The Operating Theatre Journal

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October/November 2009 Issue No. 229 ISSN 1747-728X

www.lawrand.comFor advertiser rates & information

or

www.otjonline.comFor reader information, including

subscription & downloads

www.operatingtheatrejobs.comFor online Recruitment advertising

Cardiothoracic Theatres

Registered Theatre Practitioners

R/Ns O.D.Ps

Salary in accordance with agenda for change guidelines.

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

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

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

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

surroundings and a wonderful quality of life

.

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

growing international reputation and superb facilities, created by the recent

completion of a truly innovative new build.

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

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

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

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

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

am, a first class

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

and an array of generous staff benefits

We offer Preceptorship for newly qualified practitioners.

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

Theatre Manager, on 01752 763 853

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

216-Mer-2284-Cardiac5a.

Closing date for applications: 27 July 2008.

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is

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

Green Commuter Strategy, on site parking is restricted.

Working in partnership with the Peninsula Medical School

We’ll take ca

re of you

www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk

New

Zealand

ODPSCome for a year or immigrate

permanently! We work with the best

surgical units and District Health Boards in

New Zealand.

We have a number of great career opportunities for qualifi ed

and experienced ODPs.

Contact Medacs Healthcare today to learn more about the

vacancies available in the North and South Island – so you

choose your destination!

Medacs can offer you:

• Full assistance with registration and immigration

• Arrangement of accommodation and travel bookings

• Advice and assistance on many aspects of moving to a

new city or country.

We reply within 24 hours so call us today!

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

or email your CV to: [email protected]

www.medacs.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theatres

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cardiac Theatres

Theatre Practitioners –

Surgical Scrub

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJKD-179-KR

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

and cardiothoracic procedures each year with excellent clinical

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

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

is encouraged.


Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc


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

experience in either neurosurgical or cardiothoracic specialties.

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

as well as excellent communication skills and the ability to work

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

on-call rota once competent.

For an informal discussion about the above posts, please contact

Andrew Prescott on 020 8725 1492.

Neuro Theatres

Theatre Practitioners -

Surgical Scrub & Anaesthetics

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJAA-183-KR

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

strengthen and support our current team to provide a valuable

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



Inpatient Recovery

Theatre Practitioners

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Post ref: 200-SJJD-185-KR

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

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

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

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

although full training will be available. Paediatric qualifications

and/or experience are highly desirable.

For an informal discussion, please contact Derek Reid

on 020 8725 3509.

Inpatient Theatres

We have vacancies for the following specialties where we

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

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

and Orthopaedics.

You’ll be either a nurse or ODP.



Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJJE-181-KR

Advanced Theatre Practitioners

- Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc


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

For an informal discussion, please contact Alberto Castrillon

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

Day Surgery


Surgical Scrub, Anaesthetics

& Recovery

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc

Ref: 200-SJLA-184-KR

Our busy stand-alone Day Surgery Unit comprises five operating

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

both adult and paediatric patients.

We undertake elective and trauma work and our theatre

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

scrub/anaesthetic practitioners, either nurse or ODP.

For an informal discussion, please contact Cathie Stirling

on 020 8725 0223.

Please apply online at

www.stgeorges.nhs.uk

Closing date for all posts: 3 July 2008.

Interview date: w/c 21 July 2008.

Please note this vacancy will close before the advertised

closing date if sufficient suitable applications are received.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

www.stgeorges.nhs.uk Bedford HospitalNHS Trust

Let’s get youworking!

ODPs & Theatre NursesAs a specialist agency our knowledgeable consultants

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

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

www.firstpointhealthcare.com

SOLEprovider

to VanguardHealthcareMobile OperatingTheatres

Face To Face Interviews In April With

Prestigious Auckland Hospital, New Zealand

Secure your new role and new life now for 2008

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

offer jobs to skilled and professional Registered Operating Department Practitioners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of the way.To book your interview

contact Julia Johnson on

freephone 0800 404 7591

email [email protected]

or register online at

www.genevahealth.co.nz

OPERATING DEPARTMENT PRACTITIONER

The Gibraltar Health Authority is looking for an enthusiastic and highly

motivated Operating Department Practitioner.

Candidates must feel comfortable working in a busy Operating Department

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

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

Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery.

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

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

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

employment is payable on satisfactory completion of contract. Passages are

payable in full and transportation of personal effects and accommodation are

subsidised.

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Date: 31 st March 2008

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

Pay scales are currently under negotiation.

GIBRALTAR HEALTH AUTHORITY



Secure your new role and new life in 2008










surgeons and theatre staff.

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

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

organisation for you.

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


of the way.

To book your interview


freephone 0800 404 7591




Telephone: 0870 333 8312

Website: w

ww.orion-lo

cums.com

Fax: 01268 244399

email: admin@orio

n-locums.c

om

Licensed by Commissi

on for Social C

are Inspection

Orion Locums is

an Equal Opportunitie

s Employer

Immediate Long Term vacancies

Day rates

up to £35/hr

We urgently need staff fo

r

long term and ad hoc posts in

Surrey

London

Suffolk

Kent

Manchester &

NW

Essex

Sussex

Northampton

Call now fo

r up to

date National vacancies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview date: Tuesday, 22nd April 2008.

W

www.plymouthhospitals.org.uk

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

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

Band 6 Scrub PTeam LeaderRef: 216-MER-2285

to the theatre team.

Medic International is part of Pinnacle

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

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

Contracted supplier to NHS ScotlandExcellent rates of pay

Call Allison on 0844 736 0280 for a chat,

or e-mail [email protected]

www.pinnacle-staffing-group.co.uk

As part of a major development of surgical facilities at the

College, including skills labs and minimal access surgery

suites, we are opening a mock operating theatre to help

train surgeons and surgical teams for the future.

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

and setdown of courses in the theatre, minimal access

and skills lab, using simulators, models, animal and

cadaveric tissue.

You will have worked in an operating theatre as an ODP

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

theatre staff with appropriate experience.

For further information on this role and to apply

please visit our website or email

[email protected]

quoting reference 25/08.

Closing date: 12th May.

We are an employer fully committed to our equality

and diversity policies.

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

Surgical Resources

Technician

£24,800 + Excellent Benefits

C. London

nisation f

rcyAscot are offering an e

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TToTooo bbbbbbooooookok your inte

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Registered charity No. 212808www.rcs

June/July 2009 Issue No. 225 ISSN 1747-728X


or


subscription & downloads The OTJ is a Lawrand Ltd, Publication.




R/Ns O.D.Ps







.








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

am, a first class













We’ll take ca

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New

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New Zealand.














www.medacs.co.nz









Theatres







Cardiac Theatres


Surgical Scrub

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc






is encouraged.


Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc










Neuro Theatres



Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc







Inpatient Recovery


Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc









on 020 8725 3509.

Inpatient Theatres




and Orthopaedics.




Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc



- Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc





Day Surgery



& Recovery

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc









on 020 8725 0223.














SOLEprovider




















freephone 0800 404 7591
















subsidised.




























of the way.



freephone 0800 404 7591




Telephone: 0870 333 8312

Website: w

ww.orion-lo

cums.com

Fax: 01268 244399

email: admin@orio

n-locums.c

om

Licensed by Commissi

on for Social C

are Inspection

Orion Locums is

an Equal Opportunitie

s Employer


Day rates

up to £35/hr


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Surrey

London

Suffolk

Kent

Manchester &

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Essex

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June/July 2009 Issue No. 225 ISSN 1747-728X


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subscription & downloads The OTJ is a Lawrand Ltd, Publication.




R/Ns O.D.Ps







.








In return, you will enjoy being part of a flexible and friendly team, a first class













We’ll take ca

re of you


New

Zealand




New Zealand.














www.medacs.co.nz









Theatres







Cardiac Theatres


Surgical Scrub

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc






is encouraged.


Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc










Neuro Theatres



Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc







Inpatient Recovery


Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc









on 020 8725 3509.

Inpatient Theatres




and Orthopaedics.




Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc



- Surgical Scrub

Band 6, £28,149 - £37,558 pa inc





Day Surgery



& Recovery

Band 5, £23,619 - £30,508 pa inc









on 020 8725 0223.














SOLEprovider




















freephone 0800 404 7591
















subsidised.




























of the way.



freephone 0800 404 7591




Telephone: 0870 333 8312

Website: w

ww.orion-lo

cums.com

Fax: 01268 244399

email: admin@orio

n-locums.c

om

Licensed by Commission for Social Care Inspection

Orion Locums is an Equal Opportunities Employer


Day rates

up to £35/hr


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Surrey

London

Suffolk

Kent

Manchester &

NW

Essex

Sussex

Northampton

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

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

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

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

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

www.aucklandhealthcareers.co.nz/wdhb

aland offers an amazing New Zealand offers an amazing of life!

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of the way.

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

wwww..aaaaaauauauuuuucc

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNeeeeeeeeeeeNNNNNNNNNNeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwNNNNNNNNNNeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwweeewww

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the advertiser we offer:

Competitive rates

Reaches the staff you need Nationally and Internationally

Combination advertisements in both the popular pages of

The Operating Theatre Journal and on Operating Theatre Jobs.com

Personal Service

Stand alone advertisements and banners in either media

Proven Record

Series booking & Discounts

For further informationregarding recruitment

advertising within Operating Theatre Jobs.com

and the The Operating Theatre Journal

OTJ- please contact:Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7100 2867

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







Competitive rates




Personal Service


Proven Record






Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7100 2867

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







Competitive rates




Personal Service


Proven Record






Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7100 2867

Using the Power of:

Available in Print Locally and Worldwide via the Internet

The OTJ is a Lawrand Ltd, Publication.

fi nd out more 020 7100 2867 • e-mail [email protected] Issue 229 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 3

The Operating Theatre Journal is published twelve times per year. Available in electronic format from the pages of www.otjonline.comand in hard copy to hospitals throughout the UK. Personal copies are available by nominal subscription.

Looking to advertise within

‘The OTJ’?Next Issue Copy DeadlineFriday 23rd October 2009

All enquiries:Mr. L.A.Evans

Editor/Advertising ManagerMr. A. FletcherGraphics Editor

The OTJ Lawrand Ltd PO Box 51 Pontyclun CF72 9YYTel: 020 7100 2867

Email: [email protected] Website: www.lawrand.com

Neither the Editor or Directors of Lawrand Ltd are in any way respon-sible for the statements made or views expressed by the contributors. All communications in respect of advertising quotations, obtaining a rate card and supplying all editorial communications and pictures to the Editor at the PO Box address. No part of this journal may be repro-duced without prior permission from Lawrand Ltd.

© 2009

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

The Oxford H.E.L.P.Dr Dominka Dabrowska and Mr Malcolm Walker take delivery of the fi rst Oxford H.E.L.P. (Head Elevating Laryngoscopy Pillow) at the West Middlesex University Hospital, London.

The device which is manufactured in England by Alma Medical Products can remove the need for extra intubation equipment and signifi cantly reduces the risk of failed intubation in Obstetric emergencies. It is ideal for use in emergency C sections. The Oxford H.E.L.P. easily and safely helps position overweight to super obese patients on the operating table.

The device realigns the patient’s anatomy, facilitates easy manual ventilation and intubation in otherwise diffi cult airway scenarios.

U.K. sales manager Richard Gaunt (pictured above) said “the Oxford H.E.L.P. really stops problems associated with airway management for obstetric and obese patients, it has taken nearly three years from the product’s concept to what you see now. Uptake of the product is now growing as clinicians and practitioners realise that this is an innovative, low cost solution to diffi cult airways.”

The company based in Oxford has also developed a new safe and low infection risk delivery system for use in total intravenous anaesthesia, the Oxford Solution.

Alma Medical Products also supply an ultra low cost disposable fi bre optic laryngoscope the Oxford Vision.

All these products will be exhibited on stand C101a at the forthcoming AfPP annual congress from October 13th - 15th.

For more information please call our team on 0207 863 7876 or contact us at [email protected].

When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’

Up to half of hospital specialists are not medically qualifi ed

As many as half of specialists taking referrals from GPs at some hospitals are not medically qualifi ed, a Pulse investigation reveals.

But at 40% of NHS trusts, there is no policy requiring hospital staff to inform patients that the person they are seeing is not a doctor.

Many trusts instead said they expected patients to be able to judge the qualifi cations of staff from their uniforms or to read their name badges.

Pulses fi ndings from 65 NHS trusts reveal the expanding use of non-medical specialists in Britains hospitals and the proliferation of non-medical consultant positions.

As many as 41% of NHS trusts reported their use of non-medical specialists had risen over the past two years, compared with 28% where it had fallen.

And as many as 36% of trusts admitted they did not allow referring GPs to request that a patient be seen by a medical specialist, rather than a specialist nurse, psychologist or physiotherapist.

The data, gathered through the Freedom of Information Act, has revealed vast variation in the employment of non-medical staff to take referrals from GPs, and over the safeguards governing their use.

At the average hospital, 28% of hospital specialists defi ned as those who take GP referrals and manage their own caseload are not medically qualifi ed. But in some trusts that fi gure is zero, whereas at others it is 50% or even higher.

At Southend Hospital NHS Trust, the proportion of non-medical specialists has increased from 40% to 48% in three years and it now has fi ve non-doctors with consultant titles. And at Birmingham Childrens Hospital, non-doctors make up 78% of specialist positions, and 10 hold consultant titles.

At Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 52% of all specialist staff are non-medically trained staff, including advanced nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists.

In contrast, hospitals in Harrogate, Coventry and Sherwood in Nottinghamshire all said they had no non-medical specialists.

The lack of consistency over policies to oversee use of non-medical specialists, and particularly the fact patients are not informed about who they are seeing in many areas, was described as scary by GPs.

Dr Brian Balmer, chief executive of Essex LMCs, said there was a risk patients would be misled about who was carrying out their care.

As a patient, Id like to know who was putting their hands on me. I am always telling people what I am not. I am not a dentist so I am going to cock this one up they understand that pretty well, he said.

Richard Hoey, editor of Pulse, said: Sometimes the best person to manage a patient in hospital may not be a doctor, and the expansion in use of skilled nurses is probably necessary given the funding constraints the NHS faces. The real issue is whether local doctors have been consulted on use of non-medical staff, whether they can request a particular patient should see a doctor, and whether patients are informed about who they are seeing.

It can’t be right to give patients the false impression that they are seeing a doctor, and giving consultant titles to people who are not doctors can only add to the confusion.

Source: Pulse, the leading newspaper for GPs

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

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

www.otjonline.com

4 THE OPERATING THEATRE JOURNAL www.otjonline.com

UNIQUE, WORLD-CLASS SHOW ROOM OPENS IN THE UKThe opening of a new medical technology showroom in Luton was a signifi cant move for both the company involved - TRUMPF Medical - and those responsible for capital purchase in hospitals and clinics. This new facility is regarded as being one of the most comprehensive in the world. Indeed its value was confi rmed by many of the guests at the inauguration ceremony. NHS Trust project managers hailed it as the ideal facility for everyone involved in the buying function to see new technology in situ.

The showroom basically mimics a series of hospital environments. Once through the automatic doors, the visitor is in a ‘hospital corridor’ that leads to the fi rst of the clinical suites, the intensive care unit. This is a true representation of the ICU environment and features the new and unique AmbientLine lighting system. This award-winning system works with the natural cycle of day and night. It uses different brightness and colour phases to simulate the light-dark cycles that many patients miss under conventional room lighting.

Another set of automatic doors takes the visitor into the operating theatre. Again, this is a detailed reconstruction of a leading-edge surgical environment and includes examples from the TRUMPF range of ceiling support systems, operating tables and integrated theatre and critical care technologies. It also houses the award-winning iLED lighting system.

The fi nal suite is dedicated to neo-natal care and this features the company’s TruLight LED system. TRUMPF has a number of world-fi rsts to its credit including the fi rst LED surgical operating light - of which there are now 6,000 installations worldwide - and also the fi rst HD in-light camera.

Although a comparative newcomer to the TRUMPF Group, TRUMPF Medical now accounts for almost 10% of Group sales. Mr. Völker confi rmed, “The UK is one of our key markets and our focus is on expanding it. And this is why we have invested in this new showroom.

We now have an environment where our staff can advise doctors, nursing attendants, hospital technicians and administrators. We can demonstrate the effi ciency and performance capacity of these products and also of our organisation.”

TRUMPF Medical Systems Ltd.Tel. No. 0844 482 0188Fax No. 01582 399280E-mail. [email protected].

The entire facility underscores TRUMPF’s commitment to innovation. However it has far greater potential than just a passive showroom. It will allow customers to create and tryout their own plans using the TRUMPF products. Another major benefi t is resolving maintenance issues. As the products are fully-functioning it will allow TRUMPF personnel to mimic any problems a customer may have to provide a more informed response.

The offi cial opening of the showroom was conducted by Harald Völker, President of the TRUMPF Medical Systems Division, accompanied by the Managing Director of TRUMPF Medical Systems Division, Kordt Griepenkerl and Oliver Law, the Managing Director of TRUMPF Medical Systems UK.

Mr. Völker explained that the ceremony celebrated two events, the opening of the showroom and the relocation of TRUMPF Medical from Malmsbury to Luton. This puts two divisions of the TRUMPF Group under one roof and allows the synergy between them to be maximised. TRUMPF is also a world leader in manufacturing technology. Its machines and systems are not only used for the production of medical devices but are also responsible for the hallmark quality of the TRUMPF Medical products.

The operating theatre

The Intensive care suite with Ambientline lighting system

Herr Volker cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony

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Hi-tech operating theatre openedTHE fi rst hi-tech operating theatre of its kind in Wales has been installed in a private hospital.The integrate theatre is part of a £1.3m development at Spire Cardiff Hospital and features high-defi nition and wireless technology to allow surgeons to perform more keyhole surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery can reduce the risk of infection during an operation and can also help to reduce a patient’s recovery time.

Three HD screens have been installed in the operating theatre to enable surgeons to see from every angle when operating.

All the equipment and lighting is wireless and is instead attached to moveable ceiling arms.

The operating theatre also has the ability to remember individual surgeons’ personal lighting and set-up settings.

Jared Torkington, a bowel surgeon at Spire Cardiff Hospital and Llandough Hospital, said: “This new operating theatre will set the standard and the precedent for the way surgery is performed here in Wales.

“Within a few years, this is likely to be the way all operating theatres will look,” he added.

“The biggest advances in surgery in recent years have all been technology-led and as the technology improves so does our ability to perform keyhole surgery.

“The integrated operating theatre allows surgeons to perform the highest level of keyhole surgery, and the facility is also equipped to keep up with the very latest advances in surgery.”

The operating theatre is also expected to be used for research and in the training of surgeons across South Wales.

Nicola Amery, the hospital’s director, said: “We are pleased to be leading the way for surgery and technology here in Wales.

“The new integrated theatre concept allows the complete streamlining of equipment, and will ultimately enable surgeons to deliver more effective surgery.”

Source: WalesOnline.co.uk


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Fukuda Denshi showcase key systems at ICS Winter meeting

Fukuda Denshi is a leading supplier of advanced patient monitoring and user-confi gurable clinical information management systems. The company’s latest products and upgrades will be showcased at the Intensive Care Society’s ‘State of the Art 2009’ Meeting, to be held at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel in London from 14th-15th December.

This meeting brings together leading fi gures and international speakers within the fi eld of intensive care medicine to speak at this prestigious and important national event.

Among the key products Fukuda Denshi will have on display at ICS are:• The DS 7300 monitor, offering an array of impressive practical features

including a 3, 5 and 12 lead ECG with respiration facility, 24 hour trending and wireless remote control.

• The DS 7200 monitors with 3, 5 or 12 lead ECG options, 3-channel recorder and 10 waveform display capability, making them ideal for the HDU, A&E and cardiology environments.

• The DS 7600W Central monitors with 19” multi-functional display screen and a confi gurable slave monitor option to enable 2-way full disclosure of up to 16 selected patients in real time.

Also on display will be the Metavision Suite MVICU state-of-the-art clinical management system, which can be installed via PC access at the patient’s bedside for the convenient assessment of the patient’s progress and outcome.

For more information on the Fukuda Denshi range, please visit their stand at the Winter ICS meeting, or telephone the company on 01483 728065Fukuda Denshi: Healthcare bound by technology. Please quote ‘OTJ’

QuadroPort now available in different confi gurations

For the past 12 years Mediplus has been supplying dedicated administration sets for TIVA and PCA to NHS and private hospitals across the UK.

Our latest innovative designs include four-lumen peripheral connectors for multi-drug delivery and intermittent boluses. These quad connectors such as the QuadroPort offer a cost effective solution for many issues encountered during emergencies in Obstetrics, Trauma, or acute A&E admissions.

Mediplus QuadroPort features many safety benefi ts, including:

• High fl ow anti-refl ux valve to enable the clinician to deliver fl uids at a capacity of up to 270ml/min (dependent upon the size of the inserted cannula)

• Swabable needle-free valve offers a clean access port for injections• Anti-siphon valves to prevent back fl ow and siphonage of drug• Removable anti-kink bridge to prevent occlusion• Bright red end caps to comply with Department of Health

recommendations

These features are included in different confi gurations depending on the product and the QuadroPort is truly a universal product that can be used from Theatres to Intensive Care.

The QuadroPort is supplied sterile and is designed for single patient use.

For more information on the QuadroPort and other products, please contact:

Mediplus Limited, Tel: 01494 551200, Fax: 01494 536333Email: [email protected] When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’


BD Launches Expanded Line of BD Visitec™ Single-Use Microsurgical Instruments and Customised Trays

Products offer cost savings and safety benefi ts for patients and healthcare workers

BD Medical – Ophthalmic Systems, a unit of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced today the worldwide launch of its expanded line of the BD Visitec™ stainless steel single-use instruments at the XXVII Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

With the addition of 30 new instruments and customised trays, healthcare facilities have the potential to increase effi ciency by eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming re-sterilisation of each product.

“BD is pleased to expand our offering of single-use microsurgical instruments to meet the challenges of infection transmission prevention and help facilities around the world comply with strict safety requirements,” said Doug Lawrence, Vice President and General Manager, BD Medical - Ophthalmic Systems. “This launch refl ects BD’s continued commitment to developing safety-engineered, single-use medical devices to protect patients and healthcare workers against the threat of cross contamination and blood borne diseases.”

Concerns over the transmission of infectious agents during ophthalmic surgery have led to increased sterilisation regulations and the recommendation of single-use instruments. The French Health Ministry has adopted single-use instruments as the standard for infectious disease control in surgery. Additionally, there is growing support throughout Europe to use single-use instruments in an effort to address potential risk of transmission of Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease.

“In today’s environment of increasing safety requirements and recommendations, single-use instruments provide a technical and economical solution,” stated Dr. Thierry Amzallag, Ophthalmic Institute of Somain, France. “Single-use instruments are of great signifi cance for the future of ophthalmic instruments.”

BD is a pioneer in developing single-use solutions to meet the changing needs of ophthalmic surgery. BD Visitec stainless steel instruments help to further patient and healthcare worker safety with high quality, innovative, safety-engineered products designed to eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious agents.

For more information, please visit: www.bd.com/ophthalmology. Please quote ‘OTJ’

Military Health Award Nominees Announced

A Welsh military medical team have been shortlisted for the second annual Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards.

The Reservist Field Hospital in Cardiff has been nominated for the Education and Training award for its work delivering medical care on operations and in the community back home in Wales.

By working in partnership with the NHS community they have helped staff gain accreditation while delivering a high standard of care while paving the way for future partnerships between the military and civilian health sector.

The unit is the only Military Field Hospital recognised and approved to deliver the Royal College of Nursings Clinical Leadership Programme, a BSc in Healthcare via University of Glamorgan and EDEXCEL National Vocational Qualifi cations.

Welsh Health Minister Edwina Hart said the awards will publicly recognise the effort and care provided to current members of the army, navy and RAF, veterans and their dependents.

Mrs Hart said: Our service men and women do an outstanding job and we all owe them a debt of gratitude and duty of care. The health service has long worked closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that the men and women of the armed services receive care and support when they need it.

These awards celebrate the partnerships within the NHS, the forces, the voluntary and private sectors that make that possible.

Tina Donnelly, Director of the Royal College of Nursing Wales, said: The training that takes place for part-time healthcare professionals working in the Territorial Army whilst also working in the NHS and independent sector is an excellent use of resources.

The benefi ts to the individual in terms of career advancement are important but the benefi t provided to patients in terms of a skilled, externally-accredited, knowledgeable practitioner is vital and saves both organisations resources by cutting out duplication of training, so everyone benefi ts from this initiative.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh on October 29. In total 24 teams, individuals and projects throughout the UK have made the shortlist across eight categories. The Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards 2009 are hosted this year by the Scottish Government one member of a partnership comprising the Ministry of Defence, the English Department of Health, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland.

Further information on the health partnership awards can be found at www.militarycivilianhealthawards.org

Course director takes Fantastic VoyageIn scenes reminiscent of the 1960s movie Fantastic Voyage, Kingston University’s director of Film-making, artist Phillip Warnell, swallowed an untethered pill camera and the images of its journey through his insides were broadcast live, with commentary by gastroenterologist Simon Anderson of St Thomas Hospital, London.

The performance, Endo - Ecto, at the Medical Museion, University of Copenhagen, lasted about 90 minutes and was watched by a packed house of artists, historians and doctors.

“It was a pretty intense, intimate experience, as you can imagine,” Phillip said. “I was exhausted afterwards, as I’d had to fast for 24 hours, but exhilarated too and delighted with how it went.” The audience were invited to ask questions during the performance, which ranged from topics such as medicine to politics.

“The Museion was an amazing space to perform in, as it dates from 1760 and many medical procedures and dissections have been carried out in it, so there was a real sense of continuity of culture,” Phillip added.

Like much of Phillip’s work, the performance explored the secrets of inner space, transparency and the unseen. Several fi lm clips were screened during it, including James Williamson’s pioneering short fi lm The Big Swallow (1901, courtesy of the British Film Institute, London) which fi rst simulated the swallowing of a camera.

His next project will look at the plague. “Like swine fl u, it’s the unseen enemy which terrifi es people,” Phillip said. “I’m fascinated by things invisible to us that permeate our bodies.”

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SonoSite introduces the NanoMaxx in the UK

SonoSite, the world leader in hand-carried ultrasound, has launched the lightweight NanoMaxx point-of-care ultrasound tool. Supremely portable and incredibly tough, the NanoMaxx combines best in class performance with affordability and simplicity. With its unique one button optimisation, high quality diagnostic imaging and full colour fl ow mapping, the system is designed to address the needs of physicians in both hospital and clinic settings.

Intended for diagnostic imaging, clinical assessment and procedural guidance, the NanoMaxx is available with fi ve transducers to support a wide range of applications. Its touch screen offers unprecedented ease of use, and is fl uid resistant to allow straightforward cleaning and disinfection. The NanoMaxx systems magnesium shell and elastomeric bumper ensure reliable scanning, even in the most demanding environments, and the small footprint and space-saving features offer seamless integration into any examination room. These features, combined with a boot-up time of less than 20 seconds and long battery life, offer unrivalled fl exibility for point-of-care imaging, setting new standards in patient safety.

The NanoMaxx tool makes high quality ultrasound available to a much broader range of clinicians and applications, said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite President and CEO. The healthcare world is changing dramatically, and the NanoMaxx is part of our continuing effort to make ultrasound a more affordable and useful tool in the world of medicine.

For more information about SonoSite products, please contact Sonosite at Alexander House, 40A Wilbury Way, Hitchin SG4 0APT +44 (0)1462 444 800, F +44 (0)1462 444 801Email [email protected] Website www.sonosite.com

The SonoSite NanoMaxx

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Salford research shows day surgery patients need more contact with nurses Salford research into the psychological impact of conscious day surgery has found that more contact with nurses could help to reduce patient anxiety. A survey of 214 day patients with an average age of 53 years found that the majority experienced varying degrees of anxiety on the day of surgery (77%). Thoughts of being awake, feeling the surgeon, seeing the body cut open, of surgery being more painful than under general anaesthesia and of numbness wearing off too quickly were high among anxious patients. The contemplation of adverse experiences gave rise to considerable anxiety, but the research found that the provision of information about the operation and the anaesthesia would help to reduce anxiety in the majority of patients. The research proposes that patients meet with nurses before surgery so they can provide information and help them to feel more at ease. This may require a formal nursing assessment in a pre-surgery clinic to help dispel the myths associated with local and regional anaesthesia. It also found that the continued development of theatres designed for conscious patients is vital if more people are to be encouraged to have local or regional anaesthetic. This will help to manage the anxiety created by the sights and sounds of theatres which can be uncomfortable for patients who are awake. Senior lecturer in nursing, Dr Mark Mitchell, said: The majority of people undergoing surgery now do so as day patients and their psychological care is a growing issue in the nursing profession. Patients often have limited contact with nurses before their day surgery and a lack of information may contribute to anxiety. More contact and communication before surgery could help to ease this emotion, and designing theatres so they are more comfortable for conscious patients would also help.


Siemens introduces two new RAPIDPoint 300 blood gas analysersExpanded portfolio to meet patient testing needs in all critical care sites

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has introduced the RAPIDPoint® 340 and 350 Blood Gas Analysers for low to mid-volume critical care patient testing sites. These two models are small, low maintenance and easy-to-use cartridge-based systems. The simplicity makes them ideal for operators in a variety of critical care testing sites including respiratory services, intensive care units, operating or accident and emergency departments and the clinical laboratory.

The RAPIDPoint 340 analyser measures pH and blood gas (oxygen and carbon dioxide). The RAPIDPoint 350 analyser also measures electrolytes sodium, potassium, calcium or chloride and hematocrit. All patient test results are available in minutes with minimal operator involvement, which assists those in critical care environments in making quick therapeutic decisions. Both new systems use a small patient sample size of 75 uL to 120 uL to accommodate all types of patients and have the ability to interface with hospital and laboratory information systems.

Siemens portfolio of blood gas analysers fi ts the needs of all sizes and types of laboratories and critical care sites, offering the ability to deliver critical care test results near the bedside or in high-volume hospital environments.

Each analyser has a high-level of accuracy and ease-of-use features that facilitate testing for any type of operator. RAPIDComm® Data Management and connectivity solution is available for use with many of Siemens blood gas analysers too. This connectivity solution offers hospital-wide access, making it easier for healthcare providers to access patient test results throughout institutions.

Rapid, reliable blood gas information is essential across the entire spectrum of critical care and beyond the traditional hospital location, said Hilda Crockett, Marketing Manager Point of Care at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. RAPIDPoint analysers deliver critical patient results quickly and simply with a fast turnaround time to enable timely treatment. A sound connectivity solution in the form of RAPIDComm means results can be effi ciently stored and communicated.

For more information, please visit www.siemens.co.uk/diagnostics

For further information please visit www.siemens.com/healthcare

Contact: David BuddSiemens Healthcare DiagnosticsTel: 01276696565Email: [email protected]: http://www.siemens.co.uk/diagnostics

About Siemens Healthcare:

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens is the only company to offer customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source from prevention and early detection to diagnosis and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimising clinical workfl ows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 49,000 employees worldwide and operates in over 130 countries. In fi scal year 2008 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.2 billion euros and profi t of 1.2 billion euros.

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has introduced the RAPIDPoint® 340 and 350 Blood Gas Analysers for low to mid-volume critical care patient testing sites.

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Obese patients cost Scottish NHS millions

Obese patients are costing Scottish health boards millions of pounds in specialist equipment, according to the Liberal Democrats.Over the last few years, the NHS spent almost £4.4 million on items such as wider wheelchairs, wider bedside chairs and extra wide beds, a Freedom of Information request revealed.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie said the fi gures could be far higher, as no information was available for Scotland’s two biggest health boards, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian.

Health boards have spent more than £1.3 million on extra wide beds suitable for obese patients, and NHS Fife paid £79,500 for larger operating theatre tables.

Almost £60,000 was spent on longer versions of standard surgical instruments, while the bill for overhead gantry systems to lift overweight patients was just over £315,000.Mr Finnie said: “It’s well known that obesity increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes.

This already places a great strain on NHS resources. But now we can see just how much health boards have to spend to adapt hospitals for these patients.”

He described obesity as being “Scotland’s ticking time-bomb” and said the most recent fi gures showed 20% of children in primary one are obese.

Source: Health Service Journal

NHS Employers welcomes vision of the Commission on the Future of

Nursing and MidwiferyNHS Employers welcomes todays announcement that the Prime Ministers Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery will help nurses and midwives to drive quality healthcare and achieve their potential.

Alastair Henderson, deputy director of NHS Employers, said: We are pleased to see that the Commission is addressing a number of important areas that will resonate with NHS organisations. If the Commission can develop its fi ndings it will make an effective and vital contribution to nursing, midwifery and healthcare and tackle issues that are critical to NHS organisations. These include effective use of the entire nursing workforce, increasing retention of skilled staff, honing nursing management skills and ensuring the continued supply of young people into the profession.

NHS Employers recently produced its publication The Role of the Nurse and is currently engaging with trusts to help them identify how best to use and develop its nursing workforce. We hope that the work of the Commission will help employers to meet these challenges.

For more information on The Role of the Nurse, an NHS Employers discussion paper, visit: http://www.nhsemployers.org/PlanningYourWorkforce/Nursing/Latest-news/Pages/TheroleofthenurseNHSEmployersdiscussionpaper.aspx


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Rigel launches an industry fi rst multi parameter vital signs simulatorMajor time and cost saving benefi tsThe fi rst hand held, combination vital signs simulator capable of undertaking six synchronised vital signs parameters tests has been launched by Rigel Medical.

The new Rigel UniSIM is the only simulator of its type which enables medical device engineers to quickly, easily and accurately undertake NIBP, SpO2, ECG, temperature, IBP and respiration functionality tests simultaneously using a single portable instrument.

The battery powered vital signs simulator reduces the time taken to test the correct performance of a wide range of medical devices and equipment used in hospitals, operating theatres and other facilities.

It utilises the full synchronised functionality of Rigel’s BP-Sim and SP-Sim as well as a comprehensive patient simulator (ECG, invasive blood pressure, respiration and temperature) to cut simulation times and deliver cost saving benefi ts - engineers no longer need to use a variety of different instruments for testing these functions separately.

Whilst the instrument incorporates a range of custom settings that include a variety of paediatric and adult NIBP pressures, pulse volume adjustments, heart rate and manufacturer-specifi c O-curves, the UniSIM can be fully customisable to meet specifi c performance test conditions.

The Rigel UniSIM also utilises new and advanced technologies to maximise the accuracy of each simulation such as using both electronic and optical SPO2 simulation methods in a single test setup and manufacturer specifi c simulation curves during the NIBP simulation, reducing uncertainties thus improving the test time.

Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, simulation test results can be stored within the instrument and printed wirelessly to the rugged battery operated Elite Test n Tag printer.

Traceability is improved as information can be downloaded into Med-eBase - the easy-to-use asset management software. This enables the user to store and manage test results, email html test certifi cates to clients and schedule new work orders, which can then be fully uploaded into a large onboard memory.

The compact, lightweight design and long life battery power of the UniSIM reduces downtime between tests, making the instrument practical and highly portable for multi-site use. It features easy-to-follow menu driven instructions for ease of operation and test control of all required electrical safety tests in manual, semi automatic or fully automatic test modes.

A large internal memory facilitates the storage of test results for safety audit and traceability purposes. In addition, as well as storing the results of electrical tests, there is also the ability to record user defi ned inspectional and measurements from other equipment such as SpO2, NIBP, ECG and other electro medical patient equipment.

The UniSIM is part of a comprehensive range of high performance specialist biomedical test equipment supplied by Rigel Medical, part of the Seaward Group, which is based at Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee,Co Durham, SR8 2SW.

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For more information, including pricing, contact our team at:[email protected] or call +44 191 5878701. When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’


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Pioneering laparoscopic ‘fl ex technology’ receives

worldwide acclaim

Department of Health report shows benefi ts of ChloraPrep® in fi ght against

healthcare associated infection The role of ChloraPrep®, an antiseptic magic wand, in preventing healthcare associated infection was part of the newly published Showcase Hospitals programme report published by the Department of Health. For around three to six months, seven hospitals have been evaluating the use of ChloraPrep® along with other new and novel products, designed to help prevent infections in hospitals throughout England. The Showcase Hospitals programme is part of a Department of Health funded initiative to speed up the introduction of proven new technologies to fi ght hospital superbugs.

According to the report, 90% of staff interviewed as part of the pilot said they would like to continue using ChloraPrep® and would recommend its use to colleagues. [1] They considered it easy to use and patients skin to be adequately decontaminated. [1] One of the participating trusts was Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, which had introduced ChloraPrep before the start of the Showcase Hospitals Programme, initially in the ICUs then across the whole trust as part of a number of interventions. Overall the Trust strategy to reduce healthcare-associated infections has resulted in a 70% reduction in MRSA bacteraemia from 92 cases in 2005/06 down to 27 in 2008/09.

ChloraPrep®, a simple yet novel antiseptic device, has been enlisted to fi ght the most serious and potentially life-threatening infections caused when bacteria like MRSA enter the bloodstream via peripheral or central intravenous catheters. Unlike standard antiseptic wipes, or sprays, ChloraPrep® uses a specially designed disposable applicator to deliver a highly effective and sterile antiseptic solution (2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol). This antiseptic solution kills more bugs [2] and keeps working for longer [2] than standard antiseptic solutions and is recommended in the governments Saving Lives initiative.

Convenient-to-use ChloraPrep® takes only seconds to administer and can reduce the number of bacteria counted on patients skin by 99.9 per cent, [3] and is already in routine use across the National Blood and Transfusion service. They found the single use applicator, applied correctly, led to a 10-fold improvement in skin decontamination prior to donation. [3]

References:

1.Department of Health /NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency. The Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) Technology Innovation Programme: Showcase Hospitals Reports No.4: ChloraPrep 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate w/v 70% Isopropyl Alcohol v/v cutaneous solution for skin antisepsis. Chester, UK: NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency. 2009

2.Hibbard JS. (2005) Analyses comparing the antimicrobial activity and safety of current antiseptic agents: a review. J Infus Nurs 28:194207

3.McDonald CP et al. Evaluation and routine performance of a ‘best practice’ donor arm disinfection procedure: chloraprep: p-150. Vox Sanguinis 2006; 94 (Suppl.3).

For more information contact: CareFusion, Reigate Place, 43 London Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 9PW Tel: 0800 043 7546 Email: [email protected] When responding please quote ‘OTJ’

A world leading laparoscopic device, which uses pioneering fl ex technology to offer surgeons better rigidity during delicate surgical procedures, has been described as an ‘innovative cost effective solution’ by surgeons worldwide.

Logi™Flex - a fl exible laparoscopic device - was unveiled at the World congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) last week by British based Surgical Innovations - the designer and manufacturer of innovative surgical devices.

Specially developed in conjunction with laparoscopic surgeons who understand the needs of clinicians and patients, the Logi™Flex uses innovative resposable™ technology to deliver the cost effectiveness of a reusable instrument with the optimum performance of a disposable.

Its sterile insert provides a solution to gastric banding, with the fl exible tip featuring a ‘cut down’ profi le allowing for easy insertion of the instrument through the retro gastric tunnel. It also incorporates a unique slot design which provides a positive grip on the suture allowing the band to be pulled into position with the minimum of inconvenience.

For more information visit: www.surginno.com Please quote ‘OTJ’

Julie gains top awardAN OPERATING department practitioner who provided ‘outstanding’ care for a patient has won the East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust monthly staff award.

Julie Kirk, who works at Eastbourne DGH, was praised by the parents of a patient for her professional and caring approach to the treatment of their son.

In a complimentary letter to the trust, they said, “The contribution of Julie from early in the morning to being with our son throughout the day and then staying overnight with him was nothing short of outstanding.

“She deserves much praise for her dedication which had her up in the middle of the night and to add to this she had the kindness to send us an email telling us how our son was and how the night had gone.

“This is in the area of exceptional performance which is truly of the highest excellence.” Source: Eastbourne Herald

Another unique feature of Logi™Flex is the availability of individual patented tip options; providing a bespoke solution to each and every manufacturer of gastric bands.

Graham Bowland, Managing Director of Surgical Innovations said: “We are passionate about our products and have spent a long time liaising with laparoscopic surgeons to ensure that our advanced fl ex technology meets the needs of both clinicians and patients.

“In this current fi nancial climate surgeons are looking for products which have enhanced performance capabilities but are cost effective and Surgical Innovations fi t this market perfectly.

“The IFSO World Congress was the perfect platform for us to launch the Logi™Flex and meet laparoscopic surgeons from around the world. We are delighted with the feedback we received and are looking forward to supplying hospitals around the world with our new device.”

The World Congress took place from 26 – 29 August at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.

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Cancelled ops warning as swine fl u threat increases

A leading healthcare charity representing operating theatre professionals has warned of cancelled operations if predictions of a swine fl u pandemic come to pass.

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) represents over 8000 professionals working in the UKs operating theatres many of which look set to close to provide extra beds for fl u patients needing isolation care.

It is estimated that across the UK over 18 million could be infected of which 1 per cent or 180,000 people will need hospitalising.

Many health trusts are already discussing how to cope with the infl ux of sufferers to hospital many needing isolation. One of the options trusts are pursuing is closing theatres for all but emergency surgery and using the empty theatres as isolation units. Just this week Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust announced plans to shut operating theatres to use as isolation units if the predicted pandemic takes hold.

Diane Gilmour, President of AfPP, warned: If the predictions prove accurate we would see hundreds of thousands of elective procedures cancelled over the anticipated lifetime of the pandemic. The effect on waiting times and workloads would be signifi cant at a time when acute trusts are working at capacity and there is unprecedented pressure on accident and emergency departments. Extra resources will need to be allocated to perioperative care to deal with the backlog.

Ms Gilmour has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, calling for an action plan to combat the effects of swine fl u on operating schedules and waiting lists for surgery once the pandemic is over.

She commented: We need to cope with the predicted swine fl u pandemic. It is essential that people get the best care possible and if that means closing theatres to use as isolation units we need to accept that in the short term. But we also need to consider those who are waiting for surgical procedures and the effect cancelling that operation will have on them. The Government needs a proper recovery plan to get elective procedures back on track.

Worker in Hepatitis Case Is Sentenced to 20 Years

DENVER — A former hospital surgical technician who may have infected dozens of surgical patients with hepatitis C by stealing their pain medication and swapping back needles tainted by the virus she carried pleaded guilty on 25th September to federal drug charges.

The woman, Kristen D. Parker, 26, who could have faced up to life in prison on the most serious charges, accepted a 20-year prison sentence in a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Ms. Parker admitted guilt to multiple charges of tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by deceit.

Twenty-seven patients at two hospitals where Ms. Parker worked last year and this year, in Denver and Colorado Springs, have tested positive for a strain of hepatitis C and have been linked to her care, according to state health records. Hepatitis C affects liver function and can have lifelong consequences.

Ms. Parker’s guilty plea does not end the legal saga or the continuing investigation into how exactly the infections were transmitted and who might bear further responsibility.

A lawyer representing nine of the victims treated at Rose Medical Center in Denver said her clients were disappointed with the sentence and unhappy that they were not consulted by federal prosecutors.

“They’re devastated and would have liked to have had some input,” said the lawyer, Hollynd Hoskins, who said she plans to fi le a civil suit against the hospital.

Ms. Parker, wearing gray-and-white jail stripes and wiping away tears throughout the 40-minute hearing before Judge Robert E. Blackburn, did not make any statements in court beyond responding “yes” or “no” to the judge’s questions about the guilty plea.

But her lawyer, Gregory C. Graf, said outside the courthouse that he thought the lesser sentence was warranted in part by his client’s cooperation with health offi cials and the police since her arrest this summer.


You Saw It In:

Available in Print and Worldwide via the Internet

MAD HORACE BEYOND ETHERDOMEIntroductionIn the fi rst part of this article we explored briefl y the lives of William T Morton, Charles Jackson and Horace Wells who’s world revolved around the discovery of early anaesthetics

Part two- Humbug and the edge of insanity

The accident of Samuel Cooley. Samuel Cooley had been seated next to Wells in the auditorium when he was invited to participate in the stage show. Nitrous oxide was administered and he was so overcome with the effects that he eventually fell onto a protruding wooden portion of a sofa that was part of the stage props. Wells noticed that Cooley had badly gashed his leg during the fall. Cooley managed, with diffi culty to raise himself to his feet and groggily stumbled around apparently unhindered by the pain of his recent trauma.

As the audience laughed at the bloodied stooge on the stage, Horace Well’s mind was instantly distracted from the “entertainment” and his thoughts turned to more clinical matters, if the effects of the gas was to provide the pain relief that Cooley was experiencing during his fall, would it work under clinical supervised conditions during surgery?

During the following weeks Wells obtained access to a supply of nitrous oxide and developed a working protocol for its clinical application. He proceeded to perform many successful dental extractions, including one of his own teeth, which was extracted by Dr John Riggs a friend of Wells who acted both as surgeon and anaesthetist, using the new “laughing gas” compound.

When Wells awoke from the anaesthesia he proclaimed to his friend. “Ah a new era in tooth pulling” Well’s success rate for dental extractions was so good that he contacted some old friends and colleagues who agreed to allow time for him to lecture on the benefi ts of nitrous oxide in the ether dome within the Massachusetts general hospital, they would also arrange for Wells to give a practical demonstration of the gas in the surgical amphitheatre.

However fame and fortune were about to elude Wells, as the demonstration went disastrously wrong for him. The chosen patient for the dental extraction screamed in pain due to an incorrect dose of nitrous oxide. The assembled group of sceptical onlookers roared in laughter at Wells yelling “humbug, humbug”

This most public and professional humiliation was too much to bear. He sold his dental and his home and left with his family to fl ee Massachusetts.

To add insult to injury a year later Morton successfully administered ether to a patient, one Gilbert Abbott, a printer who presented with a vascular tumour of the jaw. The surgeon John Collins Warren MD announced to his collective medical colleagues-

“Gentlemen this is no humbug”

Wells left America and headed with his family to Europe, fi nally settling in Paris, where he continued to spread the word of anaesthesia and the benefi ts of painless surgery.

Unfortunately Horace Wells dedication to anaesthesia resulted in an addiction to the very substances that he had been experimenting with, eventually chemically dependent and approaching the edge of insanity he left his family in Europe and returned to America, a broken man.

Horace Wells never had the access to support services which are available today to health care professionals, people who may suffer from depression, addiction, or any of the many other problems that counsellors are trained to deal with, instead he was on his own, and sank deeper and deeper into the twilight and dark world of insanity.

Wells was never accepted back into the American medical society, he became more and more addicted to chloroform and increasingly more deranged, to the point of appearing as anaesthesia’s American version of jack the ripper.

Wells was eventually arrested after a terrible incident on the streets of New York, during this rampage Wells horribly disfi gured the faces of alleged prostitutes by throwing sulphuric acid in their faces.

Despite Well’s deeply disturbed state of mind when he was arrested he managed to secrete a bottle of chloroform about his person, and while alone in his prison cell he partially anaesthetised himself and slashed his femoral artery with an also secreted razor blade.

Alone and unrecognised in a New York cell wells bled to death from his own self infl icted wounds.

“Those whose trade blows with the entire world achieve dignity, But pay a very high price, because they are sure to be defeated” (Primo Levi)

Horace Wells’ trade was dentistry, and his overwhelming passion was the control of surgical pain, the verbal and professional insults within the world of medicine, the world that had totally consumed his life in the mid 1800’s culminated in him paying the highest price.

He died a horrible and undignifi ed death, a death full of pathos, as he would have died hopefully unaware of any pain. Perhaps more painful for him and his memory was that it would be only two years after his death at only thirty three that his contribution to the world of anaesthesia and painless surgery would be acknowledged as his own.

Horace Wells died a broken and defeated man, and indeed did dwell within, The twilight shadows of the ether dome.

The views shown within this article are purely the views of the author, Trevor R Toman


PATIENT SAFETY IN THEATRE TEAMSA PRACTICAL APPROACH TO HUMAN FACTORS

Course dates: 11-12 January & 25-26 MarchRoyal College of Surgeons of England

This new multi – professional 2 day course has been specifically designed for the theatre team and would ideally comprise a surgeon, an anaesthetist, scrub nurse and ODP. Utilising a state of the art simulation facility, the course focuses on the non – technical skills, or human factors, of the team in order to maximise the safety of patients and the clinical success of operations.

By using simulated mannequins and multimedia facilities, the course will be largely practical with each team being involved in a number of theatre – based scenarios with the feedback designed to help each individual team member work more effectively with their colleagues and as a team.

For further information call 020 7869 6300 or email [email protected]

NHS Institute launches continuous improvement programme for

operating theatre staffThe NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement today launched a programme for theatre staff that uses improvement strategies to help signifi cantly improve patient experience and outcomes.

The Productive Operating Theatre empowers frontline staff by giving them the tools and techniques to signifi cantly improve the way they currently work.

In developing the programme, the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement has brought together clinical best practice with safety techniques learned from the aviation industry and effi ciency techniques adapted from car manufacturing. It has been developed and tested at several NHS sites and is now ready for national rollout.

The Productive Operating Theatre was launched this week at a national conference in London attended by Professor the Lord Ara Darzi as key note speaker.

Speaking at the conference Lord Darzi said: As a surgeon, I know that theatres are a highly pressurised working environment, so I know how important a well organised operating theatre is to ensuring a safe, calm experience for staff and patients.

The operating theatre is a place where lives are transformed and saved, and by implementing simple tools to improve team communication and performance, staff can optimise the way they work together and continuously improve the quality of patient care.

A well run theatre increases the safety and reliability of care, improves team performance and leadership and also improves value and effi ciency in the wider NHS.

Amanda Fegan, lead associate at the NHS Institute for The Productive Operating Theatre said: We have worked with safety experts in aviation and used effi ciency techniques taken from car manufacturing both industries known for their rigorous procedures and applied them to the operating theatre. Our early evidence suggests that an average trust with 16 theatres could save around £5 million over the duration of the programme. For the NHS as a whole, this will mean not just better quality care, but huge effi ciency savings over the next three to fi ve years.

Results from our test sites show that The Productive Operating Theatre has the potential to transform the way operating theatre teams work. It will mean hundreds of thousands of patients in the NHS will have a better experience. It will also improve the working environment for theatre staff, improve key processes and reduce delays and cancellations.

The Productive Operating Theatre comes in the form of a box set and is designed to give trusts everything they need to implement and run the programme.

Five box sets are available free to every NHS acute trust and PCT in England that registers.

Trusts can get more information about the programme or register for box sets by visiting www.institute.nhs.uk/theatres


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RECORD REQUESTS FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT DATA

More health professionals than ever before are turning to the National Joint Registry (NJR)1 for data that will help them to improve patient care, as well as inform their studies and research. This is because not only is the NJR the largest such registry in the world, but it is now an effective clinical audit of the quality of joint replacement treatment. According to the NJR’s 6th Annual Report2, a record amount of data on hip and knee joint replacement procedures has been requested by orthopaedic surgeons, suppliers and manufacturers of joint replacement implants and patients. This dramatic rise in data requests clearly demonstrates the importance to health professionals and patients of the information held on the Register for the purpose of quality monitoring and improvement.Further improving the accessibility and value of the data has been a priority for NJR this year with the launch in November 2008 of NJR Clinician Feedback. A secure online service, it enables surgeons to assess their clinical practice and compare it to that of their colleagues at hospital, regional (strategic health authority), sector (NHS or independent) and national levels; and through this, to identify practice that could be improved.A total of 160,0273 hip and knee joint replacement operations were reported to the NJR during the year under review, which represents 92.5% of all such operations carried out in England and Wales in the NHS and independent healthcare sectors. This success is underpinned by rising rates of patient consent4 and linkability5. During 2008/09, 87.5% of records submitted included consent from patients for their personal information to be held on the Register, the highest annual rate to date. This means that of all records held by the NJR, 78% now have patient consent. The NJR also saw record numbers of submissions with an NHS number5.Among other trends identifi ed in the Report is the reduction in the average age of patients undergoing primary hip replacement surgery from 68.1 years in 2004 to 66.7 years. During the same period, the average body mass index (BMI) of patients having hip replacement surgery rose from 27.8 to 28.3. The average BMI of knee replacement patients has also risen in the last fi ve years from 29.7 to 30.3. This is equivalent to a weight gain of 1.85kg (four pounds) for a person of average height and means that the average knee replacement patient, by BMI measurement, is now clinically obese.Bill Darling, Chair of the NJR Steering Committee6, said he was in no doubt that the NJR, the largest Register of its kind in the world, was a tool of excellence that was supporting improvements in practice and patient care.He commented: “The quality of the data held on the Register is such that we can now quickly inform hospitals of potential problems with implants and so greatly reduce the time between identifi cation of an issue and a patient review.“For the fi rst time this year, an implant was withdrawn from sale by its supplier using information provided by the Register’s outlier analysis following a device alert issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).“The NJR was able quickly to identify patients who had received the implant and inform the relevant hospitals. Our ability to track patients is greatly enhanced by staff in hospitals and units obtaining patient consent, which, I am pleased to report, is happening on an increasingly frequent basis”, he added.Mr Darling went on to say that the overall rate of compliance of hospitals and treatment centres submitting data to the NJR had shown a steady upward trend since 2004, although a slight drop was reported in 2008/097.Looking ahead, Mr Darling said that a signifi cant development for NJR would be its participation in the national Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) study, commissioned by the Department of Health (DH). “Agreement has been reached with the DH for PROMs data to be linked with the NJR data, enabling the Registry to provide outcomes information for the fi rst time from the perspective of patients rather than clinicians,” he explained.Robin Burgess, the Chief Executive of the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), which manages the Registry, said: “This new report highlights that the Registry provides a signifi cant measure of effective practice in joint replacement. Since HQIP took over the oversight of the Registry in April 2008 we have been examining how the Registry can develop further to offer a higher level of audit functions. A new strategic plan for the development of the Registry will carry through the work reported here in subsequent years.”Professor Alex MacGregor, a member of the NJR Steering Committee, added: “This study demonstrates the power of the NJR. It will be the fi rst time that technical data on surgery is linked to directly to the patient’s experience of surgery on a national scale. The information will be invaluable to both surgeons and their prospective patients.”Plans for further developments to the NJR include extending it to data relating to ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist joint replacement surgery. NJR’s 6th Annual Report is available in full from the NJR website at:www.njrcentre.org.uk


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Urgent - Indonesia surgical team required immediately

Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.

In response to the earthquake in Indonesia we are assembling an emergency surgical team who are available immediately for two-four weeks.

We are looking for:• an orthopaedic surgeon • an anaesthetist • scrub/ theatre nurses/ ODPs • orthopaedic nurses

Previous overseas experience is not necessary for these roles, but the ability and willingness to work for long hours in an unfamiliar and acute emergency environment and to live is a very basic accommodation is essential.

To be considered for these roles please send your CV to [email protected], stating when you will be available and for how long, or contact the HR team on Tel: 0207 014 16 88.

NHS Institute seeks participants for European exchange programme

The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement is seeking participants and host organisations for the HOPE (HOspitals in EuroPE) Exchange Programme to encourage learning and the sharing of best practice.

The programme is open to managers and clinicians as well as NHS trusts that would like to host participants from Europe.

Participants will spend four weeks at a health organisation in Europe where they will be able to see how another healthcare system is structured, consider the similarities and differences when compared with the NHS and identify good practice that can be implemented on their return to the UK.

The programme runs from 17 May to 17 June 2010, at the end of which all participants across Europe come together for a conference to share their learning and present best practice.

Two participants from different professional backgrounds and countries are usually placed together so that as well as discussing their own services they can also benefi t by hearing fi rsthand about different systems and practices.

Each year there is a central theme and in 2010 this is The chronic patient: a clinical and managerial challenge.

Hilary Watkins, UK National Coordinator for the HOPE programme said:In addition to developing an understanding of the programme theme in another healthcare system, participants have an opportunity to consider specifi c interests agreed with their host organisation enabling them to take valuable aspects of learning back into their work environment. Networks also form between both individuals and organisations and these can lead to future visits and continued shared learning for many years to come.

This is an experience second to none and widens the perspective of the professional when returning home, benefi ting the individual and their organisation alike.

For further information please visit the website www.institute.nhs.uk/ukhope or contact [email protected]. Applications are due by 31 October 2009.

Documents

The Operating Theatre Journal