1. THE Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering at Addenbroke’s Hospital in Cambridge has installed LabLogic solutions to supply all the equipment needed to support its new metabolite analysis system for early stage PET studies. Included in the procurement are a Posi RAM radio-HPLC detector, Agilent 1200SL HPLC system and Triathler well counter, all sourced by LabLogic and controlled by the company’s Laura 4 radio chromatography software. “The Posi-RAM detector has been developed specifically for the low-level Beta+ counting necessary for studying the metabolism of novel PET radio-pharmaceuticals,” said a LabLogic spokesman.

LabLogic

 

Radio-Tech has launched a new energy management solution to help trusts cut their carbon footprint

2. EFFORTS by health trusts across the UK to cut down on carbon emissions continue with news this week of the launch of a new energy management solution. Wireless telemetry specialist, Radio-Tech, has developed the system to enable organisations including NHS trusts to monitor and ultimately reduce their energy consumption in line with Government targets. The wireless data capture technology will allow for 24/7 monitoring of any remote assets and consumption of water, electricity and gas, highlighting areas where reductions can be made and money saved. The software was put together in response to comments made by leaders of The Carbon Trust, the independent body set up by the Government to combat the threat of climate change. In its document entitled How to monitor your energy use, experts stated: “Automatic meter reading systems provide accurate and timely data with the minimum of effort. These systems make is easy to take readings in real time and therefore identify savings opportunities quickly. They often pay for themselves in under a year.” Radio-Tech provides a number of products in the new range including low-power radio transmitters and data concentrators as well as network sensors.

Radio-Tech

3. THE main challenges facing the future of pathology services were brought to the fore when more than 250 UK and Irish laboratory managers met recently in London. The delegates were attending Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics’ first annual Siemens Academy event, a three-day initiative providing a forum in which to learn commercial skills, understand the need for long-term planning and embrace business tools and scientific best practice. The event included specialist lectures, real laboratory case studies and open debate sessions with guest speakers. Topics discussed included the commercialisation of pathology, the impact of both the Carter and Darzi reports, strategies needed to address an ageing scientific workforce, advancements in point-of-care testing and laboratory automation. The next event in the series is planned for June 2010. For details see the website.

Siemens Healthcare

 

Surgical Innovations will enveil its new LogiFlex laparoscopic device at an obesity conference in Paris

4. SURGICAL Innovations will be unveiling its latest flexible laparoscopic device at an obesity conference in Paris next month. The LogiFlex is a system for bariatric surgeons, offering better rigidity coupled with an ergonomic handle to aid delicate surgical procedures. Specially developed in conjunction with surgeons, it is made of both reusable and single-use components and its sterile insert provides a solution to gastric banding, with the flexible tip allowing for easy insertion through the retro gastric tunnel. It will be showcased at the annual meeting of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders which takes place from 26-29 August in Paris.

Surgical Innovations 

* The ENT departments at Pilgrim Hospital and neighbouring Lincoln County Hospital and the sleep services centre at Pilgrim are to pilot a new patient feedback system which will help improve the quality of care for service users. QI Interactive screens will be placed in the reception areas allowing patients to give feedback on the consultants they see, the quality of service and how the system can be improved