicist at Sunderland Royal Hospital, is one of seventeen regional fi nalists from NHS hospitals and health care organisations around the country to join Jane Kennedy for the NHS Innovation award ceremony onboard The Salient on the River Thames.

The awards celebrate the most innovative ideas to come through NHS Innovations, which consists of a network of nine regional innovation hubs each serving the NHS organisations in their area. These hubs help NHS Trusts to develop their understanding of innovation. They provide a place for NHS staff to develop their innovative ideas, and offer advice on licensing the best products

and services to the industry. The products can then be accessed by the NHS and other healthcare markets.

Health Minister Jane Kennedy says: “I am extremely impressed by the standard of innovation and by the commitment shown by all the NHS health professionals here today. This is innovation at its very best - providing solutions in response to real problems and human need. The initiatives captured by NHS Innovations show the huge capacity for innovation that exists in the NHS, amongst those who work in a healthcare environment everyday, and the benefi ts this can bring to patients, inventors, the NHS and the economy. Through the regional centres we can make sure these good ideas are properly developed and ensure the NHS remains at the forefront of innovation.”

Bill Allan and his team took fi ve years to develop their device, the Sunderland Air Pressure Meter, for patients who have had their larynx removed due to

cancer and have lost the ability to speak. Working with their local hub, NHS Innovations North, the team developed the device which measures air pressure in the patient’s windpipe, allowing doctors to choose the right prosthetic speech valve to help patients talk again. Without the device, trial and error is the only way for speech and language therapists to identify and select the right valve for the patient.

Bill Allan, consultant medical physicist at Sunderland Royal Hospital says:

“Our device helps patients who have had their voice boxes removed. These patients lose their voices and cannot communicate with anyone. By measuring the air pressure and displaying it on a computer screen, speech and language therapists can choose the right valve to allow the patient to speak again, and monitor the patient’s progress. I am delighted to receive this award today, it recognises the hard work of everyone who has been involved.”

The Sunderland Air Pressure Meter is manufactured by a Washington-based company, Canford Audio, and is being sold to hospitals across the country. It is CE marked and the team are looking into new markets abroad.Also today, a team from Guilford and Waverley Primary Care Trust receives the NHS Innovations award for the Innovative Service Technology category after they developed a system to monitor patients experiencing problems with their medicines. The system, COUNT, helps staff identify key problems to ensure the patient takes the correct amount of medication.The fi nalists are joined onboard by their families, NHS Trust chief executives and representatives from industry, universities and the Department of Trade and Industry. Both winners receive a prize of £4,000 to help them further develop their ideas.A full list of fi nalists, and details of their innovations, is available on the NHS Innovations website: www.innovations.nhs.uk

THROAT CANCER DEVICE WINS NHS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AWARDS NHS Innovation Awards 2005

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The Operating Theatre Journal - · PDF fileBVM’s & Capnography Pulse Oximetry SpO ... a 60% market share worldwide in the hand-carried ultrasound ... the company increased its global