Using suction to remove toxins or to stimulate wound perfusion is not new. However, the therapeutic use of mechanical negative pressure for wound management has developed exponentially over the past three decades, with a consequent rise in the number of therapies available. In this article, Sylvie Hampton guides us through the use of negative pressure.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer affecting women in the UK, with 7000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is the biggest gynaecological killer, resulting in 4300 deaths annually; this is more than cervical and womb cancer combined.

For women diagnosed in the UK, prognosis is poor - the 5 year survival rate is 43%. To improve survival rates there is the need to improve the recognition of symptoms, understand those who might be at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer and speed up diagnosis and referral to secondary care. 

In this article, Ovarian Action, a charity advising and caring for women with ovarian cancer, outlines the important role nurses can play in improving survival rates by raising awareness of the symptoms amongst patients and the general public in the primary care setting, and includes a case study of one woman's experience.

Gout is generally considered to be somewhat of an old-fashioned disease, conjouring up images of crusty and grumpy old colonels with very large bandages on their foot.

Unfortunately, 21st century life-styles and diets have seen it making something of a 'comeback'. In this article, Frank Booth outlines the signs and symptoms and provides a personal view of his experience.