Smash hit

Worst NHS hospitals ‘are free to go on failing’

NHS regulator accused of being toothless after refusing to take action against the worst hospitals identified in a new guide

Twelve hospital trusts exposed for failing patients

The low performance conclusions came despite overall patient care at eight of these trusts rated as good or excellent

What it feels like to survive ovarian cancer

When Jennifer Smith's tummy swelled up, she put it down to overeating. It was the only sign she had a life-threatening disease

Regulation of NHS Foundation Trusts is vital

It would be wrong to say that because sometimes serious issues emerge, problems are not being detected

Inquiry into NHS deaths after scandals

Health Secretary announces investigation to uncover the true extent of death rates across the NHS after scandals at two trusts

NHS watchdog admits problem with health checks

Quality Care Commission gave 'good' rating to hospital trust in Essex despite problems that contributed to dozens of deaths

Dementia research 'looted' to fund Brown pledge

The Prime Minister has been accused of taking research money to fund his election promise of free home care for the elderly

GPs told to step up swine flu vaccinations

The number of deaths linked to the virus has risen to 242 in Britain, with 21 fatal cases in England in the past week

Systemic failings killed 71 at hospital's A&E

NHS watchdog said Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Trust had reported 'persistently high mortality rates'

‘Day of shame’ taunt as Labour scuppers minimum pricing for alcohol

Police and doctors have heavily criticised a decision by Scottish Labour to block minimum pricing for drink in Scotland

‘Maternity funding not reaching frontline’

Nearly a fifth of the heads of midwifery say that their budgets have been cut, despite the promise of an extra £330 million

‘Bionic eye’ allows blind man to read again

Doctors at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital stunned by the results of a trial using a camera that sends signals to the brain

SNP faces defeat over minimum alcohol price

Opposition to vote against minimum-pricing legislation intended to tackle health problems and alcohol-fuelled violence

Fathers ‘take partners to hospital too soon’

Midwives to debate men’s role as evidence suggests their advice to keep mothers-to-be at home for longer is being ignored

Legalise assisted suicide, Kirk minister says

People deserve choice over ending sufferin in “ethical and merciful manner”, the Rev Dr John Cameron tells Kirk’s journal

Longer A&E waiting times as patient numbers rise

Patients waiting in A&E to see a doctor are waiting on average more than half-an-hour longer than ten years ago, despite NHS hitting its target

Mystery as coma survivor finds voice at fingertips

Experts are casting doubt on the veracity of Rom Houben’s 'reawakening' through a 'Ouija board' communication technique