Joint Working Group on Pay Equity Principles
This group will::
Commence discussions:The week of 26 October 2015, and
Make recommendations to Ministers: Week of 28 March 2016.
http://www.ssc.govt.nz/pay-equity-working-group-terms-reference
Articles - Legionnaires
1. Legionnaires' Disease Sickens 127
By MAZURKIEWICZ, GREG.
Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News
8/24/2015, Vol. 255 Issue 17, p1-24.
Abstract: The article reports on the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City in 2015. Topics discussed include information about Legionnaires' disease, the maintenance of cooling towers, the test for Legionella bacteria contamination, the best practices in addressing the disease, and the legislation for outbreak prevention.
2. Legionnaires' disease in LTC facilities: A hidden threat
By YUSEN E. LIN; YU, VICTOR L.
Long-Term Living: For the Continuing Care Professional. Jun/Jul 2014, Vol. 63
Issue 5, p36-40. 4p.
Abstract: The article focuses on the increasing cases of Legionnaires' disease in long-term care (LTC) facilities in the U.S. such senior living and nursing homes. It states that Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia that is caused by waterborne bacteria called Legionella. It adds that the disease usually affects people who are susceptible due to illness, age, or compromised immune systems.
3. Prevalence of Legionella Strains in Cooling Towers and Legionellosis Cases in New Zealand.
By Lau, Robert; Maqsood, Saadia; Harte, David; Caughley, Brian; Deacon, Rob.
Journal of Environmental Health. Jan/Feb 2013, Vol. 75 Issue 6, p82-89. 8p
Abstract: Over 3,900 water samples from 688 cooling towers were tested for Legionella in 2008 in New Zealand. Of 80 (2.05% isolation rate) Legionella isolates, 10 (12.5%) were L. pneumophila serogroup 1; 10 (12.5%) were L. anisa; nine (11.2%) were L. pneumophila serogroup 8; and one (1.2%) was L. longbeachae serogroup 2. Forty-one (51.2%) Legionella isolates were L. pneumophila serogroups. Over 3,990 water samples from 606 cooling towers were tested for Legionella in 2009 in New Zealand. Of 51 (1.28% isolation rate) Legionella isolates, 18 (35.3%) were L. pneumophila serogroup 1, and 39 (76.4%) were other L. pneumophila serogroups. L. pneumophila serogroups were significantly associated with legionellosis cases in 2008 and 2009
Articles - Alcoholism
4. Alcoholism: Some Hopeful Steps for Corrections.
By Shively, Randy.
Corrections Today. Mar/Apr2015, Vol. 77 Issue 2, p50-55. 6p.
Abstract: The article offers guidance for corrections facilities on how to deal with alcohol addiction among inmates. Topics include the association between alcoholism and crime, physical and psychological effects of alcohol, and the causes behind addiction that keep people bound up and using alcohol. Also mentioned is the importance of screening and brief interventions for substance abuse issues
5. Neuroplasticity in Human Alcoholism.
By Fein, George; Cardenas, Valerie A.
Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. 2015, Vol. 37 Issue 1, p125-141. 17p
Abstract: Alcoholism is characterized by a lack of control over excessive alcohol consumption despite significant negative consequences. This impulsive and compulsive behavior may be related to functional abnormalities within networks of brain regions responsible for how we make decisions. The abnormalities may result in strengthened networks related to appetitive drive—or the need to fulfill desires—and simultaneously weakened networks that exercise control over behaviors
6. Stress, Epigenetics, and Alcoholism.
By Moonat, Sachin; Pandey, Subhash C.
Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. 2012, Vol. 34 Issue 4, p495-505. 11p
Abstract: Acute and chronic stressors have been associated with alterations in mood and increased anxiety that may eventually result in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Stress and associated disorders, including anxiety, are key factors in the development of alcoholism because alcohol consumption can temporarily reduce the drinker's dysphoria
7. Circadian Genes, the Stress Axis, and Alcoholism.
By Sarkar, Dipak K.
Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. 2012, Vol. 34 Issue 3, p362-366. 5p
Abstract: The body's internal system to control the daily rhythm of the body's functions (i.e., the circadian system), the body's stress response, and the body's neurobiology are highly interconnected. Thus, the rhythm of the circadian system impacts alcohol use patterns; at the same time, alcohol drinking also can alter circadian functions. The sensitivity of the circadian system to alcohol may result from alcohol's effects on the expression of several of the clock genes that regulate circadian function
Articles – Anaphylactic Reactions
8. The first time an anaphylactic child presents in your surgery
By Jo Scott-Jones
NZ Doctor – 11 November 2015
Abstract: An anaphylactic reaction occurring in your practice requires a well-rehearsed plan to ensure all staff know the procedure and the child recovers
9. Anaphylaxis: diagnosis and treatment
By Bethel, James.
Nursing Standard. 6/12/2013, Vol. 27 Issue 41, p49-56. 8p
Abstract: Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Healthcare professionals working in a variety of settings need to know how to recognise this condition and the importance of treating it promptly. This article describes the pathophysiology, causes and treatment of anaphylaxis
Articles – Nurses and Occupational Injuries/Needlestick Injuries
10. Nurses at risk of injuries
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal
Aug 2015, Vol. 23 Issue 2, p27-28. 2p.
Abstract: The article focuses on the risks of occupational injuries for nurses in Australia. Topics discussed include the passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) which ensures the healthier and safer work environment for workers in Australia, the impact of carrying large weights and constrained movements to risk of injuries for nurses, and the needlestick injuries faced by nurses.
11. Prevention before cure.
By Tregoning, Clare.
Occupational Health. Aug 2014, Vol. 66 Issue 8, p27-30. 4p
Abstract: The article discusses the measures that can be taken by companies in order to protect their employees from harm while in the workplace as well as the actions that can be taken if an injury or accident occurs. Topics covered include the British Health Protection Agency's (HPA) definition of inoculation exposure and its categories, the emergence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) as the most common injuries among healthcare workers and the groups of workers facing high risk of such injuries
12. Issues in personal safety.
By Lowth, Mary.
Practice Nurse. 4/18/2014, Vol. 44 Issue 4, p34-39. 6p
Abstract: The article discusses the physical and psychological risks faced by practice nurses at work and ways to minimize them. Work place injuries discussed include musculoskeletal injuries, needle stick injuries and exposure to toxic substances. It also details direct risks from patients who become violent. Verbal abuse, discrimination, sexual and racial harassment are cited as violence that may be experienced by healthcare workers.
13. Starting out: Student experiences in the real world of nursing; an accident with a syringe tuaght me to take a series of precautions
By Metcalfe, Callum.
Nursing Standard. 1/29/2014, Vol. 28 Issue 22, p28-28. 2/3p
Abstract: A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of obtaining a needlestick injury while working on a clinical placement on a ward for older people and of developing a needlestick prevention initiative as a result.
Journal – Table of Contents
From Journal of Infection Prevention, November 2015; 16 (6)
14A. Editorial: the art of scientific publication [Jennie Wilson]
14B. A case study of healthcare professional views on the meaning of data produced by hand hygiene auditing [Carolyn H Dawson]
14C. Central venous catheter dressing durability: an evaluation
14D. Quantifying patient bacterial exposure risk from reusable phlebotomy tourniquets in a New Zealand secondary level hospital
14E. Outbreak column 18: The undervalued work of outbreak: prevention, preparedness, detection and management
14F. Journal watch: [Highlights new research and other developments in infection prevention and control and related fields, published elsewhere]
14G. IPS spotlight - Profile: Evonne Curran [How did you become an infection prevention and control nurse?]
14H. Diary – Infection Control events – November 2015
Conferences
15. 18th South Pacific Nurses Forum
Through nursing excellence for universal (Pacific) health
Date: 10-14 October 2016
Venue: Honiara, Solomon Islands
More information: http://www.spnf.org.au/
16. The 7th Annual Elder Law Conference
Primarily focussing on:
• The ethical and legal challenges affecting clinical decision-making and patient outcomes within aged care
• Managing difficult conversations in aged care
• Elder abuse
• Legislation updates
Date: 23rd & 24th February 2016
Venue: Auckland
More information:
http://www.conferenz.co.nz/conferences/elder-law-health-sector-0
17. National Rural Health Conference 2016
Wai Ora, Healthy Environments"
Date: 31 March – 3 April 2016
Venue: Dunedin Centre on the Octagon
More information: http://www.nationalruralhealthconference.co.nz/nrhc16
News – National
18. Still no action on coroner's Legionnaires call
Michael Cropp - michael.cropp@radionz.co.nz
An outbreak of the potentially deadly Legionnaires disease was more difficult to contain because recommendations a coroner made seven years ago had not been implemented, a public health official says.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/290386/still-no-action-on-coroner's-legionnaires-call
19. Alcohol responsible for 1 in 12 A & E visits
Radio New Zealand – 24/11/2015
Research has revealed that one in eight people presenting at emergency departements during peak times are there for for alcohol-related reasons. In the largest study of alcohol harm in hospital emergency departments (EDs), the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, monitored eight hospitals across Australia and New Zealand over one week in December 2014, with over 9,600 people screened
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/290391/alcohol-responsible-for-1-in-12-a-and-e-visits
News - International
20. Alcohol sending hundreds of thousands into hospital each year: ACEM study
The Age - November 24, 2015
Alcohol is sending hundreds of thousands of people to emergency departments each year, far outranking the scourge of ice, research on Australian and New Zealand hospitals has found. The study – the largest of its kind – has prompted the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine to call for more lockout laws for licensed venues, to reduce the harm alcohol is causing across the country
http://www.theage.com.au/national/alcohol-sending-hundreds-of-thousands-into-hospital-each-year-acem-study-20151123-gl5tgx.html
21. 29 billion reasons why the makers of Botox and Viagra are merging
The Age - November 24, 2015
The second biggest merger deal in the history of merger deals was announced overnight in the US, in what might be the ultimate baby boomer transaction. Pfizer, which is known for the erectile dysfunction product Viagra (and many other drugs, including cholesterol product Lipitor) agreed to unite with Allergan, best known for Botox, the cosmetic product designed to remove wrinkles
http://www.theage.com.au/business/world-business/29-billion-reasons-why-the-makers-of-botox-and-viagra-are-merging-20151123-gl661l.html