Device to sniff out stomach bugs could save NHS millions
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 09:49
Press release issued 5 February 2010
Testing has begun on a device that can sniff out the presence of disease by smell, thanks to a £1.3 million award from the Wellcome Trust.
OdoReader, developed by Chris Probert from the University and Norman Ratcliffe from the University of the West of England, uses pioneering technology to rapidly diagnose Clostridium difficile, by ‘reading’ the odour of stool samples. Clostridium difficile may cause severe diarrhoea, especially amongst hospitalised patients.
With the help of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, the technology enables gasses emitted from faeces to be analysed in under an hour, leading to a rapid and inexpensive diagnosis. Such early detection could reap real health benefits for millions of people and help prevent the spread of infectious disease.
Oral Feeding Difficulties and Dilemmas
Tuesday, 05 January 2010 10:32
A guide to practical care, particularly towards the end of life
Report of a joint RCP/BSG Working Party - January 2010
‘Nil by mouth’ should be a last resort rather than the first option... That is the central message from a ‘Working Party’ report published jointly by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Society of Gastroenterology. Entitled ‘Oral feeding difficulties and dilemmas: A guide to practical care, particularly towards the end of life’, it has been prepared in response to continuing unease about the lack of consensus, including among doctors, about when artificial nutrition and hydration is appropriate.
Its authors (a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals with an interest in nutrition matters, ethical experts and patient representatives) have reviewed the clinical and ethical arguments surrounding the tube feeding of those patients who, often near the end of life are experiencing swallowing difficulties either as a result of neurological illness or other substantial disabilities.
The report’s ultimate aim is to improve care by providing healthcare professionals, patients, their families and carers with practical advice that has a sound legal and ethical basis, and to prevent distressing and complicated disagreements.
Please log-in to view a downloadable PDF copy of the report
[Paper copies of the report may be ordered from the Royal College of Physicians' website]
Britain Against Cancer Conference
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 10:54
Speech by Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health
1 December 2009, at the all Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer: Britain Against Cancer Conference
In England in people under 75, almost 9,000 lives were saved in 2008 compared to 1996. We should take a moment to celebrate this – and our partners in the NHS and the voluntary sector who have made it possible.
Other progress includes:
...
Roll-out of the bowel cancer screening to men and women aged 60-69 is now almost complete across the country On screening, specialist services, collection and analysis of data, and research, Mike [National Cancer Director, Mike Richards] reports that NHS services are now comparable with the best in the world. And let me be absolutely clear: cancer research will not be cut to pay for personal care, contrary to reports.
BSG member Roland Valori scoops NHS Change Leader of the Year
Wednesday, 09 December 2009 09:44
Dr Roland Valori, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, has scooped a prize in the prestigious national NHS Leadership Awards 2009.
Dr Valori walked away with the award for Change Leader of the Year at the ceremony in London.
Dr Valori has been recognised for his work as national Endoscopy Lead for England. As such he has led the rejuvenation of the Endoscopy service in England and much of the methodology developed to generate quality improvement in endoscopy has been adopted internationally.
NHS Evidence: Annual Evidence Update on Alcoholic Liver Disease
Tuesday, 08 December 2009 16:23
NHS Evidence: Annual Evidence Update on Alcoholic Liver Disease
NHS Evidence – gastroenterology and liver diseases publised its first Evidence Update on alcoholic liver diseases on 7th December 2009.
Alcohol misuse produces a spectrum of liver injury ranging from simple fatty change through alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis and, in some 20% of individuals, to hepatocellular carcinoma. We will be presenting an overview of the best systematic reviews and selected primary research from the past two years, along with commentary from experts in the field. We will also provide links to useful policy documents and other items of interest.
To access the Annual Evidence Update, visit www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver
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