One hundred years ago this month (August), the world was plunged into one of the most disastrous wound scenarios; millions of them. Wounds to bodies were devastating, but the wounds to minds, determinedly unacknowledged, almost worse. Sue Smith reflects on this dreadful time.

The principles of the NHS, based on the Beveridge Report, were to provide a comprehensive service funded by taxation, available to all and free at the time of need. Given the demands placed on the NHS today, Frank Booth ponders on the issues, and offers a personal  view on how costs could be ameliorated.

He's back! Some of you may remember Brian Booth as a colomnist for Nursing Times, some of you may remember him as an excellent nurse, or a ward manager. Some of you may not know him at all. But you soon will!

As ever, Brian brings a unique slant to issues affecting nurses and by extension, patients.