Campaigners have upped the pressure on ministers to tackle hugely disproportionate detention rates within the mental health system. A letter in the Times, signed by a number of leading figures says the 1983 law that allows doctors to “section” people has led to “a crisis in black mental health.”

The “biggest change to adult social services” yet was given its final seal of approval yesterday as councillors debated controversial plans to privatise Norfolk’s home care support.

Campaigners say elderly people will deteriorate under council proposals to cut home care, say campaigners, writes Martin Croucher. Bromley council is planning to ‘ration’ home health care for the elderly so that only those with the most serious disabilities will have access to services.

Up to half of all hospital accident and emergency departments face cuts or closure under plans to improve patient care, presenting Gordon Brown with a massive dilemma as he takes over as Prime Minister.

{mosimage}Ninety-two out of 204 A&E departments are under threat if guidance attributed to the Department of Health by NHS trusts is followed, the Conservatives claimed last night. Some NHS organisations are already using the guidance, which calls for A&E departments to serve a minimum population of 450,000 patients, to justify closures in smaller catchment areas.

The average A&E unit currently serves just under 250,000 people. But the plans are proving hugely unpopular, even though they have been promoted as in the interests of patients and NHS staff.

Mr Brown, aware that the closures would come into force around the time of the next election, said last Friday that he would meet front-line NHS staff and patients to discuss health policy.

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has revealed it will be launching the first set of England wide Standards to support the training and development of Foster Carers.

Brits are ignoring basic home hygiene. This is one of the shocking facts revealed in the Hygiene Council’s 2007 global survey. Research shows that most public toilets are cleaner to eat off than kitchen work surfaces in British homes.

Biting, spitting, swearing and hair-pulling. These are some of the abuses courageous council staff endure in their day to day jobs. The information came to light after The Press used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain details of attacks on City of York Council workers.

Details of how the NHS in England will spend locally what the Chancellor has called “its biggest cash increase ever” of £8bn have been published by the Department of Health (DH).

A morbidly obese young man has died after losing his fight against a rare genetic disorder that compelled him to eat continuously. Chris Leppard, 25, died at 10.45am at the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards, East Sussex.

Organisations providing essential services for the Herefordshire’s older residents are on the lookout for ways to improve and expand the quality and range services they provide.