More than 600 members of the Public and Commercial Services union at the conciliation service Acas are balloting for industrial action in a dispute over pay. The vote, which runs until August 27,...
The Darzi report signals a move away from NHS targets to patient-satisfaction outcomes. It means a big shake-up for health funding, explains Noel Plumridge
Patients hold GP services in high regard but still have concerns about the availability of appointments at convenient times, according to the Healthcare Commission.
The beleaguered Scottish Labour Party has begun the process of electing a new leader, who will have the formidable task of rebuilding the party in the wake of its humiliating defeat in the Glasgow...
NHS trust boards must take the lead in ensuring equal treatment for people with learning disabilities, the NHS Confederation said this week, following a critical report on the service's...
The government's review of child and adolescent mental health services will explore ways to provide longer-term funding, according to its interim report, published on July 29.
The Labour government has been keen to use legislation to push through its public sector reform agenda. However, there are unintended consequences when powers are not thought through, say Stephen...
You might be fighting fit and at the top of your game, but if you're 65 you can be forced out of your job. This could all change after a spate of age discrimination claims and a European Court...
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell this week unveiled what he claimed would be radical reforms to the welfare system, which will see claimants supported more to find work in return for them...
Criticisms of lack of evidence about the third sector's role in public services are misplaced, says Stephen Bubb. The root of the problem is poor commissioning
All mental health trusts providing inpatient care have room to make their services more personal, efficient and safe, according to the Healthcare Commission.
Doctors have welcomed plans announced by Welsh Health Minister Edwina Hart for a wholesale reorganisation of the NHS in Wales, which would scrap the existing trusts and the 22 health boards.
Health minister Ivan Lewis has announced the 25 local authority schemes that will share the £80m Extra Care Housing Fund for 2008-2011. The fund is paid to councils to help them provide specialised...
The legal blood alcohol limit for teenage drivers should be cut to
zero to reduce the high level of drink-driving accidents, England's chief medical officer urged in his 2007 annual report.
Public service reform is entering a new era, with tailor-made budgets geared to the needs of individuals and putting users in control. Sophie Moullin reports
It's a tough job& but someone's got to be chief secretary to the Treasury. And who better than a long-standing minister with an economics background? Vivienne Russell meets her
Councils need to focus more on helping older people to remain active citizens rather than concentrating solely on the needs of the infirm minority, the local government watchdog said this week.
Regional select committees should be established to scrutinise the work of regional development agencies, the Commons' cross-party modernisation committee has recommended.
