The Methodist Church has responded to the Government’s announcements to allow National Health Service patients to buy extra medical treatment not available on the NHS with a call for clarity and a wider debate

A service at Westminster Abbey has been held to mark the 60th anniversary of the National Health Service. During the event the Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute describing it as the "noblest manifestation of the character of our country".

Thousands of people, including community group and trade unionists, took part in a demonstration in central London on Saturday, celebrating the National Health Service and demanding that all political parties uphold its principles of care.

Chaplains in the public sphere can play an important role in offering spiritual and pastoral support, says Andrew Copson. But they must be open to all, including the non-religious, who are unfairly marginalised in current arrangements.

The chaplaincy crisis in the National Health Service needs urgent ministerial attention, following new research revealed swinging cuts to the service throughout England, says a trade union group representing multi-faith chaplains.

We need to ask deeper questions about the 'punishment and reward' theology of targets, markets and excellence that has come to dominate health policy, suggests Savi Hensman.