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sponsored by HEALTH SECTOR NEWS Scientists in Riyadh identify new bacterium
In what they dub ‘a ground-breaking development’, scientists at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh have identified a new species of bacterium, Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis, through the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology. The scientists say the discovery
‘signifies a major advancement in understanding how bacteria interact with existing drugs, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies’. KFSH&RC said: “Such efforts are essential in the global fight against antibiotic- resistant bacteria, highlighting KFSH&RC’s advanced research capabilities, and its leading role in fostering scientific discoveries and enhancing patient care. The discovery of Riyadhensis reinforces the potential of genomic tests in innovating promising diagnostic and therapeutic methods. It also deepens the understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms, particularly in sensitive environments like intensive care units (ICU), and among immunocompromised patients. This represents substantial progress in combating antibiotic resistance, developing pharmaceuticals, and preventing the spread of diseases.” The hospital and research centre
says the newly identified bacterium was discovered amid an investigation into a suspected outbreak in the ICU of
KFSH&RC in 2019, ‘highlighting challenges previously unrecognised by the global scientific and medical communities in pinpointing and countering new bacterial strains’. Initially thought to be a variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known for its antibiotic resistance, subsequent WGS analysis revealed it did not share the common characteristics of the Pseudomonas genus. Instead, Riyadhensis was found to belong to the Stenotrophomonas family, ‘with a unique genetic composition and morphological traits, unlike any other scientifically recognised members’. Dr. Ahmad Al Qahtani, head of
the Infectious Disease and Immunity Department at The research centre of KFSH&RC said: “Traditional bacterial identification methods may lead to misidentification. In contrast, WGS analysis
Surrey hospital welcomes first da Vinci surgical robot
The surgical team at Kingston Hospital in Kingston upon Thames has welcomed its first surgical robot, the da Vinci Xi. Kingston Hospital Charity has funded the system via donations from philanthropist Dame Marit Mohn and local residents. Manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, the da Vinci Xi robot comprises three parts: n The patient cart (robot), housing the camera and four instrument arms that the surgeon uses to perform surgery.
n The surgeon console, which the surgeon sits at to control the instruments while viewing the patient’s anatomy on a highly magnified HD 3D screen.
n The vision cart or hub, which includes a large HD screen with a live feed of the procedure to those in the theatre. The surgical robot will initially be used for urology, colorectal, and gynaecology surgery, and potentially other surgical
offers a precise and targeted approach that ensures accurate identification and provides detailed insights into resistance mechanisms, proving its significance in disease outbreak investigations and patient care improvements.” Dr. Reem Almaghrabi, head of
Transplant Infectious Diseases at the Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence at KFSH&RC, highlighted the discovery’s importance: “Understanding the nuances of new bacterial species, and particularly their antibiotic resistance, is crucial in modern healthcare, and serves as the primary means of combating bacterial infections. As these bacteria continuously evolve their resistance, they pose a significant and ongoing threat to human health.” The Research Centre is ‘a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East’.
Belfast facility promises better birthing experience
specialities in the future.
It promises to enable greater accuracy during procedures, less invasive surgery, and faster recovery times. The hospital’s surgical team, who have already started their induction programme, aims to operate on their first patient at the beginning of May.
Dame Marit Mohn said: “As a long- time Kingston resident, I am delighted to be able to support the introduction of surgical robotics at our local hospital. The robot’s arrival is a key element of the hospital’s clinical strategy, and enables it to join the 30% of NHS Trusts nationally who already have one.”
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has celebrated ‘a significant milestone’ as Phase B1 of the Belfast Maternity Unit at Royal Victoria Hospital, constructed by Graham-BAM Healthcare Partnership (GBHP), reaches completion and is officially handed over. Graham-BAM Healthcare said: “This achievement marks a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure, promising to enhance the birthing experience for over 5,000 women annually who rely on the Royal Jubilee Maternity Service. The completion of this state-of-the-art facility, valued at approximately £85 m, signifies a commitment to revolutionise maternity care in Belfast.”
May 2024 Health Estate Journal 17
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