LINKS
The below links provide quick access to useful resources both UK and International relevant to Wound Care, Medical Devices and Technology, Regulatory Issues, NHS strategy and initiatives. This is not intended as an exhaustive list, please feel free to email suggestions for additional links to: - in**@cr******.com
The list currently includes: -
- Healthcare Publishers
- NHS and related links
- Government Departments (Healthcare related)
- Health Charities
- Trade Associations
PUBLICATIONS
British Journal of Community Nursing
British Journal of Community Nursing is the UK's leading peer-reviewed journal for district nurses, containing the most up-to-date clinical coverage and research on primary care nursing. It will help Nurses manage complex cases more effectively, improve case management skills and help gain an understanding of the modern NHS system and how any changes affect you. The journal publishes full-length features in every issue on the following subjects:
- Care of the older person, addressing the complex needs of frail older people at home
- Long-term conditions, supporting, managing and teaching self-care for patients
- Palliative care, covering all aspects of end-of-life and palliative treatment in the community.
World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS)
Aims toimprove wound care standards for patients, health care professional performance and to facilitate universal access in all health care systems.Educate all health care professionals in interdisciplinary team approaches that deliver best practices for improved patient outcomes, and to disseminate the educational and training toolkits created in practical, relevant and adaptable formats to meet local needs.Appraise and to organize the evidence base to facilitate best practices to optimize patient care. To accomplish this mission requires either large-scale randomized clinical trials, or multi-cantered prospective database accumulation efforts.Coordinate a worldwide exchange of information between wound societies and other relevant stakeholders, including international and global agencies as well as personal-level friendship exchanges.
http://www.woundsource.com/resource/world-union-wound-healing-societies-wuwhs
Journal of Community Nursing
Since 1978 the Journal of Community Nursing (JCN) has been providing education, information and training to community nurses within the UK, and globally, including areas such as continence care, wound care, skin care, chronic conditions.
Journal of Wound Care
JWC is essential reading for wound care professionals who are serious about providing the best possible support for the people in their care, and those who want to keep on top of the latest thinking and research. An excellent resource if you want to keep up with the latest clinical developments and improve your knowledge and skills in all areas of wound care practice.
Wounds UK (WUK)
Wounds Group is a major international healthcare communications business with a global reach in wound management. Their mission is to deliver innovative educational materials, online, in print and in person that successfully meet the needs of those practising wound healing across different geographies. With extensive experience in the field of wound healing, WUK provide high-quality independent medical education using multiple platforms. Their aim is to support practitioners by providing insight into latest developments and condensing the available evidence into concise and practice-based guidance for everyday wound management.WoundsGroup has a strong heritage in working in partnership with practitioners and industry to help close the gaps in healthcare provision and strengthen professional skills and knowledge for improved patient care.
Wounds International
A dedicated online practice-based journal, raising awareness and setting standards for wound healing worldwide.
Topics include: - Acute wounds, Assessment and diagnosis, Biofilms, Chronic wounds, Complex wounds, Conferences, Debridement, Diabetic foot ulcers, Education, Exudate management, Infection, Leg ulcers, Lipoedema, Lymphoedema, Negative pressure wound therapy, Physiology, Pressure ulcers, Product, Research, ,Service development and delivery, Skin integrity, Vascular disease, Wellbeing and concordance, Wound bed preparation
International Wound Journal
International Wound Journal is a multi-professional forum providing the best quality information, research data and education on all aspects of wounds and wound healing. The Journal is edited by Professor Keith Harding and Dr Douglas Queen and the Journal is publishing 6 issues per year.
The Diabetic Foot Journal
Published quarterly, The Diabetic Foot Journal is THE peer-reviewed publication journal for healthcare professionals involved in the care of the diabetic foot. The Diabetic Foot Journal provides a unified educational and communication vehicle for all healthcare professionals who are involved in the management of the diabetic foot. Working with these professionals, the journal brings the reader the most topical, practical and relevant content available in the field.
European Wound Management Association (EWMA)
Activities are initiated in cooperation with different national or international organisations, aiming at goals such as an increased data collection and quality of evidence, implementation of knowledge and development of education within wound management.
Society for Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) - Network
Was developed to help wound care clinicians better navigate and provide easier access to educational content by keeping them under a single website. This site features the leading wound care tradeshows SAWC Spring/WHS and SAWC Fall, wound care CME/CE programs, SAWC On-Demand, as well as other educational material. Resource Center. Explore various other wound care related resources affiliated with SAWC Network. Wound Care Products. Check out the latest product information for wound care clinicians and their patients.
NHS AND RELATED SITES
The NHS Future Operating Model (FOM)
The NHS is one of the biggest publicly funded healthcare systems in the world, spending £5.7 billion per annum on the procurement of goods including; general commodities, everyday nursing stock, highly complex medical items, and large capital equipment. The NHS can operate as one of the most effective buyers and deliver better value for money for NHS Trusts and the taxpayer. A procurement transformation programme is currently working to establish what the best structure for procurement and logistical efficiency is, and to implement it. These links will provide information about the Department of Health's Future Operating Model for central NHS Logistics and Procurement Services which will replace the current NHS Supply Chain arrangements when the current contractual arrangements fully expire in September 2018.
The Academy of Fabulous Stuff – NHS focused resource
The NHS is full of enthusiastic, clever, keen, passionate people with a strong sense of vocation. They want to do the right thing and to do things right. The Academy is the place to share ideas about doing it right, boast about the good stuff and if you have a problem, the place to search for an answer. The NHS is so much better than it gets credit for, is so much more efficient than people think. And, is keen to share, be collegiate, find the good stuff and pass it on.
NHS Wales
NHS Wales is the publicly funded National Health Service of Wales providing healthcare to some 3 million people who live in the country. Health in Wales is the website of National Health Service (NHS) Wales and brings together information sources about health services and the health and wellbeing of the population of Wales.NHS Wales provides services ranging from smoking cessation, antenatal screening, and routine treatments for coughs and colds to open heart surgery, accident and emergency treatment and end-of-life care.Setting health policy for the NHS in Wales and the funding for health services is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.
NHS England
NHS England shares out more than £100 billion in funds and holds organisations to account for spending this money effectively for patients and efficiently for the tax payer. Their work involves the commissioning of health care services in England, the contracts for GPs, pharmacists, and dentists and supporting local health services led by groups called Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). CCGs plan and pay for local services such as hospitals and ambulance services. NHS England has devised a strategic vision for the NHS, along with our partners in health, called the Five Year Forward View.
NHS Scotland
NHS Scotland currently employs approximately 160,000 staff who work across 14 regional NHS Boards, seven Special NHS Boards and one public health body. Each NHS Board is accountable to Scottish Ministers, supported by the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates. Regional NHS Boards are responsible for the protection and the improvement of their population's health and for the delivery of frontline healthcare services. Special NHS Boards support the regional NHS Boards by providing a range of important specialist and national services.
NHS Northern Ireland
The Procurement and Logistics Service, commonly known as PaLS, is the sole provider of professional procurement and logistics services to all public Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations in Northern Ireland (NI). It is a recognised Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) established under the Northern Ireland Public. Hospital and Community services are provided by 6 Health Trusts, General Practices, Health and Social Care Board and other HSC Agencies.
The King’s Fund
The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. Their vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all. The King's Fund is governed by the Board of Trustees, day-to-day management is delegated to a Senior Management Team. The King's Fund provides a unique and free source of information on health and social care policy and management.
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS)
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance patient care. We support over 25,000 members in the UK and internationally by improving their skills and knowledge, facilitating research and developing policy and guidance.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM)
Is the only professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resource.
https://www.rcm.org.uk/
Royal College of Nurses (RCN)
The RCN is the world's largest union and professional body for nursing staff, it is a membership organisation of more than 435,000 registered nurses, midwives, health care assistants and nursing students. The RCN is both a professional body, carrying out work on nursing standards, education and practice, and a trade union. Members work in a range of health care specialties and settings in the NHS and independent sectors. The RCN also has members based overseas, and members who are retired. Around 35,000 nursing students are members. The RCN is a Royal Charter body registered with the Privy Council and on a special register of trade unions which means rules differ slightly to other trade unions.
The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP)
Established as the National Association of Theatre Nurses, NATN, in 1964. As a membership organisation and registered charity AfPP works to enhance skills and knowledge within operating departments, associated areas and sterile services departments. AfPP aims to enhance the quality of care and patient safety in the NHS and the independent sector throughout the UK. AfPP has been supporting theatre nurses, ODPs, HCAs and all those working in and around operating departments for over 50 years, setting standards and guidance on best practice.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
ABHI – Association of British Healthcare Industries
The ABHI is the UK's leading medical technology industry association with a community of over 260 members. ABHI champions the use of safe and effective medical technologies to deliver high quality patient outcomes and engages with the NHS, government, regulators and other key stakeholders both here in the UK and abroad, in order to represent this industry. ABHI’s work focuses on UK Market, Economic Growth, Regulatory, Ethics and Compliance.
SDMA - Surgical Dressing Manufacturers Association
The SDMA the voice of the UK surgical dressings industry and exists to serve companies involved in the wound care, bandaging, orthopaedic, procedure pack, single-use instrument, and associated market sectors in the British Isles. The SDMA actively encourages the appropriate use of safe and effective products in healthcare markets and responsibly influences the creation of a favourable regulatory environment. Working in partnership with healthcare professionals & procurement organisations it helps to create an environment that encourages innovation within it’s scope.
BHTA - British Healthcare Trade Association
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is the UK's oldest and largest healthcare association, founded in 1917. It’s members - almost 500 companies employing over 17,000 people – make or sell healthcare and assistive technology products that help people live more independently. These range from wheelchairs and scooters to stairlifts, stoma and continence products, seating and positioning products, patient support surfaces, rehabilitation products, prosthetics, orthotics and augmentative communication devices for people with limited speech.
BAREMA
Is the Association for Anaesthetic and Respiratory Device Suppliers, represents over 70% of companies that manufacture or supply anaesthetic and respiratory equipment in or to the UK, enabling the sector as a whole to work with the medical profession and other stakeholders to maintain its enviable reputation for exceptionally high levels of quality, safety, reliability and innovation, and the best possible anaesthetic and respiratory care.Barema was founded in 1971 as a not-for-profit association to bring together companies that manufacture or supply anaesthetic and respiratory equipment in or to the UK.
AHPMA – The Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufactures Association
The AHPMA is the trade association which represents the UK manufacturers of disposable nappies, feminine hygiene products and continence care products. The association is the voice of industry with government and other official bodies. It represents its members non-competitive interests at all levels, dealing with regulatory and legislative matters, the media, health professionals and consumers alike. AHPMA is affiliated to EDANA (International Association representing nonwovens and related products, including the absorbent hygiene products industry) in Brussels and is an active participant within its European communications arm, HAPCO. AHPMA was formerly known as the ASPM and was developed in the mid 1940’s to ensure an even supply of materials to manufacturers during post war years. The organisation was renamed in the mid 90’s and today is an active and dynamic force representing industry.
British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA)
Is the national industry association for companies with major involvement and interest in the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry. BIVDA represents both manufacturers and distributors who are active in the UK and represents all IVD companies, irrespective of their national origin, are eligible to become members of BIVDA. As well as providing a range of support services for its members, BIVDA pursues a strategy of raising the awareness of the clinical and cost utility of diagnostics in the provision of effective healthcare in the UK. Our Code of Conduct governing members business practice is an integral part of the association.
AxREM
Is the trade association representing the suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT and care equipment in the UK. AXREM members supply most of the diagnostic medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment installed in UK hospitals. AXREM’s primary role is to help promote and develop the industry by providing a collective interface. Members provide expert input and has unique knowledge, experience and insight to the healthcare industry.
British Dental Industry Association (BDIA)
Is the UK’s national trade association, representing and supporting the collective interests of manufacturers and suppliers of dental products, services and technologies. The BDIA has a member community of over 125 companies. The BDIA plays a pivotal role in driving standards for the provision of quality oral healthcare.
CHARITIES
Wound Care Alliance UK(WCAUK)
Is a charity with the remit of supporting the delivery of well-informed high quality care by clinicians well versed in the principles of best practices in all aspects of Tissue Viability, providing training and education by experienced wound care professionals for the non-specialist which can then be applied in any care setting. The primary objective of the Wound Care Alliance UK is the development and promotion of multi-disciplinary best practice in the prevention, assessment, management and maintenance of wounds. It aims to provide a range of accessible Tissue Viability information and resources for individuals including compression hosiery, dressing selection, skin tears, wound assessment and pressure ulcer prevention.
The Lindsey Leg Club Foundation
The Foundation has been created to relieve suffering from leg ulcers and associated conditions through the implementation of an award-winning model that motivates and empowers patients to take ownership of their care, alleviate their suffering and reduce the stigma attached to their condition. It also seeks to further advance education in all aspects of leg health among sufferers, carers, the general public and the healthcare professions. Patient centred care is a vital part of providing successful treatment for people with chronic leg wounds.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Is the regulatory agency for medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK. MHRA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency
Tissue Viability Society (TVS)
Its mission is to disseminate information, promote research and increase awareness of all aspects of good clinical practice in wound prevention and management and is simply to provide expertise in wound management.
The Leg Ulcer Forum
Was established to promote improved outcomes for people suffering with leg ulcers and related conditions through evidence based practice and education. It’s mission statement: To drive best practice and support both patients and practitioners in the management of lower limb conditions through the promotion and development of national standards, educational activities and increased awareness.
Charity Choice - UK Health Charities
Want to help ensure the wellbeing of UK health charities? Is your interest in charities which research or support people with particular conditions - for example, obesity, heart disease, strokes, mental health or cancer charities? You can easily donate online, fundraise, or find out more about these and other health causes, by just browsing the searchable sub-categories on this site.
Woundcare4Heroes (WC4H)
The UK’s only specialist charity for veterans’ wound care. From when they leave the armed forces until they are elderly, WC4H helps physically injured veterans in England and Wales, ex-service men and women with amputations, complex ballistic injuries, burns and other injuries may need lifelong care and support. Many veterans face multiple surgeries and years of stump and scar management after they leave the armed forces. WC4H helps by providing one-to-one wound care for the most complex cases, bridging the gap between military healthcare and the NHS, working with partners to provide rapid assessment and referrals. WC4H makes life better for veterans by helping them get the ongoing care they need and by supporting their families and healthcare teams and influences treatment and advocate for better services. Working in partnership with other charities and health services, supported by a team of experts and specialists.
REGULATORY
EU Commission – Notified Bodies
A notified body is an organisation designated by an EU country to assess the conformity of certain products before being placed on the market. These bodies carry out tasks related to conformity assessment procedures set out in the applicable legislation, when a third party is required. The European Commission publishes a list of such notified bodies. Notified bodies carry out conformity assessment as a service to manufacturers in an area of public interest. It is the responsibility of the EU country to notify conformity assessment bodies within their jurisdiction according to principles laid down in Decision 768/2008/EC.
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/goods/building-blocks/notified-bodies_en
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It consists of the Office of the Commissioner and four directorates overseeing the core functions of the agency: Medical Products and Tobacco, Foods and Veterinary Medicine, Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, and Operations. The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, quality, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products, and medical devices. The FDA is also responsible for the safety and security of most of our nation’s food supply, all cosmetics, dietary supplements and products that give off radiation.
Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
Works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Medical devices: EU regulations for MDR and IVDR
What you need to know about the new EU Regulations for medical devices (MDR) and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR).
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medical-devices-eu-regulations-for-mdr-and-ivdr
TRAINING
Wellards – MedTech Training
Part of Wilmington plc since January 2016, provides web-based training as its core serviceon aspects of the sales environment for professionals within the pharmaceutical and medtech industries.Wellards has more than 22,000 users representing over 900 companies. Subscribers have their own username and password that gives them access to a range of services and features such as news, access to courses, regularly updated information as well as an extensive range of learning materials (including WebEx’s and events).
