Who’d be a GP?

Long hours, budget constraints and now outposts in Boots - doctors must be saints, says John Crace.

School finance classes on rise but still erratic

More schools are teaching personal finance but classes are irregular and many teachers do not feel comfortable teaching the subject, a new survey reveals.

Community fights to save its baby unit

Mothers stage protests as maternity hospital hailed for 'low-tech' approach is hit by NHS cuts.

People always ask me …

Dr Mary Sheppard, consultant histopathologist, Brompton and Harefield Hospital, London

Critical points about sickness cover

The FSA has warned of bad advice and of customers refused payouts. Phillip Inman reports.

Third of men drink to drown out job stress

· Survey links depression to long hours and insecurity· Many victims failing to seek medical help

NHS deficit doubles

The health secretary, Patricia Hewitt, today staked her political reputation on turning around the NHS financial crisis by next year as figures revealed the overall deficit has more than doubled in the last year to £512m.

Work until 68 and save or face a time bomb

Hutton plans to link basic state pension to earnings and rein in means testing.

Midwife-led birth centres threatened by cost cutting

· Highly regarded centre in Stroud to be axed · Move belies government's vow on childbirth choice