All articles by julian turner

julian turner

Helping hand – reducing clinical glove misuse

Clinical gloves are routinely used in patient-care delivery but have the potential to increase the risk of healthcare-associated infection transmission unless certain procedures are followed. Jennie Wilson, reader in healthcare epidemiology at the University of West London, speaks to Sarah Williams about the ways healthcare workers can reduce clinical glove misuse.

New nanoparticles perform MRI and fluorescent imaging

IT chemists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US have developed new nanoparticles that can simultaneously perform magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescent imaging in living animals.

Heart can heal using own immune cells, say US researchers

The heart contains its own pool of immune cells capable of helping it heal after injury, according to new research in the US.

Pressure points – eliminate hospital-acquired pressure ulcers

While significant efforts to eliminate hospital-acquired pressure ulcers have been undertaken recently, tissue viability nurses are confronted by many daily problems fulfilling this task. Sharon Bateman, an expert in wound care and clinical manager for respiratory at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, talks to Sarah Williams about the challenges of taking the pressure off.

Strike the band – the efficacy of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is currently offered to type 2 diabetics with a BMI of 35 or more, but to counter the ominous surge in new cases, some UK health institutions have recommended broadening this to anyone classed as obese. Chris Godfrey discusses the efficacy of such proposals with Professor Nicholas Finer, consultant endocrinologist and bariatric physician at London’s University College Hospital, and finds out how they might impact patients, health services and the wider economy.

Strike the band – the efficacy of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is currently offered to type 2 diabetics with a BMI of 35 or more, but to counter the ominous surge in new cases, some UK health institutions have recommended broadening this to anyone classed as obese. Chris Godfrey discusses the efficacy of such proposals with Professor Nicholas Finer, consultant endocrinologist and bariatric physician at London’s University College Hospital, and finds out how they might impact patients, health services and the wider economy.

Maximum exposure – radiation risks during CT imaging

Radiation encountered during CT imaging can cause patients serious health problems. Introduced and supported by Bayer, Dr Sebastian Schindera, radiologist at the University Hospital Basel, explains to Medical Imaging Technology the risks associated with poorly controlled doses and how clinicians can avoid them.

The kidneys are alright – the risks and rewards of contrast media

It is widely accepted in medical literature that iodinated contrast media can be bad for kidneys, but a comprehensive study suggests the fear may be unfounded. Dr Robert J McDonald from Mayo Clinic in Minnesota talks to Natalie Healey about the reasons behind this medical dogma, and what the new research could mean for radiologists.

Early warning – non-invasive imaging technique using PET radioisotopes

Coronary plaque rupture and subsequent acute myocardial infarction are a major cause of death worldwide, but anticipating cases successfully is a problem. Dr Nikhil Joshi from the University of Edinburgh discusses a new inexpensive and non-invasive imaging technique using PET radioisotopes that might prove to be the solution.

Held in confidence – installing a secure PACS

As medical imaging undergoes a digital revolution, healthcare organisations are facing up to new patient data protection challenges. Dr Neelam Dugar, consultant radiologist at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust, talks to Ross Davies on how to avoid security issues when it comes to installing a picture archiving and communication system (PACS).