SCTS ANNUAL MEETING AND CARDIOTHORACIC FORUM 2011
*ABSTRACT SUBMISSION NOW OPEN*
The next annual meeting and cardiothoracic forum is to take place between 20th and 22nd March 2011 at Excel London. More comprehensive information to follow soon. Please click on the link here to access online submission.
If you have any questions regarding submission or the conference, please contact Isabelle Ferner on +44 (0)20 7869 6893 or at sctsadmin@scts.org
Revalidation - SCTS Response to GMC Consultation
Please click on the link here to read about the SCTS Response to the GMC Consultation on Revalidation
New SCTS Data Set
Please note this goes live from April 1st 2011
With regard to the new SCTS dataset that is available here and on the CCAD website it has come to our attention that some columns in the dataset sheet have inadvertently been hidden. Please ensure you check that all the columns are available before using the dataset. The link below leads to an updated version and We will ensure the version on the CCAD website has all columns showing over the next few days.
A new version of the SCTS dataset was released on March 29th 2010. There are no major changes and most of the changes are typographical. We have reviewed all the data format instructions and changed many of them to ensure conformity to a standard. All changes have been highlighted in purple text. Please also read the tabs related to the changes from 4.1.1 to 4.1.2. These changes include any feedback we have received from software providers as well as surgeons and database managers. Please contact SCTS if there are any queries. The dataset will as always only be available for download from this site and CCAD’s website.
Please note the covering letter refers to the original launch of the new dataset and should only be read for general information only as the dates of implementation are incorrect
Data set Covering letter
SCTS dataset (Version 4.1.2)
The BMJ Group Awards
The SCTS are proud to announce its recent success at the BMJ Group Awards winning the prize for best quality improvement. The winning of the Best Quality Improvement Award at the BMJ Healthcare awards by SCTS is a testament to the courage and leadership demonstrated by all its members over the past few years. Please click here for more details.
BTS/SCTS Guidelines for the Selection and Assessment of Patients with Lung Cancer for Radical Management
A draft of the BTS / SCTS Guidelines for the Selection and Assessment of Patients with Lung Cancer for Radical Management (2010 update) is available for consultation by the SCTS membership. It is posted and available for download on the members only page of the www.scts.org website. Please send any comments by email to Eric Lim Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Royal Brompton Hospital by 9 April 2010.
Heart Research UK Fund Raising Events 2010
Please click on the links below to find out further details about the Three Peaks Challenge and other fund raising events being organised by Heart Research UK in 2010.
Heart Research Three Peaks Challenge Poster
Heart Research Three Peaks Challenge Application Form
Other Fund Raising events
Sixth National Adult Cardiac Database Report
The release of the latest Blue Book has sparked widespread media coverage. This has reflected cardiothoracic surgery in Great Britain & Ireland in a very positive light. The following links direct you to most of this coverage.
The Sixth National Adult Cardiac Database Report 2008 (Blue Book) has now been published and Society members can download a pdf from the members only page of this website.
Good Perfusion Guide
Please click on the link here to download the published Good Perfusion Guide.
SCTSLTD.CO.UK is Live
Our new website, www.sctsltd.co.uk is now live and has been designed to address issues of professional practice which are not covered by our existing website, to foster closer relationships with our valued commercial sponsors and to enable debate and discussion through website fora for the different groups within the speciality.
An additional service is the cardiothoracic job centre, which is the only employment portal focussed on cardiothoracic surgery and will operate exclusively as a web-based service.
If you have any questions regarding the new website, would like to place a job advert or include an article, please contact Isabelle Ferner on 020 7869 6893 or sctsadmin@scts.org
BCIS TAVI
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging alternative therapy for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at high risk from conventional surgical aortic valve replacement. A number of programmes exist within the United Kingdom and Ireland and many more units are likely to embark upon a programme in the near future. A working party was set-up by the European Society of Cardiology and European Associate of Cardiothoracic Surgery to look at the current status of TAVI and to produce a paper of recommendations regarding the current status of this technology, the requirements for establishing such a programme and the dissemination of this technology. The link below will take you to this document and I think it is essential reading for those individuals or units with active programmes or those planning to establish programmes in the near future as well as being of general interest (Vahanian et al. Eur J Cardiothor Surg. 2008 Jul; 34(1): 1-8).
A joint SCTS/BCIS group has also produced a recommended dataset for collection in patients undergoing TAVI and also a joint position statement (with BCIS) in relation to TAVI. This can also be found by following this link.
CARE QUALITY COMMISSION (CQC) SCTS PUBLIC PORTAL UPDATED
Please click on the link below to take you to the CQC website which is currently being updated.
Click here to go to Public Portal
The Impact of the European Work Time Directive On the Delivery of Cardiothoracic Services
Please click here to download the letter sent to the Chief Executives of all cardiothoracic units about the above.
Good Surgical Practice
Please click on the link here to take you to a pdf version of Good Surgical Practice 2008.
SCTS Data Document
The SCTS Data Document and Calculators are now available to download from the Members Only Section. Please contact Isabelle Ferner at sctsadmin@scts.org shoudl you require your CTSNet id.
NEW WAYS OF WORKING
Please click here to open the relevant document regarding staffing the cardiothoracic unit. Please send any comments regarding this document to Isabelle Ferner at sctsadmin@scts.org
MEDICO-LEGAL EXPERT WITNESSES
Please click on the link below for a list of individuals willing to undertake medico-legal work. Please note that the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland does not endorse any of the information which has been provided voluntarily by the individuals themselves.
Expert Witnesses download (pdf)
Expert Witness download (Excel)
Please download a covering letter and form to complete should you be interested in putting yourself forward for medico-legal work
Covering letter
Medico-legal proforma
Letters from the various defense organisations and the GMC regarding their selection of expert witnesses can be found by clicking on the links below:
GMC
MDDUS
MDU
MPS
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A MEMBER OF SCTS?
Please view the benefits of membership.
PUBLIC PORTAL
The data quality visits that are mentioned in the public portal can be downloaded here:Barts and the London NHS Trust
Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
James Cook University Hospital
Leeds General Infirmary
John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
North General Hospital, Sheffield
See Improving Quality for suggested Best Practice in Data Validation