New measures to lift thousands more children in the UK out of poverty by getting more parents into work have been announced today by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton.

Patients with dementia are dying early because they are being prescribed sedative drugs inappropriately in nursing homes, warn researchers. A five-year investigation revealed the antipsychotic drugs were being used as a ‘chemical cosh’ to control patients, contrary to expert advice.

Lord Falconer has welcomed the Prime Minister’s vision for the criminal justice system saying: “We cannot stand still because criminals don’t stand still.” 

The number of teenagers drinking alcohol and taking drugs in England is falling, a national survey has found. The annual poll of 8,200 11 to 15-year-olds found 21% had an alcoholic drink in the previous week, down from 26% in 2001.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton has announced a comprehensive review of the health of the working age population, assessing current health levels and providing a benchmark against which to measure future workplace health improvements.

A hospital which was condemned for ignoring safety guidance which led to a man dying from Legionnaires’ disease has been find £80,000. Daryl Eyles, 37, had just been given the all-clear from doctors treating him for leukaemia when he took a shower at Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH).

Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector, has launched the Government’s search for a partner to deliver a new £1.2m Innovation Exchange – a programme to support the third sector’s capacity to innovate.

A new service being launched next month across Mid-Devon will provide a wide range of services for almost 3,000 children under five and their families.

Computer-based therapy for milder, but more common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety should be made available to any patients in England who could benefit from it from April, Department of Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has said.

Elderly people are being forced to sell their homes to pay for care which should be provided ‘free’ by the NHS, it is claimed. Marian Fisher, aged 72, died with a tumour ‘the size of a dinner plate’ attached to her bowel.