Care homes may close due to cost of national living wage.

In April this year, a compulsory national living wage (NLW) for people over the age of 25 was introduced across the UK. The NLW increases minimum hourly pay from £6.70 to £7.20, a figure that is due to rise to £9 by 2020.

Lord Carter's model hospitals aim to save the NHS £5 billion a year.

A lack of standardised procedures in the use of resources across acute hospitals is costing the NHS billions, according to Labour peer Lord Carter of Coles.

NHS efficiency review points to waste in staff costs and rostering.

Hospitals in England could save billions of pounds through better workforce planning and improved management of staff, rotas and shifts, according to an independent review of NHS productivity.

What the chancellor's cuts today mean for public health tomorrow.

England's health service is grappling with an ageing population coupled with a desire for people to live well for longer. In its attempts to address such pressures on NHS resources, the government wants people to take control of their own health and to focus more on preventive measures.

Care homes struggle to balance rising costs with fall in funding.

Next month at RCN congress members will be asked to vote to lobby governments to recognise the true cost of caring for older people.

Single budget for health and social care welcomed.

THE BULK of funding for health and social care should come from the public purse, with wealthier and older people contributing more, an independent commission has concluded.

Feeling the registration fee squeeze.

As the Nursing and Midwifery Council decides this week whether to consult on increasing the registration fee to £120, opposition to the move grows.

Further freezes would make pay 'unfair and uncompetitive' say MPs.

A group of influential MPs has warned the government against continuing to freeze nurses' pay to address the financial challenges facing the NHS.

A 20% rise in NMC registration fee needed to cover FtP cases.

Nurses' registration fees could rise to £120 next year under budgetary plans drawn up by the nursing regulator.

RCN signs up to '999 plan' aimed at improving delivery of crisis care.

The RCN is one of 22 organisations to have signed a national agreement on improving co-operation between the NHS and the police on the care of people in a mental health crisis.

Quality of NHS care has remained high, despite financial pressures.

Healthcare associated infection rates have dropped, cancer patients receive treatment quicker and hip fracture patients have lower mortality rates, but greater focus is needed on preventing emergency admissions, according to an analysis of NHS care.