The incidence of breast health issues and the efficacy of a sports bra fit and issue service in British Army recruits.

Increasing retention of female recruits throughout Basic Training (BT) is a key priority for the British Army. The aims of this study were two-fold; (i) quantify breast health issues and sports bra usage within female British Army recruits, and (ii) assess the influence of professionally fitted sports bras on breast health and bra fit issues across 13 weeks of BT. A survey was completed by 246 female recruits that identified the incidence of breast health issues during BT. Subsequently, 33 female recruits were provided with professionally fitted sports bras during Week-1 of BT. Recruits completed a survey in Week-1 (Pre) and Week-13 (Post). There was a high incidence of bra issues during BT, which did not reduce following the implementation of professionally fitted sports bras. The authors recommend further research into the specific functional requirements of breast support relative to the demands of BT and the needs of the female recruit. Practitioner Summary: The British Army have a duty of care to ensure female recruits are equipped sufficiently for the demands of training. Despite the implementation of a sports bra fitting and issue service bra fit issues remained high. Further research into the specific functional requirements of breast support during training is recommended. Abbreviations: BT: Basic Training; ATR(W): Army Training Regiment Winchester; ATC(P): Army Training Centre Pirbright; BMI: Body Mass Index; NRS: Numeric Rating Scale; FET: Fisher's Exact Test.

Approval scheme to ensure high standards.

Louise Corfield, IHEEM business development manager, describes the launch of a new IHEEM approval scheme which should help members faced with a bewildering array of training course choices, in some topic areas, to identify those offering the optimal content.

Commission reveals guidelines not met.

A Healthcare Commission Report published in November 2008 revealed that, in spot checks, 90% of acute Trusts had failed to fully comply with the Commission's Hygiene Code, with one in five not satisfying all the requirements for decontamination. IHEEM business development manager Louise Corfield examines some of the concerns raised, simultaneously highlighting the important role the Institute plays via its voluntary register of suitably qualified AE (Decontamination) personnel.

Project management skills prove invaluable.

IHEEM business development manager Louise Corfield examines the role of project management in the skill set of today's healthcare estates and facilities manager, and explains how the Institute has joined forces with a number of organisations to offer members access to training in this increasingly vital area.

Planning for the unforeseen.

Ensuring business continuity in the face of an emergency is arguably more important in a healthcare facility, where lives depend on, for example, vital medical equipment continuing to function at all times, than in any other environment. IHEEM business development manager Louise Corfield examines the importance of effective resilience and emergency planning for the healthcare estate and highlights the key priorities.