Health & Social Care

Study of Whitehall staffers shows benefits of moderate alcohol consumption in middle-age

Departmental response reveals that discussions are already underway with sector over forthcoming policy document due to be published with new NHS plan in the autumn

The land of NHS founder Aneurin Bevan, Wales has seen a lot of changes since the health service was created 70 years ago. The Welsh Government’s top health official Andrew Goodall reflects on the enduring legacy of one of the nation’s favourite sons

The NHS in Scotland is run by one of the country’s most senior and experienced civil servants – closely tying operational and policy management together. Paul Gray tells Richard Johnstone about the benefits of integration, and the need to plan for tomorrow

Simon Stevens played a pivotal role in securing a £20bn funding boost ahead of the 70th birthday of the NHS. With its finances on a more stable footing, the NHS England chief executive wants to use this moment as a springboard to ensure the health services’ long-term future. He talks to Sebastian Whale.

Wonder what the next ten years hold for the NHS? Better ask the people who really drive change in the health service – the public, says Roy Lilley

The NHS has been through many “reorganisation convulsions” as successive governments sought to redefine the relationship between health services and Whitehall. Richard Vize looks at the most important shifts, including Andrew Lansley’s attempt to blow ministerial control apart, and asks what’s next for a service in perpetual motion

Committee on Climate Change report found reductions in greenhouse gas emissions have stalled in past five years

Civil servants think rank-and-file politicians need private briefings on Universal Credit implementation and other big changes 

Think tank says Theresa May’s multi-billion-pound pledges will be unsustainable without a realistic plan for raising the cash

Chancellor Philip Hammond told Cabinet ministers health boost was “extraordinary” one-off outside usual spending review process

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency leaves Westminster for Canary Wharf

Ex-Labour health minister Ara Darzi also proposes creation of "single NHS headquarters" to report to Department of Health and Social Care 

Carers' charter and carer’s passport launched across civil service

Policy profession head wants to emulate overseas governments where officials are better educated

Council chief execs also offered cap-busting rise, bagging same 2% deal offered to rank-and-file staff

Leslie Evans reveals that Edinburgh administration has made contact with Welsh Government colleagues for an update on the scheme

NAO criticises failure of both parties to recognise complexity of contract to simultaneously run and cut primary care support services

Mental health first aid can save lives and support better mental wellbeing, but it’s not just a case of training staff and hoping for the best. Kath Cheer and Paul Horsman advise on building structures that help mental health first aiders to support their colleagues

Staff welcome weekly window for healthy activities agreed in deal with civil service unions

Internal inquiry underway after drugs found in secure area of department

The National Health Service is sitting on a goldmine of patient information, but identifying how best to tap its rich seams is very much a work in progress. SA Mathieson reports. Photography by Paul Heartfield

NHS bosses say Indian doctors are being denied visas to work in the UK because of ‘hostile environment’

Report by former health minister comes as Jeremy Hunt’s call for a long-term settlement for the NHS gains traction