Other News In Brief

Call For Ideas On Health Apps And Maps

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has on Tesuday launched a call for new ideas for health apps that would help patients make informed decisions about their care. Everyone, including patients, doctors, nurses and other health professionals and app developers, is invited to submit new ideas of health apps and online maps they think would be useful. Mr Lansley pointed out the example of the Choosing Well app, developed by NHS Yorkshire & Humber for their local community, which allows people to search for their nearest NHS health services. Speaking to patients, doctors and nurses at Evelina Children’s Hospital in London today, Andrew Lansley said: "We want to give people better access to information that will put them in control of their health and help make informed choices about their healthcare. Over the next six weeks, we want to hear from patients, health professionals and budding app developers on their ideal new app. This is a unique opportunity for the NHS and those who develop apps to not only showcase their work but bring to life new ideas and realise true innovation in healthcare."

Over 1,400 In Court After Riots

More than 1,400 people have appeared in court in connection with the riots that took place across England's towns and cities two weeks ago. The latest data from the Ministry of Justice showed that 157 had been convicted, 327 bailed and almost 800 remanded in custody. The numbers remanded represented a 50% increase in remands for those usually appearing before a magistrate.

Government Saves £18 million On Office Supplies

Two contracts for office supplies announced on Tuesday are expected to deliver savings of over £18 million a year, according to the Government today. Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General Francis Maude announced that all central government departments will use the centrally managed deal for Office Supplies, paying the same price for items such as pens and paper, bringing to an end the days where departments pay different prices for the same items. Savings of between 12-29% are expected with the two office supplies contracts, which will be managed by HMRC on behalf of Government Procurement. The number of catalogue line items has been rationalised from 15,000 to 3,500 with scope to reduce this even further and generate more savings. The suppliers will be incentivised to work with Government Departments to identify further items to remove and further rationalise the list.

(DW/BMcC)