Private-finance hospital ‘putting lives at risk’
Widespread health and safety breaches at centre for mentally ill.
Hewitt calls for inquiry into fatal infection
Patricia Hewitt called on the health inspectorate yesterday to mount an independent inquiry into the spread of a virulent infection that has claimed 12 lives at Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire.
Mothers going into labour still lack expert care
Poll shows 27pc won't get constant help from a doctor or midwife.
Five steps to improve care
Leader: Today The Observer launches its Better Birth Campaign, our drive to give mothers a better experience of one of the most life-changing events. We hope the government and the hospitals concerned will listen.
Fears for health of new mothers
Women are being sent home from maternity hospitals too quickly, with many leaving just six hours after giving birth.
Sex lessons at home
Leader: Beverley Hughes, the new children and families minister, was right this week in a Guardian interview to urge parents to become more involved in sex education with their children to reduce unwanted teenage pregnancies.