A recent report found that over 2,000 UK health centres are located in areas with dangerously high levels of air pollution. Air pollution can have a severe effect on hospital staff and patients. The risks are particularly high for patients from vulnerable groups, such as children and elderly people, and for patients suffering with respiratory […]
The Patient Safety and Infection Prevention Show will run at the Healthcare Show taking place 26-27 April 2023 at ExCel London. This is a two-day dedicated conference supporting doctors, nurses, infection prevention and control professionals, and any other healthcare professionals interested in the latest solutions for preventing infections and improving care quality standards. What To […]
Electrosurgery and electrocautery seem like broadly similar processes, as both involve making use of electrical currents in surgical procedures, and both involve cauterising wounds to limit blood loss. But despite their similar names, the two processes are actually highly distinct, and each is used to achieve a specific outcome in a surgical setting. So in […]
Operating theatre managers are responsible for ensuring the successful running of the operating theatre environment. But what does this actually involve? What does an operating theatre manager actually do? In this post we’ll discuss some of the key responsibilities for operating theatre managers, while exploring ways managers can improve efficiency and care standards in their […]
Particulate matter (PM) is a class of air pollution covering everything in the atmosphere that isn’t a gas. This includes a huge range of chemical compounds and materials which air quality experts classify in terms of their particle size. What is PM10? Particulate matter containing particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller. Examples […]
Global influenza levels have been low since 2020, but the UK government is predicting to see a resurgence in winter 2022 to 2023. Indeed, the UK could be facing its worse flu season in years. Southern hemisphere nations such as Australia have experienced rampant flu seasons, and experts warn the same may be in store […]
Many types of viral and bacterial infection are common in care homes and residential care settings. 3 Factors That Make Infections a Major Concern in Care Homes Infections can easily spread in any location where people share facilities. Elderly people and other care home residents are high-risk groups. If they catch an infection, they’re more […]
Severe fluid loss following injuries is a major issue for burns patients – particularly if their injuries are substantial. Most treatments for burns involve fluid resuscitation procedures – which is one reason why effective fluid management is central to the treatment of burns patients. Why Fluid Management Matters for Burns Patients Good fluid management in […]
Surgical smoke has a very unpleasant smell, and it can produce an immediate hazard for surgeons through obstructing their view of the surgical site. But the major risk associated with such procedures is that both diathermy and surgical smoke emissions can contain numerous toxic gases, particulates, viruses, bacteria and other harmful vapours. Surgical Smoke Causes […]
What is a Diathermy Smoke Plume? A diathermy smoke plume – also known as surgical smoke – is an emission created by certain surgical procedures that involve the use of heat to destruct tissue or seal bleeding vessels. Diathermy smoke plumes can contain numerous harmful chemicals, along with viruses, bacteria, and particulate matter. What Causes […]