NHS hospitals in England will be free to use almost half their hospital beds and theatre time for private patients under government plans.

Carers are to be given legal rights under government plans to increase the assistance available to the six million Britons who look after other people.

Sainsbury’s hopes scheme will improve support for those who look after elderly or sick relatives and neighbours

Age UK says cuts leaving increasing numbers of old people with either no support or very limited help at home

The announcement of a new Community Budget pilot for the tri-Borough area of Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea has moved plans forward to revolutionise the way government works in improving people’s lives.

DOZENS of new jobs could be created if plans for a multi-million pound specialist care home get approved.

This is the question posed by BASW’s press officer on today’s Huffington Post blog, which makes the case for politicians pledging sustained support for social workers if they wish to see them portrayed in a more positive light in the media:

The government is to overhaul the way people in England are checked to see if they are suitable to adopt children.

Six out of ten people with dementia are undiagnosed, it has been found, as MPs launch an investigation into how to pick up missed patients.

The whistle-blowing helpline for NHS staff is being extended to staff and employers in the social care sector from 1 January. There is also a new number for the service, which encompasses all of the elements of the current helpline service and is free, independent and confidential.