Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
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J R Coll Surg Edinb · Feb 1998
Minimizing the risk of penetrating injury to surgical staff in the operating theatre: towards sharp-free surgery.
Conventional surgery carries a significant risk of inadvertent injury to members of the scrub team. Although minor injury is common and usually no more than unpleasant, serious consequences may occur. Modifications in technique together with the application of modern instrumentation may reduce the risks of sharp injury substantially. The techniques and technology available in the conventional open surgery setting are reviewed.
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J R Coll Surg Edinb · Feb 1998
Profile of the first four years of the Regional Burn Unit based at St. John's Hospital, West Lothian (1992-1996).
In March 1992, the Regional Adult Burn Unit for the South East of Scotland in Bangour was transferred to the new District General Hospital in West Lothian. With the change in site and with changes in NHS policies and staff, it was expected that some difficulties would occur. An analysis of the initial situation was considered to be educational as well as of practical value. ⋯ Although the most common infectious organism in the Burn Unit remains Staphylococcus aureus, the advent of MRSA is worrying. The new unit has been closed twice because of bacterial infection. It is concluded that it is essential that patients with burns are managed in a separate Burn Unit within the District General Hospital and not amalgamated with other areas such as Intensive Care.