The Health Secretary Alan Johnson has ordered an independent review of accident and emergency care procedures at the trust which runs Stafford Hospital.

It follows a Healthcare Commission investigation into high mortality rates in patients admitted as emergencies to the hospital. These found deficiencies at virtually every stage of emergency care at the trust – from the time patients arrived at A&E, through to the emergency assessment unit, and subsequent admission to a surgical or medical ward.

Read more on INDEPENDENT REVIEW FOR TRUST…

Public bodies have been given a list of words to avoid if they want to communicate effectively with local people.

The Local Government Association list, which has been sent to councils across the country, sets out 200 words and phrases that all public sector bodies should avoid when talking to people about the work they do and the services they provide.

Read more on BEACONICITY BANNED…

By Dr Lynne Friedli

Evidence released by the Mental Health Foundation shows the central importance of the poverty gap to both individual and collective mental health. At a time of public concern over excessive earnings and city bonuses, this report reveals how the gap between rich and poor affects the mental health of individuals by causing psychological and physiological changes. It also argues that mental health is key to understanding wider health and social issues and that poor mental health can lead to a ‘social recession’.

Read more on MENTAL HEALTH, RESILIENCE AND INEQUALITIES GAP…