Hammond gets budget boost as borrowing falls to lowest level since 2007
Government borrowing in September fell to its lowest level since 2007, giving Chancellor Philip Hammond a dose of good news ahead of his budget later this month.
NHS
NHS stress-related absence up by 17% in three years
Stress-led absences in the NHS have risen by just under a fifth, new analysis shows.
NHS staff ‘worn out’ as figures reveal increase in sick days for stress
NHS Fife has seen the biggest increase in stress-related staff absence in Scotland, new figures show.
Union hopes legislation can ‘break logjam on NHS pay’ in Northern Ireland
A new Bill intended to assist senior civil servants who have been left to take decisions in Northern Ireland must ease UK disparity in healthcare workers’ pay, a trade union has said.
Scottish Government has underestimated healthcare funding by £400m – economist
An economist has said the Scottish Government may have underestimated healthcare funding needs by more than £400 million.
Top civil servant refuses to give assurances about no-deal Brexit
A top government official has warned he “can’t tell you it will all be fine” at Britain’s borders if the country crashes out of the European Union.
Concerns about medical supplies after Brexit keep Whitehall mandarin awake
A top health official has admitted concerns over medicine supplies after Brexit are keeping him awake at night.
Winter deaths in Scotland hit ‘staggering’ 18-year high
A charity has described the number of winter deaths in Scotland as “staggering”, with statistics showing an increase to the highest level in 18 years.
Scots urged to get flu jabs as winter deaths hit 18-year high
The number of winter deaths is at its highest level in almost 20 years.
NHS crutch amnesty declared
A crutch amnesty has been declared as part of plans to reduce the carbon footprint of the NHS.