On-line booking of hospital appointments direct from the doctor’s surgery will start soon in 24 pilots schemes. There will be progressive extension to all computerised surgeries. This is one of a number of developments planned as part of the introduction of Primary Care Groups which will come into operation in April 1999.
All general practices will become members of a local group which will provide care to the local population and will eventually commission hospital and community services. 

Home Secretary Jack Straw today challenged police forces across England and Wales to step up their efficiency drives and improve effectiveness. He announced a 2.7% rise in expenditure for the coming year, but pointed out that as the recent Audit Commission report shows, increased resources do not automatically improve police performance. 

What can be done to ensure that the progression of black people into senior management and leadership positions is sustained into the future? This report analyses the responses of over 300 senior and middle managers to a survey on this subject, and examines the perceptions of the barriers to be faced and the opportunities to be taken. The report reveals stark differences between the perceptions of black managers and those of their white counterparts.