NICE is currently in the process of updating its guidelines on the treatment of depression in adults. These guidelines incorporate the guidance on prescribing ECT. Therefore, these will also be updated. However, as there have been only few published research trials on ECT since the initial guidelines, it is expected that any changes will only be minor.
3rd National ECT Nurse Conference
The NALNECT committee with the assistance of ECTAS are planning to organise a third national ECT nurse conference. It will be on Wednesday 15th September 2010 at the Birmingham Council House. Building on the previous 2 conferences, it is hoped it will be an even bigger, better and more varied event this time. Further details will be provided at the National ECT Nurse training days this year. It is expected that applications for places will be available later this year.
New pricing Thymatron system 4
The Dantec Dynamics price for the Thymatron will be increasing after 31st of March 2009 to £14,500 plus vat and from 1/1/09 the price for Ectobrain II will be £1,322 plus vat. They currently have 2 Ectobrain II units at the old price of £850 plus vat. So first come first served. So, the price for Thymatron IV will be held at £13,060 plus vat until the end of March and no further. The combination of a price increase from the manufacturer and the exchange rate has meant they have had to increase the price for the first time in 2 years. They also have an Exdemonstration system for sale at a 20% discount on the £13,060 plus vat price. (£10448 plus vat).
ECTAS
The ECT Accreditation Service was launched in May 2003. Its purpose is to assure and improve the quality of the administration of ECT. ECTAS has the support of NALNECT, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Healthcare Commission (HC) states: “ECTAS accreditation is one of the information sources the HC will use to direct its inspection activities in its core standards assessment of mental health services.” Follow the ECTAS link to find out more information and how to join.
National ECT Nurse Training Course
The NALNECT committee has been working closely with ECTAS to develop the first National ECT Nurse Course. Based on a set of competencies created by NALNECT and ECTAS workers, further details are available via the link to the ECTAS website. The first of the 3 day courses, to be held in January, February and March 2009 are already booked up. However, to date, there are still places available on the course starting in April 2009 in London and starting in September 2009 in Leeds. Members of the NALNECT committee will be involved in the training and will organise the refresher sessions for this course, with the support of ECTAS. The course will include assessment by completion of a workbook, completion of a competency document and evidence of participation in a minimum of ten ECT sessions. Accreditation for this course by the Royal College of Nursing, is being sought.