Day: June 13, 2012

Dietary information for colorectal cancer survivors: an unmet need

Source: New Zealand Medical Journal

Aim: Observational studies have highlighted the association between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence.  We aimed to identify the dietary patterns of CRC patients in our region, the level of dietary advice currently received and its impact on behaviour.
Methods: A survey was taken of an opportunistic sample of CRC patients at Dunedin and Invercargill Hospitals, New Zealand.  Dietary patterns were classified according to previously utilised criteria and the level of information they had received was established.
Results: 40 patients were recruited.  No patients reported receiving dietary information from their doctor or nurse.  61% of patients felt they received too little information.  Obese patients were less likely to consider that diet was important in cancer recurrence, but were more likely to be interested in receiving dietary information than normal weight individuals.  98% wanted additional dietary …

National Pathology Week, 26 – 28 June 2012

Trust support 50 years of Pathology in modern healthcare

As part of National Pathology Year, staff at East Cheshire NHS Trust’s Pathology Department are holding a series of awareness raising events from 26 – 28 June 2012, to promote the vital role of pathology in patient care.

A display stand will be set up in the Main Reception, at Macclesfield District General Hospital from 26 – 28 June, where members of the public, patients and staff will have the chance to get involved in a number of interactive displays including:

  • learn more about how Pathology has changed over the past 50 years;
  • take a look at some of the old equipment used in the pathology laboratory;
  • find out more about the varied careers available in pathology in the NHS; and
  • take part in our fascinating quiz all about our Pathology Services, including some interesting Pathology facts and figures, for your chance to win a prize.

Read more

Extract courtesy of Health Matters

R Singhal, SK Dheerendra, CP Charalambous, M Waseem; Teaching basic shoulder ultrasonography…; Medical Ultrasonography, 2012

Teaching basic shoulder ultrasonography to orthopaedic postgraduate trainees–effectiveness of a training workshop

R Singhal, SK Dheerendra, CP Charalambous Medical ultrasonography, 2012
… trainees – effectiveness of a training workshop Rohit Singhal1, Sujay Kumar Dheerendra2, Charalambos Panayiotou Charalambous1, Mohammad Waseem2 1 Blackpool Victoria Hospital, United Kingdom, 2 Macclesfield District General Hospital, United Kingdom …

Introduction: Ultrasound examination of the shoulder conducted by  orthopaedic surgeons in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions is increasingly reported.  Shoulder ultrasound is not a mandatory component of postgraduate orthopaedic training in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the shoulder ultrasound teaching workshop administered to postgraduate orthopaedic surgical trainees.

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Patient Safety News

Patient safety   June 12, 2012 at 11:41 AM

The Health Foundation is urging healthcare organisations and leaders to ensure patient safety remains their top priority at a time when many are faced with unprecedented financial pressures and increasing demand on their services. As part of its drive to increase awareness, the Health Foundation has launched a series of thought papers, giving healthcare experts within their respective fields the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences in patient safety. The thought papers are: – The role of the patient in clinical safety – Proactive approaches to patient safety – Personal accountability in healthcare: searching for the right balance – How can leaders influence a safety culture? – Reinventing healthcare delivery.

Directions on the transfer of patient safety function …

Directions on the transfer of patient safety function to the NHS Commissioning Board special health authority
These directions to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) have been amended to reflect the transfer of the NPSA’s patient safety function to the NHS Commissioning Board Authority (NHS CBA) on 1st June 2012. The directions to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust have been amended to reflect that the oversight role for the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) has transferred from NPSA to the NHS CBA on 1st June 2012.

Health visitor employment:

: from training to practice – a guide for employers

This briefing outlines an employment model to help meet the required increase of health visitor training places. It describes the employment model, its benefits and what you need to consider if you decide to implement this approach. It aims to help provide a commitment of employment to students, increasing the confidence of undecided potential applicants to move into the profession.

In the news from OnMedica

A blood test could help predict breast cancer survival.   More – click here >>

This week read our clinical article on meningitis, a serious condition where prompt diagnosis and treatment improve both morbidity and mortality. To read more on this article click here >>


The European Medicines Agency has granted marketing authorisation for Signifor, an orphan medicine, used for treating Cushing’s disease when surgery has failed.  To read more on this article click here >>

At least seven models are commonly used to evaluate cardiovascular risk. A systematic review of comparative studies in the BMJ investigates which has the best prognostic performance.  To read more on this article click here >>