Hospital worker in pornography probe

Hospital worker in pornography probe A worker at a Northamptonshire hospital is arrested for allegedly distributing indecent images. BBC News - Northamptonshire

Politicians demand more information on possible cuts to Cransley Hospice funding

Politicians demand more information on possible cuts to Cransley Hospice funding The Labour group on Northamptonshire County Council has called for immediate action to safeguard funding for two local hospices. Evening Telegraph

7 steps to cultural heaven – David Nicholson

7 steps to cultural heaven – David Nicholson After what feels like 10 years of the NHS and those with an interest in the NHS obsessing about structures and systems, culture is starting to get the profile it deserves. In fact, it is hard to read anything about the NHS these days without culture getting a mention. This is how it should be. But to say this is the real challenge facing the NHS is to grossly underestimate its importance.

Press release: Data collection shake-up as social care moves into the 21st century

Press release: Data collection shake-up as social care moves into the 21st century An overhaul of the way social care data is collected will be brought in to help improve the way that care and support is measured, Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb said today.

In order to support the new ways of collecting data, the Department of Health has agreed to give local authorities an extra £11.8 million of funding for implementation. The data will be collected by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) and published annually. The statistics will help to improve social care standards by looking at the results people who use care and support are supported to achieve, rather than counting activities and processes.

Care Quality Commission report details full extent of bullying culture

Care Quality Commission report details full extent of bullying culture Report was commissioned by new CQC chief executive, David Behan, to determine scale of the problems

The full extent of the bullying culture within the Care Quality Commission has been revealed in an internal report, which talks of fear and harassment, often in a drive to reach targets.

Allegations of a bullying culture at the CQC were first made during the inquiry into poor care at Mid-Staffordshire NHS hospital trust. Low staff morale and fear of criticism were thought to have contributed to the CQC's series of disasters, including overlooking problems at the Winterbourne View care home and the row over an report into inspections at Morecambe Bay where several babies died, which was said to have been suppressed.

TV Reporters reveal staff failures in 111 call centres

TV Reporters reveal staff failures in 111 call centres Serious concerns about the privately run 111 NHS call service are revealed on TV tonight in a Dispatches undercover special. Independent

Guidance: Flu plan: Winter 2013 to 2014

Guidance: Flu plan: Winter 2013 to 2014 This plan sets out a coordinated and evidence-based approach to planning for and responding to the demands of flu across England taking account of lessons learnt during previous flu seasons. It will aid the development of robust and flexible operational plans by local organisations and emergency planners within the NHS and local government. It provides the public and healthcare professionals with an overview of the coordination and the preparation for the flu season and signposting to further guidance and information. Department of health

Alzheimer's blood test edges closer

Alzheimer's blood test edges closer Researchers believe they are closer to developing a blood test that could identify Alzheimer's patients. BBC News