NHS

'Betrayal' claim in hospital shake-up

Posted at 13:31

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary would be demolished and replaced under the proposals.

NHS ranked 'number one' health system

Posted at 12:26

Nick Triggle

Health correspondent

But study of 11 nations raises concerns about quality of care in UK despite praising efficiency and affordability.

Charlotte Franks

BBC News, London

Posted at 11:24

The number of people who could contract cancer from asbestos poisoning in London's hospitals is a "ticking time bomb", it has been claimed.

BBC London has found 94% of hospitals in the capital contain asbestos.

About 1,000 people have died from mesothelioma since 2011 in London, seven of which were doctors and nurses.

The Unite union and a leading lawyer in asbestos claims both say the figure is increasing, but the Health and Safety Executive said hospitals were safe.

Arrest in hospital saline bags probe

Posted at 10:10

The hospital said there were no indications patients had been adversely affected.

Autistic son's life at risk, says mother

Posted at 0:04 14 Jul

It could take nine months until the man sees a specialist psychologist, the family has been told.

Singer returns to hospital that helped

Posted at 17:52 13 Jul

Emily Macguire performs music at Fulbourn Hospital where she was treated

Singer Emily Macguire performs at the hospital where she herself was treated for bipolar disorder.

I will 'fight for Bedford hospital' says town's new MP in first speech

Andy Holmes

BBC Three Counties Radio political reporter

Posted at 17:14 13 Jul

The new Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston has made his maiden speech in Parliament today, promising to save Bedford Hospital.

Mohammad Yasin, who beat the sitting Conservative MP Richard Fuller to the seat in June, said: "Two years ago Bedford Hospital saved my wife's life when she suffered a heart attack.

"The future of our hospital and its services have been in doubt for far too long.

"Since 2011, under this government and the last, a string of expensive and inconclusive reviews have cast a shadow over the hospital, lining the pockets of many consultants while hardworking frontline staff go without pay rises.

"As MP for Bedford and Kempston, I will fight every day to keep the services we need."

Legal challenge try and stop disabled children's centre from closing

Matt Lockwood

BBC Three Counties Radio

Posted at 16:42 13 Jul

An attempt to stop a centre for severely disabled children in Watford closing could go to court.

Laywers acting for the families who use Nascot Lawn Respite Centre say there was an unlawful failure to consult with the families affected.

They believe the decision to save £650,000 by closing the centre was made long before families were told last month and they argue it's a breach of the children's human rights.

It's due to close in October and currently provides support for families with children with very complex needs.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We can confirm that Irwin Mitchell [solicitors] have written to Herts Valleys CCG and their letter is now with our lawyers for consideration and a response. Given that, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."

They said at the time the closure was announced that it was necessary because of its "serious financial situation", and that the focus must be on spending on services it has a legal duty to provide.