Networked public service content covering interests such as health and social issues could be brought to the screens of local TV viewers if a campaign for local TV is successful. Regional programme makers could produce documentaries about current affairs with social action content. Councils and other public bodies could get their messages across through local advertising.

Read more on LOCAL TV COULD REVOLUTIONISE COMMUNICATING WITH COMMUNITIES…

The NHS Electronic Staff Record system has taken on its one millionth user. The project was launched in 2001 and will be completed shortly when all 600 organisations in the NHS are brought on stream. There will then by 1.2 million users.

Read more on ONE MILLION USERS LOG INTO NHS STAFF RECORDS…

By Gary L Sturgess, Briony Smith, Peter May and Alexis Sotiropoulos

The key to value for money in public services lies at the competitive edge. This is the conclusion of a study from the Serco Institute which reviews the financial savings achieved when monopoly services in five sectors -defence, prisons, local government, waste management and health – were exposed to competition, or the prospect of competition.

Read more on COMPETITIVE EDGE: DOES CONTESTABILITY WORK?…