Nasal non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

This case report is presented to illustrate the advantages of Nasal Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NNIPPV). It is relatively simple, practical, easy to use, and has been proven to be an efficient means of treatment for patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF), especially hypercanic respiratory failure. The availability of NNIPPV has increased in recent years and has made the concept of domiciliary ventilatory support a practical reality. It has resulted in decreased frequency and duration of hospital admission and hence minimised certain demands on the health service. The use of NNIPPV should be encouraged in developing countries where a shortage of health personnel (especially nurses) and limited health care budgets exists (AU)

A bacterial survey of the recovery ward of the University College Hospital of the West Indies

A preliminary investigation into the possibility of cross infection with Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species by contaminated respiratory equipment in a recovery room was undertaken at the University Hospital, Mona, Jamaica in 1966. Evidence of cross-infection was found and recommendations were made to minimize this in the future (AU)