Strike threat as private firm wins £1.6bn NHS deal

The NHS was today facing strike action after the government awarded the German company DHL a £1.6bn contract to supply and deliver medical equipment.

Ministers approve £1.5bn hospital building proposal

· Initiative to be financed through private sector · Plan will be costly error warns public sector union

Bristle while you work

Is bullying becoming more common at work - or are we just getting more sensitive? As a City firm is ordered to pay £800,000 for its employees' 'offensive, abusive and intimidating' behaviour, Patrick Barkham investigates.

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