Click here for the Wounds UK Home Page July 2010

Leading Disfigurement Charity Speaker Presents at University of Bradford Useful links

Making cuts in an unpredictable area could lead to significant patient care issues. Not wanting to harp on about proposed budget cuts but I have become more aware over the past few weeks about how such cuts could affect our service. One of my main concerns is the unpredictable nature of health care. On a recent visit round the wards in Grampian, there were a huge number of patients with complex wounds. Many of which had dehisced and others had soft tissue infection, all of which required substantial input from the multi-professional team. One particular patient, a young male, had a large area of cellulitis with blistering over his lower limb the area was painful and the risk of spreading infection was significant. An impromptu case conference was held with ward staff, the consultant, the pharmacist and the tissue viability service. The result of which was to use a broad range of antibiotics to ensure maximum effect against the offending organism. This pharmacist was not in favour of this approach due to the risk of Clostridium Difficile, however, the risk of spreading necrosis posed a much more serious threat to the patients' well being than that of C.Diff. It was the experience of the consultant and the tissue viability nurse which lead to this decision being taken, both of whom had treated similar patients in the past and witnessed favourable outcomes using this approach. The patient was then transferred to the care of the dermatologist where he continued to respond to treatment. The reason for citing this example is that this patient required the input of a number of key members of the clinical team, and we sometimes take it for granted that these people are available. The threat of possible cuts over the next five years may stretch the service to the point at which it can no longer function efficiently, and we may not have access to the key members of the team who are necessary to make decisions relating to patient care. This could lead to mistakes being made, or oversights which could effectively harm the patient, or at best lead to increased length of stay. There is a presumption that the winter months are the busiest time for hospitals, yet the tissue viability department in Grampian has been challenged at all times of the year with large numbers of patients with chronic wounds and complex pathologies. It is therefore vital that we keep accurate records of our patient numbers year round, in order to protect our service and our patients from cuts which could potentially be harmful.

Forthcoming Events Useful References      Latest references

Keep reading for: Leading Disfigurement Charity Speaker Presents at University of Bradford Useful links Forthcoming Events Useful References Download this newsletter in PDF format   Leading Disfigurement Charity Speaker Presents at University of Bradford Tomorrow (22nd June) the University of Bradford will welcome a leading speaker on disfigurements at an innovative showcase celebrating breakthroughs in health research and development. Henrietta Spalding, Head of Policy and Practice from Changing Faces - the leading UK charity which supports and represents people who have disfigurements to the face, hand or body - will be giving the keynote speech at the event. The event, 'Improving People's Lives Through Research, Knowledge Transfer and Educational Innovation', is being run by the University's School of Health Studies and is being held at the Norcroft Centre on the city campus. The annual event is expected to attract over 100 health care professionals, academic colleagues from Bradford and other universities across the Yorkshire and Humber region, as well as healthcare service users. One in every 111 people has a disfigurement to their face, from birth, trauma, paralysis, skin conditions or cancer surgery. Henrietta will be speaking about disfigurement, which is a key area of research interest for the School of Health Studies. In particular she will focus on the charity's work with the health sector, exploring the challenges for patients with facial disfigurements, from societal prejudices to vulnerability and low self esteem. Her presentation will also include reference to key research that underpins Changing Faces' work. She will then present a set of practical interventions developed by the charity in their work with patients over the past 18 years to help health care professionals ensure the best quality psycho-social care for their patients. Henrietta will also focus on the charity's broader objectives, describing their 'Face Equality' campaign, which aims to ensure that people with disfigurements are treated fairly and equally irrespective of their appearance. There is still a way to go to reach this goal, with nine out of ten members of the public having unconscious negative attitudes towards people with facial disfigurements. Many public and private sector organisations have already signed up to 'Face Equality', demonstrating a tangible commitment to promoting and embedding face equality. This has been done in many ways, from changing organisational culture to developing the curriculum to include face equality teaching. The University of Bradford is hoping to work further with Changing Faces, exploring how 'Face Equality' could be incorporated into the University's practices and curriculum. As well as the presentation from Henrietta, the Showcase event will also feature academic presentations on subjects ranging from the involvement of service users in healthcare to equality and diversity. The Showcase reflects the School's strong research profile which has a direct impact on patient care in the areas of dementia, inclusion and diversity, health care quality and education. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) recognised 75% of the total research at the School as being of internationally recognised originality, significance and rigour, with 35% as internationally excellent or better.   Keep reading for: Useful links Forthcoming Events Useful References Download this newsletter in PDF format   Useful links - Wounds UK Product Directory; find all your wound care and accessory products on one easily searchable site, just click on the Product Directory icon at www.wounds-uk.com - For a unique look into the international world of wound care, with video and interactive events click on the Wounds International icon below.   Keep reading for: Forthcoming Events Useful References Download this newsletter in PDF format   Forthcoming events - On-demand webcast - The importance of Advanced Dressing Technology in Managing Wounds and the Risk of Infection REGISTER AND VIEW NOW! Featured Speakers Keith Cutting, MN.RN Buckinghamshire New University Phil Bowler, MPhil, BSc, FIBMS Global Research and Development, ConvaTec Program Overview There is no doubt that advanced wound care dressings have been proven superior to traditional methods of wound management. Silver's broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy in helping manage bioburden is also no longer disputed. There are a number of dressings available with different features and benefits. In an article recently published in the International Wound Journal, Keith Cutting and other wound care experts discussed topical silver-impregnated dressings and the importance of the dressing technology. In this webcast, Mr. Cutting, the lead author, will discuss the key findings from this clinical review. Phil Bowler is recognized internationally for his knowledge and work in wound microbiology, infection, and infection control. He has published widely, including articles in Clinical Microbiology Reviews, the International Journal of Dermatology, and the Annals of Medicine. He recently presented exciting new in vitro data on the antimicrobial activity of certain silver containing wound dressings at the SAWC/WHS Spring Conference. During this webcast, he will review the scientific findings from this research. Join us for this 40 to 50 minute on-demand webcast with both experienced researchers. To register and view now, click here. - EPUAP Conference 13th Annual European Pressure Ulcer Meeting Pressure Ulcers: The Flourishing of Science to Support Prevention and Healing 1-3 September, 2010: The University of Brimingham, UK View the main meeting page Download the draft program (PDF) Download the meeting flyer & registration form (PDF) Book accommodation (eshop)   Keep reading for: Useful References Download this newsletter in PDF format   References This month I have opted to insert one reference to a document which could have a significant impact on clinical practice: PHMB and its potential contribution to wound management has been written by a panel of experts and examines this unique antiseptic, its properties and its clinical application, to read on and download the document please click here.   Download this newsletter in PDF format