Efficacy of alcohol screening in the accident and emergency department managed by reception staff: a pilot study.

Hazardous levels of alcohol consumption are associated with presentations to the accident and emergency department. Although screening and brief interventions are effective at reducing levels of hazardous drinking, a low number of departments has implemented such a strategy. Time constraints upon clinical staff have been cited as one reason for this inertia.

The impact of process re-engineering on patient throughput in emergency departments in the UK.

Background: The re-engineering of emergency department (ED) processes in the UK since 2002 has produced significant reductions in waiting times.

Aims: We aim to describe the generic themes contributory to this improvement in performance, which has led to progress not yet replicated elsewhere in the English-speaking world.

Methods: We reviewed the Emergency Services Collaborative (ESC) set up by the National Health Service (NHS) Modernisation Agency as well as our own departmental performance in order to identify key themes for discussion.

Feasibility of screening for Chlamydia trachomatis in young men attending an emergency department.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of screening asymptomatic young men for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a suburban emergency department setting.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Chase Farm Hospital Emergency Department in Enfield, North London.

Cerebrospinal shunt malfunction: recognition and emergency management.

Indwelling shunts to divert CSF flow are essential in treating hydrocephalus. There is a high incidence of shunt malfunction, which accounts for the increasing popularity of endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Failure to recognize and act on symptoms and signs of shunt malfunction may lead to loss of life or to permanent neurological dysfunction.

Is infant male circumcision an abuse of the rights of the child? Yes.

Most circumcisions take place for religious rather than medical reasons. argues that the practice is harmful and should be stopped but believes that the future sexual health benefits justify parental choice