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While it is difficult to imagine that before the late 1800s, surgeons in the theatre environment operated on patients without gloves, gloves are now a clinical necessity. Their use has risen exponentially over the last 30 years, along with concerns over staff and patient allergy and sensitivity to the natural rubber latex proteins used in their manufacture. Having used latex gloves for the better part of 35 years, the author recently evaluated a latex-free alternative. In this article, which presents a rationale for the introduction of a latex-free glove policy across NHS departments and trusts, particularly in theatre settings, the author presents his experience, together with cases from four other surgeons, as well as evidence from the literature regarding potential clinical outcomes, quality of life and cost-effectiveness associated with latex-free gloves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the historical journey of the NHS in England, highlighting its growth and expansion over 75 years. It discusses current challenges in the healthcare sector, such as nursing workforce shortages and the impact on patient care, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address these issues and enhance the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.

The Health and Safety Executive have completed an inspection initiative focussing on the prevention and management of sharps injuries in forty NHS organisations. Health and safety breaches were found in 90% of the services visited and inspectors issued improvement notices to 45% of those NHS organisations. In this article Richard Griffith sets out the key findings of the inspection initiative and considers their impact on district nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Needlestick injuries (NSIs) carry the potential for transmission of serious blood-borne infections and pose a significant risk to patients and healthcare staff. These infections come with an estimated cost of £300 million per year in the UK (Saia et al, 2010). An EU directive mandated in May of 2013 has sought to minimise the risk of NSI though the introduction of needle-protection systems. The authors of this article set out to assess nursing knowledge of this legislation and ascertain which needle-protection systems for low-molecular weight heparin/anti Xa (for subcutaneous administration) were preferred in a large teaching trust. Approximately half of the nurses questioned had some knowledge of the legislation and almost all agreed that there is a need for needle protection systems. All four devices tested meet requirements for the legislation but the preferred devices were the needle protection system for enoxaparin and fondaparinux with a self-sheathing style device after activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Needleless connectors were introduced into clinical practice to reduce the rate of needlestick injuries to healthcare workers (HCWs). There have, however, been limited reports of user acceptability of these devices. The usability and acceptability of the Clearlink® needleless connector (Baxter Healthcare, UK) was therefore completed by HCWs at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust following a 12-month clinical evaluation. Seventy per cent (28/40) of HCWs reported that they would prefer to use Clearlink® needleless connectors rather than conventional luers caps, 15% (6/40) would use either, and only 15% (6/40) preferred to use luer caps. In total, 85% of HCWs reported that Clearlink® was acceptable to use in the clinical situation. The results demonstrate that comprehensive training and technical support both before and after new device implementation were essential to ensure a smooth transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author discusses guidance on positive and proactive medical care and the use of restrictive patient interventions which was issued in 2014 by Great Britain's Department of Health. The author is supportive of the aims of the guidance and of reducing the use of patient restraints but is somewhat critical of the effectiveness of positive behavior support/active support training and practice for nurses.

Advocating for midwives in the UK has been number one on the Royal College of Midwives' agenda. During COVID-19, this has been no different [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the psychological and physical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include distress, grief and dying, struggles of the British National Health Service in dealing with the crisis as well as the anticipation of dealing with its aftermath, and the previous and upcoming conferences of the British Association of Urological Nurses.

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers the range of issues that needs to be considered to enable retired nurses and those redeployed from other areas to care for patients with COVID-19 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at health care administration in Great Britain, focusing on policies related to encouraging nurses and other medical personnel to speak up about failures in the delivery of medical care. It discusses proposals for whistleblower protection policies and for training for medical personnel on how to raise concerns. It cites the review of problems in the British National Health Service (NHS) by Robert Francis.