One tertiary cardiac centre has implemented new systems of working and succeeded in reducing transfer waiting times for patients with CHD
Compression therapy is the standard treatment for patients with uncomplicated venous leg ulcers. It is crucial, however, to undertake a full clinical assessment before initiating treatment, as inappropriate application can be dangerous. The properties and uses of compression are examined alongside its application in clinical practice.
Many people who have depression and associated disorders never receive treatment and go on to commit suicide. Early and accurate recognition of the symptoms will enable timely intervention and support for individuals, their family and carers. The symptoms of depression are described, together with current treatment options.
Investment in electric profiling beds and a change in patient-assessment procedures have had a significant impact on the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in one trust, while at the same time increasing patient independence and reducing pain, length of hospital stay and the risk of potentially costly litigation.
From modern matrons to student nurses, everyone is responsible for the environment in which they work. All nurses should be aware of the cleaning system used in their organisation and be able to follow it when necessary. A clean ward or clinic will help prevent hospital-acquired infections and promote patient and visitor confidence.
Some 90% of prisoners in England and Wales have a mental health poblem. This article outlines several initiatives, including health screening on admission and suicide prevention, to improve the care of this population.
Silver-release dressings are extensively used for wound management, particularly in the treatment of burns, chronic leg ulcers and wounds requiring an antibacterial. A variety of products is now available. The properties and uses of these dressings are discussed, followed by a review of advances over recent years
Clinical observations suggest that honey holds significant promise as an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions and particularly in the management of non-healing wounds. This article explores the healing properties of honey and illustrates the effectiveness of using honey in the management of chronic leg ulcers.
Inadequate bed space affects manual handling techniques and the ability to carry out nursing care tasks. Many nurses will join a trust on the basis of the workspace design of the wards. This paper looks at the space required to operate two types of hoist and argues for the recommended bed space dimensions to be increased.
The success of vaccinations has reduced many of the threats associated with childhood diseases, but if immunisation uptakes drop, childhood diseases could return in epidemic levels. Some of the reasons why parents choose not to have their children vaccinated were investigated in a small study.
Carol McLoughlin looks at the advantages and drawbacks of using drugs to treat obesity and describes new areas of research that may offer new solutions to tackling this rapidly growing health and medical problem.
Guidelines on the management of hospital waste aim not only to minimise the risks posed to staff at all levels but also to contain potential environmental hazards, such as infection and sharps injuries. It is therefore important for all personnel to be vigilant and to ensure that they dispose of clinical waste safety and appropriately.
A cardio-protective diet, rich in omega-3 oils and fresh fruit and vegetables, will help lower cholesterol levels. In this article, a dietitian provides answers to frequently asked questions and advice on good dietary practice.
Carolyn Scott visits Carmarthenshire NHS Trust, which has come through great changes in recent years.
Judith Chamberlain-Webber looks at the scope of practice-based commissioning and the opportunities it offers nurses to play a leading role in the development of nurse-led services in primary care.
The first wave of NHS walk-in centres opened in 2000. Since then, a total of 57 centres have opened in England with 25 more planned in the next few months. These centres do not aim to replace existing primary or secondary care services but to complement them and provide the public with an alternative means of accessing health care for minor illnesses, minor injuries and emergency contraception. Two models of walk-in centre exist: those based in primary care and those based in secondary care.
