A major spending boost is needed if mental health care is to meet the government's expectations for 2010/11, a charity has warned. Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health examined the resources needed to meet the government's 10-year National Service Framework. It says public spending on mental health care must increase by a further 50% over and above inflation. And staff numbers must increase by almost 40% to meet the targets.
Up to one in three mental health patients are being over-prescribed drugs, says the Healthcare Commission.
Disabled children who do not live at home should have the right to an advocate who can speak on their behalf, according to the Children's Society. The organisation says that more than 13,000 children placed away from home are at greater risk of abuse.
The court of appeal is being asked to decide if people in privately-run care homes should have stronger protection for their human rights.
An insulin pill made from a chemical found in shrimp shells is being developed by Taiwanese scientists.
Government plans to close a loophole in mental health laws have been defeated in the House of Lords.