Surgeons to perform first UK face and hand transplant

Patients being assessed for radical double procedure as NHS watchdog warns more evidence of risks is needed

HIV tests to be offered in high-prevalence areas

London, Birmingham and Manchester among cities covered by policy to reduce stigma and spread of disease

Cost of care in old age rises to average of £50,000

Research for government inquiry finds one in five of those needing residential care face bills of more than £100,000

Safe in their hands? Margaret Drabble on the threat facing the NHS

Margaret Drabble: Our experiences of the NHS are woven into the fabric of our lives – and our fiction. It is a brilliant and beautiful construction, yet now – extraordinarily – we seem to be on the brink of losing it

LazyTown and Sportacus join drive to improve children’s health

Tories to use cult television programme to promote physical activities and attack junk food

Health bill means service will be forced to compete with private firms

Dr Mark Porter warns that introducing competition means private firms will be able to cherrypick patients with easy complaints

NHS shakeup risks return to 1930s, warns leading doctor

Reforms means service will be 'tattered safety net' for patients with complex illnesses, says Dr Mark Porter

Forests U-turn – the Tories should have known better

Alexander Chancellor: I am shocked and amazed David Cameron couldn't see the wood for the trees when it came to selling off Britain's forests

Alcohol abuse: More aid for sufferers could save NHS £1.7bn

Report calls for counsellors and advisors in hospitals, claiming presence would save £3 for every £1 invested