Our Blog

Hear the latest from Cairn Technology and get all the latest news about workplace exposure limits, air quality and best practice processes for hospitals in infection prevention and control.

Bed blocking investigated. Delayed discharge causes, consequences and solutions for improved patient flow.

How bad is bed blocking in the NHS?

Bed blocking, or delayed discharge, continues to pose significant…
Read more
Winter bugs and pressure on the NHS

Navigating the Winter Wave: Understanding and Coping with NHS Winter Bugs

As winter descends upon us, so does the inevitable surge in seasonal…
Read more
Hospital indoor air quality

Health and Wellbeing and Indoor Environmental Quality in Buildings – A Guide to BS 40102-1:2023

BS 40102-1:2023 – Health and Wellbeing and Indoor Environmental…
Read more
Women in Surgery in England

Women in Surgery in England – looking back, moving forward

The number of women in surgery in England is growing, but there…
Read more

UK NHS Waiting List Targets – Where Are We?

Following the global pandemic, a number of enforced government…
Read more
Children's heart Surgery Fund

Cairn supports amazing Children’s Heart Surgery Fund

Here at Cairn Technology, we are delighted to have raised £2,300…
Read more

Green Theatre Checklist Explained – How to Make Your Theatre More Environmentally Friendly

The Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist was developed by…
Read more
Plastic surgery events - facial, hand, oral, rhinoplasty, reconstructive

Plastic Surgery events in the UK in 2023

If you are involved in plastic or reconstructive surgery, then…
Read more
Healthcare Estates Conference 2023 - Cairn Technology - surgical instruments

Healthcare Estates Conference 2023 – Come see us there!

The Healthcare Estates Conference 2023 is being held at Manchester…
Read more
Medical events 2023

6 Must-See UK Medical Events for Autumn/Winter 2023

Summer might be almost over, but there are still plenty of insightful…
Read more

What is Clinical Waste and How To Dispose of it Safely?

In this post we’ll list some examples of clinical waste before…
Read more

Acetic Acid Medical Uses, Hazards and Exposure Limits

Acetic acid is a clear and colourless organic liquid with a strong…
Read more

Veterinary Clinic Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols

Cleaning protocols and procedures are a vital part of effective…
Read more

Surgical Sutures and Stitch Types: A Guide

Surgical sutures and stitches are used to close wounds to the…
Read more

Decontamination of Endoscopes and Reusable Medical Devices

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the specific decontamination…
Read more

Pollution & Air Quality A-Z Glossary

Air quality consultants tend to use a lot of specialist terminology…
Read more

What Are Atmospheric Pollutants and Its Impact on Health

An atmospheric pollutant is an airborne particle or chemical…
Read more

Operating Theatre Must-Have Equipment Checklist

Three things are vital to delivering an efficient operating theatre: …
Read more

Future Surgery Show, November 2023 – What To Expect

The 2023 Future Surgery Show takes place 14 – 15 November 2023…
Read more

Different Types of Surgical Forceps

We recently put together a guide to the different types of surgical…
Read more

How To Manage an Outbreak of C. difficile

Clostridium Difficile Infections (CDIs) are among the most common…
Read more

Infection Control in Care Homes

  Download a poster version to display in your care…
Read more

Infection Control Legislation For Care Homes

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how this legislation…
Read more

Dental Decontamination & Infection Control Checklist

Just like any other healthcare setting, dental surgeries need…
Read more

Environmental Decontamination: Stages & When to Implement

In a healthcare setting, “environmental decontamination”…
Read more

How Does Infection Spread in a Hospital?

In this post we’ll discuss how infections spread in hospitals…
Read more

2023 Vet Shortage in the UK: Why and What Now?

All healthcare services in the UK are currently facing a number…
Read more

How To Manage an Outbreak of Infection in a Care Home

Any outbreak of infection in a care home must be considered a…
Read more

The Most Common Hospital Acquired Infections

In this post we’ll discuss some of the most common hospital…
Read more

What is Infection Control in Care Homes?

When it comes to infection, elderly people and other care home…
Read more

Staffing Issues & Safe Staffing Levels in Operating Theatres

The healthcare sector is currently facing severe staffing shortages.…
Read more

Entonox Monitoring in Maternity Departments

Entonox – also referred to as N20, or “gas and air” - is…
Read more

Three Levels of Decontamination For Infection Control

In this post we’ll explore each of these levels of decontamination…
Read more

How Many Dentists are Training and Qualifying in the UK?

The UK is facing a shortage of dentists. According to one report,…
Read more

How Do You Sterilise and Clean Surgical Instruments?

Surgical instruments are used exclusively in sterile spaces,…
Read more

Communicable Diseases & Examples of How to Prevent Spread

In this post we’ll discuss some of the most common communicable…
Read more

What Is The Purpose of Exposure Monitoring via Air Sampling?

The air in hospitals and healthcare settings can contain numerous…
Read more

Why is Air Quality Monitoring Important?

Everyone knows that breathing hazardous substances or polluted…
Read more

Chemical Hazards in Hospitals – Examples and Control

Hazardous chemicals are common in healthcare settings. Short-…
Read more

Why Is There a Shortage of Healthcare Workers in the UK?

The NHS is facing chronic staff shortages. In this post we’ll…
Read more

What is Bioburden? And How to Control It

What is Bioburden? Bioburden refers to the number of bacteria…
Read more

Infection Control Procedures in Care Homes

Certain types of viral and bacterial infection are common in…
Read more

Tips For New Operating Theatre Nurses

If you’re a new operating theatre nurse – or you’re thinking…
Read more

Immunocompromised vs Immunosuppressed – Is There a Difference?

What’s the difference in meaning between immunocompromised…
Read more

Air Monitoring Equipment: What Instruments & Equipment is Used?

Air quality consultants will use different air monitoring equipment…
Read more

What is NO2 and How Does it Impact Health?

NO2 is nitrous dioxide. It’s a chemical compound that’s mainly…
Read more

What is the Bioburden Limit for Medical Devices?

When we talk about bioburden, we’re talking about the number…
Read more

VOCs in Hospitals – Causes, Effects and Solutions

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. This is a group of…
Read more

Examples of Continuity of Care in GP Surgeries

If you manage or work in a GP surgery, continuity of care can…
Read more

Cairn Technology at ASGBI Congress 2023 – The Changing Face of Surgery

The Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI)…
Read more

Occupational Health Hazards for Nurses and How to Prevent Them

Hospitals and healthcare settings can be hazardous environments…
Read more

Doctors Surgery Waiting Room Improvement Ideas

A good doctor’s surgery waiting room should be warm and welcoming.…
Read more

What is an Operating Department Practitioner and What Do They Do?

If you’re considering a new career in healthcare, or even a…
Read more

Ways to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy Treatments

Chemotherapy can lower a patient’s white blood cell count.…
Read more

The Link Between Adult Social Care and Hospital Discharges

The NHS is currently facing a significant backlog that shows…
Read more

Operating Theatre Staff Roles and Responsibilities

It takes a lot of people to run a successful operating theatre.…
Read more

Ambulance Cleaning and Decontamination Checklist

Regularly and thoroughly cleaning and decontaminating ambulances…
Read more

Why Are Ambulance Waiting Times Getting Longer?

UK ambulance waiting times are bad, and they show every sign…
Read more

Is Pollution Worse in Winter? How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

A recent report found that over 2,000 UK health centres are located…
Read more

The Patient Safety and Infection Prevention Show 2023

The Patient Safety and Infection Prevention Show will run at…
Read more

What’s The Difference Between Electrosurgery and Electrocautery?

Electrosurgery and electrocautery seem like broadly similar processes,…
Read more

Key Responsibilities for Operating Theatre Managers

Operating theatre managers are responsible for ensuring the successful…
Read more

What is PM10 in Air Quality?

Particulate matter (PM) is a class of air pollution covering…
Read more

Flu Strains in 2022 – How Many and Which Are Most Common?

Global influenza levels have been low since 2020, but the UK…
Read more

Common Infections in Care Homes & Effects on Bed Shortage

Many types of viral and bacterial infection are common in care…
Read more

The Importance of Fluid Management in Burns Patients

Severe fluid loss following injuries is a major issue for burns…
Read more

Surgical Smoke Hazards: Causes and Exposure

Surgical smoke has a very unpleasant smell, and it can produce…
Read more

Diathermy Smoke Plume Management & Guidance

What is a Diathermy Smoke Plume? A diathermy smoke plume –…
Read more

How to Clean & Prevent Infection in GP Waiting Rooms

Every year, the UK is hit by multiple viruses. Some of these…
Read more

How to Choose the Right Hospital-Grade Air Purifier

For an air purifier to be hospital-grade, it must meet any relevant…
Read more

How Many Dentists Have Left the NHS?

In the past few years, thousands of dentists have left the NHS. How…
Read more

Smoking Outside Hospitals: Bans, Laws & Guidelines

In March 2022, Scotland banned smoking outside hospital buildings. Smoking…
Read more

Omicron BA.4 and BA.5: Transmissibility & Symptoms

Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are two of the most recent subvariants…
Read more

Clearing the NHS Backlog in 2023: Plans and Estimates

The NHS is facing an unprecedented backlog. This is the care…
Read more

UVC vs. HEPA Air Filters and Purifiers

An intelligent air filtration system plays an integral part of…
Read more

Future Surgery: 15-16 November 2022

The 2022 Future Surgery Show takes place at ExCeL London on 15-16…
Read more

Smart Estates Summit: 8 December 2022

The 2022 Smart Estates Summit takes place on 8 December at the…
Read more

Air Purifier and Filter Buying Guide – A-Z

If you’re looking to buy an air purifier, this short A-Z glossary…
Read more

What is PM2.5 And Why is it a Risk to Hospital Patients?

Air pollution and quality is a key concern for everyone, particularly…
Read more

University & Healthcare Estates & Innovation Birmingham 2022

University & Healthcare Estates & Innovation takes place…
Read more

What Does Sevoflurane Smell Like & How to Monitor Long-Term Exposure

Though sevoflurane has a good safety record, like all anaesthetic…
Read more

Isoflurane Side Effects & Long-Term Exposure

Isoflurane is a general inhalation aesthetic. In healthcare settings,…
Read more

How to Perform Knee & Other Arthroscopies More Efficiently

Arthroscopy keyhole surgery procedures are highly effective at…
Read more

Preventing Infections in Burns Patients

All patients are at risk from infection in hospitals and healthcare…
Read more

How UK Hospitals Can Stop the Spread of Covid to Inpatients

A recent report found that more than 40,600 people were likely…
Read more

25% of Hospitals in Dangerously High Levels of Air Pollution Areas

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises a maximum concentration…
Read more

Healthcare Estates Conference & Exhibition: 4 to 5 October 2022

The 2022 Healthcare Estates Conference and Exhibition takes place…
Read more

Air Quality & Pollution in GP Surgeries – The Effects

Asthma and Lung UK recently tested air quality levels at GP surgeries…
Read more

How Long is the Short Term Workplace Exposure Limit?

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is a UK law…
Read more

Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier vs Air Conditioner – What’s The Difference?

Air purifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners all help you…
Read more

Penthrox vs. Entonox for Long Term Exposure

Penthrox and Entonox are both used for pain management in healthcare…
Read more

Long-Term Effects of Chlorine Exposure

The chemical element chlorine has been used for years in sanitation,…
Read more

How Air Pollution Harms Children in Healthcare Settings

A 2018 report revealed that thousands of UK health centres are…
Read more

Air Purifier Guide: What You Need to Know

If you’ve never used an air purifier before, you might be wondering…
Read more

Operating Theatre Temperature & Humidity Guidelines For Patient Safety and Infection Control

Good air ventilation is an integral part of effective infection…
Read more

Why Is PPE So Important in Healthcare?

Personal protection equipment (PPE) is vital for effective infection…
Read more

When & What Type of PPE Should Be Used: NHS & Healthcare

The NHS introduced new guidelines for personal protective equipment…
Read more

Health & Safety in Operating Theatres – Hazards & Precautions

Just like any other working environment, working in an operating…
Read more

Do I Need an Asbestos Air Quality Test? A Complete Guide

According to a recent BBC enquiry, over 90% of NHS trusts report…
Read more

Best & Worst Air Quality in the UK: Towns and Cities

What are the most and least polluted towns and cities in the…
Read more

How to Remove PPE in the Correct Order

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is an integral part of effective…
Read more

How Often Should You Change the HEPA Filter in Air Purifiers?

A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter can catch harmful…
Read more

Come see us at the NHS Estates and Facilities Conference 2022

The NHS Estates and Facilities Conference 2022 is just a matter…
Read more

Improve Quality & Efficiency in Operating Theatres

Improving quality and efficiency in operating theatres brings…
Read more

What is an Air Quality Consultant?

An air quality consultant assesses the air quality in hospitals,…
Read more

Current Issues in Operating Theatres

Operating theatre teams around the world face fresh challenges…
Read more

What is ISO 9001 Certified? Meaning & Regulations

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) first…
Read more

What is a Hazardous and Toxic Air Pollutant?

All employers in all industries have a legal requirement to reduce…
Read more

Speed Limit for Air Quality: How Does It Work?

You may have heard about how some areas of the UK are trialling…
Read more

What Key Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting PPE?

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) can make a huge difference…
Read more

What is the Clean Air Hospital Framework?

First launched in 2019 by Global Action Plan and Great Ormond…
Read more

What Air Filtration Systems are used in Hospitals?

The 2020 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of good…
Read more

Come see us at BADS Conference 2022 – 16 and 17 June

If you are planning to attend the British Association of Day…
Read more

Introduction to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist – 5 Steps

The World Health Organisation (WHO) first published their Surgical…
Read more

What is Surgical Steel & What’s The Difference From Stainless Steel?

You have to be able to rely on your surgical instruments. The…
Read more

How Do You Test Indoor Air Quality in Hospitals, Schools and the Workplace?

The air inside can be even more polluted than the air outside.…
Read more

Cleaning for Infection Prevention and Control in Operating Theatres

Studies show that surgical site infections (SSIs) constitute…
Read more

Decon UK 2022: Decontamination Conference for Healthcare

Presented by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and University…
Read more

Isoflurane – Safety, Disposal and Monitoring in Hospitals

Isoflurane is one of the World Health Organization’s Essential…
Read more

How to Measure Air Quality

When we talk about air quality, we’re talking about how clean…
Read more

Types of Surgical Instruments – Names and Instrument Selection

If we classify them according to their function, there are three…
Read more

How Many Standard Infection Control Precautions Are There?

The Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) are a series…
Read more

Lawton Brand Values

Read more

Tips for Surgical Instrument Care & Handling

Tips for Surgical Instrument Care Use as intended Misuse…
Read more

4 Stages of Stille Instrument Manufacturing

Read more

Surgical Instrument Discolouration Guide

Read more

Infection Prevention and Control Conference 2022: Cairn offers hospitals breath of fresh air

State-of-the-art air purification technology will be taking centre…
Read more

Absorbent mats for urology theatres and wards

Whether you want to absorb blood, urine or irrigation fluid during…
Read more

Rising concerns over air pollution in city hospitals

If you are concerned about unsafe pollutions levels in your hospital…
Read more

8 useful tips for surgical instrument care

High quality surgical instruments can be an amazing…
Read more

Choosing absorbent mats for your labour ward

From amniotic fluid release to mild blood loss…
Read more

Poor quality instruments put patients at risk

Fears that contaminated surgical instruments are causing unnecessary…
Read more

Surgical Instrument Care Infographic

Read more

Poor Air Quality in the Workplace: Is it Safe?

This week, Transport for London announced that it will be introducing…
Read more

Clean Air: The Smartest Addition To Your Business

Air pollution isn’t new, it’s something that most people…
Read more

Will Workplaces Change Forever Post-Covid-19 Pandemic?

As businesses begin to reopen and people return to work, the…
Read more

Face Masks & Beards: Will Corona Kill The Beard?

Facial hair has become a fashion staple in recent years. From…
Read more

Return To Work After Covid: Duty of Care & Sanitation

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s been a range of different…
Read more

Why PPE Must Really Protect

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic there is much being reported…
Read more

Air purifiers and Coronavirus (Covid-19)

High quality air purifiers can trap and remove a variety of airborne…
Read more

Micro Surgery Instruments: Micro Scissors, Forceps & Needle Holder Technology

When it comes to selecting micro instruments for your next instrument…
Read more

Are Stille SuperCut Scissors Really a Cut Above the Rest?

If you are a surgeon with an eye for excellent surgical instruments,…
Read more

5 UK Medical Museums Packed with History

If you are a medical professional with a fascination…
Read more

A Day in the Life of… an Area Account Manager

Ever wondered what a typical workday is like for a Cairn Technology…
Read more

The Best Metals and Materials for Surgical Instruments

Today’s high quality surgical instruments employ a wide range…
Read more

Surgical Instrument Discolouration Guide

What is Causing your Instrument Discolouration? Light/Dark Typical…
Read more

N20 exposure risks to liver & kidneys

Hospital employees working in areas where nitrous oxide is used…
Read more

Why Buying the Best Surgical Instruments Can Save You Money

It might sound counterintuitive: How can an instrument that costs…
Read more

Titanium micro instruments benefits

Titanium micro instruments offer several clear benefits for the…
Read more

Surgical instrument care and protection

At first, it might seem strange that instruments made from stainless…
Read more

Controlling the Spread of the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus

As the number of deaths caused by the Wuhan novel coronavirus…
Read more