Safe Storage and Handling of Vaccines

Although this subject is perceived as very 'boring' I think it's vitally important to ensure vaccines are administered in optimum condition for maximum protection.  I've written a CPD article due to be published in Nursing Standard this Wednesday (19th February 2014) on the topic - and have tried hard to also make it interesting.......well I thought it was anyway!   And check out 'time out' activity no. 3.  To access Nursing Standard see here

Below is an NHS poster to help you keep your vaccines healthy as well.  Click on the link below to obtain the PDF.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/294388/Keep-your-vaccines-healthy-poster-March2014.pdf

A RETURN TICKET

The first joint RCN and Travel Health Training Ltd. conference and exhibition.

I was delighted when the Royal College of Nursing asked me to work with them to create this conference.  Those of you that remember the highly successful RCN Travel Health Forum conferences that were held from 2000 to 2010 will hopefully be pleased to read of the return of this style of meeting once more.  To view the conference flyer, click on the image below. The exciting programme can be seen on page 2 and the booking form on page 3. The link to the RCN website to book a place online is HERE

To view the detail on my website click here

Supporting the delivery of immunisation education

I've now had time to read this RCN publication thoroughly and find it to be an excellent document.  As stated in the guidance in section 3, its purpose is to provide a framework for adopting the National Minimum Standards for Immunisation Training and the Core Curriculum for Immunisation Training to assure commissioners, health boards and providers that the trainig provided for staff meets appropriate standards.  Information regarding travel health training is also included.  The document also includes a detailed competency framework for use in a workplace. The intention of its design is to support staff and help managers assess competence and knowledge. To download the document click on the image below.  This and the other documents as mentioned above are also illustrated and obtainable from going to my immunisation resources page by clicking here and then scroll down to the bottom of the page to view.

GREEN BOOK - new front cover

The 2006 version of Immunisation Against Infectious Disease, commonly known as the 'Green Book' should no longer be referred to as so many chapters have been updated and new ones added.  All the new chapters are now available online but the latest news is that the publication also has a new cover and 'fresh' content pages - the content titles on these pages will then link you to the appropriate chapter.  To access the page on GOV.UK click on the image below.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2014

Writing this having finished my travel clinic in the surgery with a bit of a headache!  We've just switched over to systmone and I haven't had enough practice at it yet to feel confident nor get the travel template set up sufficiently to my satisfaction!  However, it seems an intuitive package - I think I'm going to like it!

If you read my New Year blog of 2013, you won't be surprised to learn I stayed in this year but actually saw the fireworks from our flat window and on the television simultaneously - well the TV images were a few seconds behind!

Happy New Year  - may it be a healthy and happy one for you all.

Malaria No More UK

Malaria No More UK is part of the global fight against malaria.  So far they've helped to protect over 10 million people from the disease.  One of the Special Ambassadors for the charity is Jo Yirrell who I know many of you remember in a series of lectures she gave at study days in the past.  For more detail on Jo and her work with Malaria No More see here. 
Jo's story was part of the inspiration behind Richard Curtis making a film called 'Mary and Martha' that was shown on BBC earlier this year.  This TV film  powerfully conveyed how no parent anywhere should lost their child to a preventable disease.  It moved and influenced many audiences across the world.  Malaria No More have made a five minute film narrated by Jo, telling her own story and her support for Malaria No More UK.  To watch it click here or on the image below.  
Jo, you're doing a fantastic job and remain a true inspiration.  

Take a look at the work of 'MALARIA NO MORE UK' 

To learn more of the work of Malaria No More UK go to www.malarianomore.org.uk/about 

Where did November go to?

Well the month is nearly over and I haven't been on here for while.....been busy this month travelling quite a bit.  Went with my husband to Washington D.C. where the annual conference for the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene was being held.  Amongst many sights, I visited the Washington National Cathedral and was stunned by the number of beautiful stained glass windows in the building in particular.   It was a very sunny day so the natural light pouring through the windows created an amazing effect.