The role of Sterile Service Departments (SSDs) is critical to the smooth running of operating theatres across the UK. The timely decontamination and turnaround of full sets of instruments that are safe to use and perform to their optimum ability is critical to the smooth running of surgical lists. But unfortunately, too many SSDs and […]
Hospitals that are concerned about operating theatre costs sometimes use inco pads or incontinence pads to absorb spills on operating theatre floors. These pads do not offer a particularly high level of absorbency and are prone to dripping when lifted for disposal. However, they are sometimes seen as a much more cost-effective alternative to absorbent […]
Having an effective Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention and Management Policy is important for any hospital. Every year, over 2000 of these incidents are reported nationally by the NHS to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is perhaps not surprising given that slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of serious injuries […]
Minimising the carbon footprint of surgical instruments is just one of the many ways in which NHS Trusts can work towards their Net Zero plans. Whilst quality reusable instruments can have a larger upfront cost than cheaper reusable instruments or disposable alternatives, they can make a much bigger contribution to hospital Trusts reducing their carbon […]
The NHS Carbon Footprint Plus includes a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from supplier products, as outlined in Scope 3 of The Greenhouse Gas Protocol. According to NHS England’s 2022 report Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service, one of the greatest areas of opportunity for a reduction in carbon emissions is through medical […]
Surgical instruments are indispensable tools in the realm of healthcare, playing a critical role in medical procedures that demand precision and accuracy. To maintain their functionality and extend their lifespan, proper care and maintenance are essential. Surgeons and healthcare professionals must adhere to rigorous protocols for cleaning, sterilizing, and storing surgical instruments. This article delves […]
The NHS, like many large organisations, is taking a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint by achieving Net Zero. Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Achieving net zero emissions is a critical step in mitigating the impact of climate change. […]
Is DAS 2024 already in your calendar? If you are a decontamination manager or lead, or part of the sterile services team then this is an event not to be missed. Taking place on 6th February at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, this transformative conference aims to shape the future of decontamination and sterilisation. […]
Orthopaedic surgery has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, revolutionizing the way we approach musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. From minimally invasive techniques to cutting-edge technologies, the field of orthopaedics is at the forefront of medical innovation. This article explores some of the groundbreaking developments that have transformed orthopaedic surgery, enhancing patient outcomes and redefining the […]
Bed blocking, or delayed discharge, continues to pose significant challenges to the NHS in the UK. This bottleneck situation typically occurs when patients, who are medically fit for discharge, remain in hospital beds due to difficulties in securing appropriate care or support in the community. Delayed discharge not only puts a strain on hospital resources […]