The cost to patients of making telephone calls from their hospital bed is to increase by 160% from Wednesday. Patientline, which charges people to make phone calls and watch television in hospital, is to increase its call charge from 10p a minute to 26p.

Depression during pregnancy may increase the risk of giving birth early, a UK study suggests. Mothers who were severely depressed gave birth earlier than those without depression, a small study shows.

IVF clinics could see their multiple birth rates capped under plans being considered by the fertility watchdog. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is considering sanctions for clinics that produce too many multiple births as part of its drive to cut the number of twin pregnancies.

Following the launch last week of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), a new survey* shows how widely their influence and responsibilities are being developed within English top tier local authorities.

Offenders are escaping punishment for breaking their community penalties because probation staff are not following Home Office guidelines, according to a watchdog report. The prosecution of offenders for breaching their community punishments is being ended simply on the grounds that a file on the case is not ready.

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has announced the publication of its 2007-08 Business Plan after extensive consultation with employers, the children’s workforce, its Board and children, young people and families.

A former nanny says she has been refused permission to adopt a child because she is overweight. Gillian Vose, 42, said social services rejected her application because her weight – she weighs 20 stone (127kg) and is 5ft 3ins (1.6m) tall – meant she would not be able to cope with the child concerned.

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai has attended the London premiere of her latest film, Provoked, which deals with the subject of domestic abuse. The movie is based on the true story of a British woman, Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who was jailed in 1989 for killing her violent husband by setting him on fire.

The Government’s promise that healthy women who choose to can have their babies at home was undermined yesterday by fears of a shortage of midwives and lack of funds. Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary, announced that from 2009 all women would be able to choose where they had their baby – in hospital, in a midwife-led unit or at home.

Screening people for Clostridium difficile before they are admitted to hospital may be one way to help control rising rates of infection, says a doctor in today’s BMJ.