Former director general of the Prison Service, Martin Narey, has strongly criticised overcrowding in jails. The prison population in England and Wales hit an all-time high of 80,000 at the end of last year.

Offenders’ lack of trust in medical professionals means many may not seek help when they are experiencing mental distress, says a new BMJ study. Men who have been incarcerated have significantly higher rates of mental illness and suicide and under-utilise mental health services compared to the general population.

The UK government is failing sex workers by continuing to promote discriminatory laws and practices, argue experts in this week’s BMJ. Professor Michael Goodyear and Dr Linda Cusick call on the prime minister to protect women by decriminalising all aspects of sex work now.

Poor ward care is harming patients, warns a senior doctor in this week’s BMJ. Recent figures show that three of the four commonest causes of delayed discharge are associated with inadequate care on the ward: pressure sores, healthcare acquired infections, and medication errors.

At a time when many government and public bodies are recognising the importance of engaging with faith communities, in this week’s BMJ two experts consider the case for faith based health services for Muslims.

A Cornwall hospital criticised in a report for “widespread institutional abuse” of patients closes this week. Government inspectors found evidence of 64 incidents of abuse over five years at Budock Hospital, near Falmouth.

Thousands of Norfolk pensioners relying on meals on wheels face an inflation-busting price hike of nearly 30 per cent. Norfolk County Council is proposing to increase the cost of a two-course meal by 65p from £2.35 to £3 in a bid to generate £268,000 a year for the cash-strapped service.

Families face a growing burden of care for elderly and disabled relatives and most people will have to pay for their own support services in old age as the state’s role shrinks, the government’s care watchdog will warn today.

A leading psychiatrist says many adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not getting the treatment they need. Professor Philip Asherson, from London’s Maudsley Hospital, wants sufferers to be recognised and treated.

Religious groups are to protest outside Parliament in an attempt to halt legislation banning discrimination against lesbians and gay men. Organisers say the Sexual Orientation Regulations would limit their right to live according to religious beliefs.