Airedale General Hospital Research Articles

Piloting a novel cancer care pathway: socioeconomic background as a barrier to access

The multidisciplinary diagnostic clinic (MDC) model for 'non-specific' symptoms has been piloted in the UK. We aimed to assess the degree to which the MDC pathway was influenced by socioeconomic factors. We collected data for all patients referred to the MDC from 01 January 2017 - 28 March 2019. Indices of multiple deprivation (IMD) scores were matched to patients' postcodes and referring general practitioner (GP) location. Socioeconomic data for MDC patients was compared with all other cancer patients diagnosed in the MDC's base hospital, Airedale General Hospital (AGH), in 2018. Statistical significance was tested using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation. No significant difference was found between MDC pathway and the rest of AGH when comparing social deprivation of patients. There was a moderate negative correlation between the IMD associated with the location of GP premises and the number of referrals; practices in more deprived locations referred fewer patients (p≤0.025). The MDC pathway referral rate seems to be affected by social deprivation in a similar manner to other cancer diagnosis pathways. Our work highlights the importance of engaging GP practices with socially deprived populations as the MDC programme is rolled out across the UK.

The Effect of Plaster Immobilisation on the Proprioception of the Limb

Background: It is difficult to establish the effect cast immobilisation has upon a patient and whether or not it causes a significant detriment to the proprioceptive mechanisms within the body. An observational pilot study on random group of patients collected from the fracture clinic. Patients and methods: Twenty two male and sixteen female fracture clinic patients from Airedale general hospital were included within this study, with ages spanning from six to eighty years old. A comparison between patients drinking alcohol and patients not drinking, were made. Also the effect of age was analyzed. A subjective analysis using a questionnaire and an objective examination on modalities of light touch, vibration and position sense, to investigate any variation in proprioceptive awareness. Results: Highlighted a correlation between time in cast and sensorimotor deficit especially in patients above the age of 50 years. An increased time lead to an increased deficit with an eleven week duration following Achilles tendon rupture being the most significant. The results also indicated the profound negative effect of alcohol consumption on the proprioception of the patient, regardless of quantity. Conclusion: Individuals who are known to consume alcohol are suggested to receive assistance with their proprioceptive function by means of physiotherapy and limb movement re-training prior to driving. Individuals who have Achilles rupture should be subjected to clinical review three months post-cast-removal prior to returning to drive.

Dedicated and passionate.

Claire Marsden met midwife Ann Tasker, formerly employed at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, when she supported her through labour when her son Harry was born at Airedale General Hospital in Keighley in 2009.

PB7 Does more mean less? The impact of increased consultant numbers on ED admission rates

Objectives and BackgroundThe College of Emergency Medicine has recommended an expansion of the consultant workforce; this is intended to improve patient care, patient safety, cost efficiency and further the development...

Clinical Outcome Following Treatment with Clavicular Hook Plate

Hook plates are used to treat acromio-clavicular joint dislocations and lateral clavicle fractures. Our study looked at patient outcome following treatment with a Synthes clavicular hook plate. Method: Medical notes review and telephone interview of patients treated with a clavicular hook plate between 2003 and 2009 at Airedale General Hospital. Modified constant score calculated looking at pain, range of movement, power and functional level, and general comments recorded. Results: Total of fifteen patients treated with hook plates, unable to contact two patients, three notes unavailable. Of remaining ten patients (M:F; 7:3), six were for lateral clavicle fractures, three for ACJ dislocation and one not recorded. One plate was still in situ. Follow up after plate removal ranged from 0-79 months, mean 22 months. Only complication was a fatigue fracture next to the plate prior to removal. Modified constant score, out of 80, had a mean of 78 (range 25-80). Patients reported problems with pain and reduced range of movement whilst the hook plate was in situ, with some pain remaining after removal, particularly affecting their sleep. Conclusion: It is previously documented that hook plates are an effective way of treating ACJ dislocations and lateral clavicle fractures, however patients should be appropriately counselled of the likely is comfort whilst in situ which occasionally persists after removal.

Thomas John Phillips

Thomas John Phillips (“John”) came from Carmarthenshire farming stock and was proud of his Welsh roots. A national service spell as surgeon lieutenant in the Royal Navy during 1960-2 saw...

Audit on the use of empirical antibiotics in pregnant women with presumed UTI and their correlation to MSU results

BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequently seen ‘medical’ complications in pregnancy. It is common to treat pregnant patients with empirical antibiotics before awaiting the results of...

Follow up of patients with colorectal polyps: are the BSG guidelines being adhered to?

The publication of the BSG guidelines in 2002 provided a framework for the follow up of patients with colorectal polyps. The aim of the present study was to determine whether they had, or were being correctly adhered to in a moderately sized District General Hospital. A total of 598 patients were on the waiting list for colonoscopy at Airedale General Hospital (AGH) in February 2005. Of these, 203 were being followed up as a result of the previous finding of a polyp. Only 14.8% of patients had been or were being followed up according to the BSG guidelines. The majority of the 85.2% of patients who did not comply with follow up did so as a result of over investigation. Seventy-eight per cent of the low-risk group and 55% of the intermediate-risk group had been colonoscoped, or were waiting to have colonoscopy, too soon or too frequently according to the BSG guidelines. Twenty-four patients with hyperplastic polyps were being followed up incorrectly, as were 17 patients discovered to have a polyp pathology on flexible sigmoidoscopy. It was established that 131 extra colonoscopies had been, or were planned to be performed unnecessarily. These data have major implications with regard to patient safety, service provision and cost to the NHS.

Correlations between metabolic indices and visual parameters in diabetic patients

Aim: To explore associations between metabolic, haematological, renal and visual parameters in diabetics.Methods: 131 patients were recruited from the diabetic clinics at Airedale General Hospital. Those with proliferative DR or cataract were excluded from the study. Blood pressure was measured at rest and the measurements of plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and microalbuminuria were taken. Fundus photography was used to classify the extent of DR and ophthalmoscopic examination of the macula was performed. Visual function assessments included the measurement of refractive error, logMAR visual acuity, contrast sensitivity using gratings at three spatial frequencies and the Pelli‐Robson letter chart and hue discrimination using the Arden Colour Contrast Sensitivity apparatus. An assessment of the relationship between the metabolic indices and visual function was performed using the Kendall Tau Correlation Test.Results and conclusions: The only meaningful correlation between a clinical optometric test and a metabolic parameter was between refractive error and glycosylated haemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). As HBA1C levels increased refractive error tended towards myopia. The normal hypermetropic shift with age was observed. Rx changes may be indicative of poor long‐term metabolic control. There were little/no associations between any other renal, metabolic, haematological or visual parameters contrary to other studies. This may be due to the strict exclusion criteria.

Correlations between metabolic indices and visual parameters in diabetic patients

Aim: To explore associations between metabolic, haematological, renal and visual parameters in diabetics. Methods: 131 patients were recruited from the diabetic clinics at Airedale General Hospital. Those with proliferative DR or cataract were excluded from the study. Blood pressure was measured at rest and the measurements of plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and microalbuminuria were taken. Fundus photography was used to classify the extent of DR and ophthalmoscopic examination of the macula was performed. Visual function assessments included the measurement of refractive error, logMAR visual acuity, contrast sensitivity using gratings at three spatial frequencies and the Pelli-Robson letter chart and hue discrimination using the Arden Colour Contrast Sensitivity apparatus. An assessment of the relationship between the metabolic indices and visual function was performed using the Kendall Tau Correlation Test. Results and conclusions: The only meaningful correlation between a clinical optometric test and a metabolic parameter was between refractive error and glycosylated haemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). As HBA1C levels increased refractive error tended towards myopia. The normal hypermetropic shift with age was observed. Rx changes may be indicative of poor long-term metabolic control. There were little/no associations between any other renal, metabolic, haematological or visual parameters contrary to other studies. This may be due to the strict exclusion criteria.

News

Abracadahra: a young visitor to the new children's out-patient department at Airedale General Hospital in Yorkshire enjoys the magic created by Paul Sunderland, one of the performers who provided entertainment at the official opening recently. The clinic is staffed by experienced children's nurses and nursery nurses.

Can computer aided teaching packages improve clinical care in patients with acute abdominal pain?

To compare three methods of support for inexperienced staff in their diagnosis and management of patients with acute abdominal pain--namely, with (a) structured data collection forms, (b) real time computer aided decision support, and (c) computer based teaching packages. Prospective assessment of effects of methods of support on groups of doctors in one urban hospital and one rural hospital. Accident and emergency department at Whipps Cross Hospital, London, and surgical wards of Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire. Consecutive prospective series of all patients presenting to each hospital in specified time periods with acute abdominal pain; total patients in the various periods were 12,506. Diagnostic accuracy of participating doctors, admission rates of patients with non-specific abdominal pain, perforation rates in patients with appendicitis, negative laparotomy rates. Use of any one modality resulted in improved diagnostic accuracy and decision making performance. Use of structured forms plus computer feedback resulted in better performance than use of forms alone. Use of structured forms plus a computer teaching package gave results at least as good as those with direct feedback by computer. The results confirm earlier studies in suggesting that the use of computer aided decision support improves diagnostic and decision making performance when dealing with patients suffering from acute abdominal pain. That use of the computer for teaching gave results at least as good as with its use for direct feedback may be highly relevant for those who are apprehensive about the real time use of diagnostic computers in a clinical setting.

Cryotherapy in the management of cervical ectopy.

Sixty-five patients with benign ectopy of the uterine cervix were treated by cryosurgery in the departments of genitourinary medicine at St Luke's Hospital, Bradford, and the Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire, without analgesia or anaesthesia. A symptomatic cure rate of 98% was achieved. There were no serious complications. This treatment is considered to be appropriate in genitourinary clinics in the United Kingdom as these have routine screening procedures for various genital infections.

Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia with a raised Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase Score

International Journal of Clinical PracticeVolume 35, Issue 7-8 p. 277-280 Case Report Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia with a raised Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase Score S. M. Crawford MB, MRCP(UK), S. M. Crawford MB, MRCP(UK) Registrar General Medicine Airedale General Hospital Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 6TD Present address: Clinical Research Fellow In Oncology, Bradford Royal Infirmary Bradford BD9 6RJ.Search for more papers by this author S. M. Crawford MB, MRCP(UK), S. M. Crawford MB, MRCP(UK) Registrar General Medicine Airedale General Hospital Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 6TD Present address: Clinical Research Fellow In Oncology, Bradford Royal Infirmary Bradford BD9 6RJ.Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 July 1981 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-1241.1981.tb08286.x Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume35, Issue7-8July/August 1981Pages 277-280 RelatedInformation