RÉSUMÉ
BACKGROUND: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Pathology combined to form the Defence Clinical Lab (DCL), an accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening capability for military personnel. LABORATORY STRUCTURE AND RESOURCE: The DCL was modular in organisation, with laboratory modules and supporting functions combining to provide the accredited SARS-CoV-2 (envelope (E)-gene) PCR assay. The DCL was resourced by Dstl scientists and military clinicians and biomedical scientists. LABORATORY RESULTS: Over 12 months of operation, the DCL was open on 289 days and tested over 72 000 samples. Six hundred military SARS-CoV-2-positive results were reported with a median E-gene quantitation cycle (Cq) value of 30.44. The lowest Cq value for a positive result observed was 11.20. Only 64 samples (0.09%) were voided due to assay inhibition after processing started. CONCLUSIONS: Through a sustained effort and despite various operational issues, the collaboration between Dstl scientific expertise and Defence Pathology clinical expertise provided the UK military with an accredited high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 PCR test capability at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The DCL helped facilitate military training and operational deployments contributing to the maintenance of UK military capability. In offering a bespoke capability, including features such as testing samples in unit batches and oversight by military consultant microbiologists, the DCL provided additional benefits to the UK Ministry of Defence that were potentially not available from other SARS-CoV-2 PCR laboratories. The links between Dstl and Defence Pathology have also been strengthened, benefitting future research activities and operational responses.
RÉSUMÉ
A small survey was carried out to measure nurses views on the latest changes planned by the Government for the health service. Data were collected by questionnaire from a small convenience sample of nurses from throughout New Zealand. The majority of respondents indicated that they oppose the changes overall. All key aspects of the latest reforms are opposed by a clear majority. However, the survey had a number of limitations; in particular a very low return rate.
Sujet(s)
Administration des services de santé , Infirmières et infirmiers , Attitude du personnel soignant , Humains , Nouvelle-Zélande , Enquêtes et questionnairesRÉSUMÉ
A small survey was undertaken to examine nurses attitudes to a wide range of matters relating to the management of patients and persons with AIDS, and the prevention of HIV infection. Strong support is shown for current AIDS related public health measures, particularly in the area of health education. Unnecessary measures like mandatory screening have scant support, and there is even less support for more extreme measures. Most nurses believe AIDS patients should be treated no differently than other disease sufferers. And while there is an awareness and concern about occupational transmission, most nurses approach or would approach caring for AIDS patients no differently than other patients. While, the study has some limitations, it nonetheless provides an interesting outline of nurses attitudes to a range of important issues.