All change: cancer services in transition.

The policy and health service background to this discussion are the radical changes in cancer services currently underway in the wake of the Calman-Hine Report and the wider changes ushered in by the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 (UK). Using the changing face of hospice care as the focus, the authors explore some of the potential issues and dilemmas involved in providing supportive care for cancer patients and their families. Three 'themes', or areas of concern, are highlighted: links between services, changing organizational factors, and increasing 'medical imperialism'.

Kids' stuff.

The Department of Health guidance on staffing child health services undermines the purpose of the internal market, claims Frank Ledwith.

Look before you leap.

Hospitals should stop and think before rushing out to buy a computer system in a bid to keep up with medical auditing demands.