Reading

Text A – Text Booklet Text A Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans. Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria […] More

Clear Communication Medical personnel are so immersed in jargon that it becomes part of their daily speech The patient may not understand the words or may have a different idea of their meaning. Technical words such as myocardial infarction are in obvious need of avoidance or explanation. Consider also terms such as exacerbate, chronic, numb, […] More

To: All Staff Subject: Faxing Confidential Information Please note the following: Take safety measures before faxing confidential information. A fax cover sheet should contain instruction that the faxed material is to be given only to the named recipient. Consent is needed from the client to fax information. Check that the fax number is correct, check […] More

Infection Prevention and Control Each year, an excess of £1 billion is spent by NHS on healthcare-associated infection. This is an infection that was neither present nor incubating at the time of contact with the healthcare facility. All staff have a duty to protect patients from harm and ensure colleagues, patients and visitors take infection […] More

Aseptic Technique Aseptic technique must be used when handling syringes and needles. The needle, the tip and hub, the inside of the barrel, and the plunger must be kept sterile at all times. Contamination of the plunger will contaminate the solution or medication as the plunger goes down the barrel. All syringes should be labelled […] More

Language Barriers Health institutions have the responsibility and an ethical obligation to ensure that residents who do not speak English are informed regarding procedures or treatments. Using a translator can result in errors. The best translator is one trained in the use of medical terminology. A telephone translation service, often available 24 hours every day, […] More

Handbook Extract: Confidentiality and Data Protection Healthcare Information is confidential. It can only be used to provide direct healthcare of patients. Using it for other purposes will require patient consent or lawful basis such as crime prevention or detection of crime. Access to patient information is permitted only if there is legitimate reason within the […] More

Equality and Fair Treatment Equality is about fair and inclusive treatment. It is protected in law with the aim that we can all live and work in a society where everyone can participate and can fulfil their potential. The Equality Act directs that people must not receive unfair treatment and that everyone is responsible for […] More

How much fluid should you drink each day for good health? Eight glasses a day has been the widely circulated advice. But recently, two large studies have suggested that’s probably overkill. It turns out that under normal circumstances, you get most of the liquid you need each day from what you routinely eat and drink, […] More