Considering the ‘ostrich syndrome’ and patient safety

‘Many of the reactions of maternity unit staff at this stage were shaped by denial that there was a problem, their rejection of criticism of them that they felt was unjustified (and which, on...

Using public health law to contain the spread of COVID-19

The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 gives health protection powers to local authorities, which can be used without approval from a court. They also give powers to magistrates to make...

Wellbeing and mental health: applying All Our Health

This month, I want to focus on mental health and wellbeing. Since 1993, the prevalence of common mental health disorders has increased. Nearly one in five adults aged 16-64 years now suffers from at...

We still need international applicants

Our support programme commences at the nurse's arrival in the Trust where they are settled into their hospital accommodation and provided with a welcome pack. The following day a welcome morning is...

A comparison of inpatients with leg ulceration using published randomised controlled trials

A joint leg ulcer service project was undertaken by the TV and vascular surgery units for 3 months (December 2018–February 2019) with the aim of streamlining the service for patients with longstanding...

The lived experience of patients from an ethnic group in Indonesia undergoing diabetic foot ulcer treatment

This study aimed to explore the lived experience of the Batak Karo ethnic group regarding diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Five themes emerged from the data..

Challenges faced by nurses in complying with aseptic non-touch technique principles during wound care: a review

The purpose of this review is to identify the challenges that nurses face in applying the principles of ANTT during wound-care practice..

Skill, energy and compassion

An international consensus on device-related pressure ulcers: SECURE prevention

In February 2019, an international group of medical, clinical and bioengineering experts met in London to develop the first international consensus statement on DRPUs. Following a rigorous process of...

Challenges and celebrations

‘There has never been a better time to be a nurse or midwife. Challenges abound, but opportunities are endless to have a rich, varied and rewarding career’ .

Hard-to-heal wounds, biofilm and wound healing: an intricate interrelationship

Wounds are a major cause of patient morbidity and high healthcare costs, which are increasing the stress on healthcare systems at a global level (Gupta et al, 2016). The reduction of infection...

We need to talk about adult social care