Everyone knows that breathing hazardous substances or polluted air is bad for your health. But few seem to realise just how serious air pollution can be, and just how many hazardous substances can linger in the air we breathe. Hazardous and Toxic Air Pollutants The air can be full of hazardous and toxic air pollutants […]
Hazardous chemicals are common in healthcare settings. Short- and long-term exposure to these chemicals can pose health risks to staff, patients, visitors, contractors, and other members of the public. In this post we’ll list some of the common chemical hazards in hospitals, and discuss ways you can prevent or reduce exposure levels in your hospital […]
The NHS is facing chronic staff shortages. In this post we’ll discuss some of the problematic areas, and explore some of the root causes for the shortages. Which Roles are Facing Shortages? Nurses Before the 2020 pandemic, the UK was already facing a shortage of around 50,000 nurses. In December 2020, the Health Foundation said […]
What is Bioburden? Bioburden refers to the number of bacteria or fungal cells living on an unsterilised surface. The term is usually used in reference to medical devices and equipment. A device’s bioburden level will vary depending on how it was manufactured, including the amount of handling that took place during manufacturing. The size and […]
Certain types of viral and bacterial infection are common in care homes, and infection is a major concern for care home patients. The Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England issued guidance on infection prevention and control in care homes. This guidance is available as a comprehensive 102-page document, or as a […]
If you’re a new operating theatre nurse – or you’re thinking of starting a new role – in this post we’ll discuss some ways you can make the most of your learning and become a valued and integral member of the theatre team. What Does an Operating Theatre Nurse Do? Operating theatre nurses – sometimes […]
What’s the difference in meaning between immunocompromised and immunosuppressed? Both terms refer to deficiencies in the normal function of the immune system. So whether a person’s immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, their body’s will be less effective at fighting off infections. But what’s the difference between these two terms? What’s The Difference Between Immunocompromised and Immunosuppressed? Both […]
Air quality consultants will use different air monitoring equipment depending on the type of monitoring they’re doing, and the type of pollutants they’re testing for. In this post we’ll discuss some of the common instruments and equipment air quality consultants use, and explore the settings in which they might use them. Types of Air Quality […]
NO2 is nitrous dioxide. It’s a chemical compound that’s mainly formed in the combustion of fossil fuels, and during certain industrial processes. In this post we’ll discuss the health impact of NO2, and explore some ways you can improve the air quality in your hospital or healthcare setting. What Are The Health Risks of NO2 […]
When we talk about bioburden, we’re talking about the number of bacterial or fungal cells that live on an unsterilised surface. We measure this in terms of colony-forming units (CFU), and a CFU is an estimate of the number of viable organisms found on a sample. Read our full guide to what bioburden is, and […]