Robo-pets can improve quality of life for dementia sufferers

Interaction with a robotic companion can help people with mid to late stage dementia become less anxious and also have a positive influence on their quality of life, according to new research.

The study investigated the effect of interacting with PARO — a robotic harp seal — fitted with artificial intelligence software and tactile sensors that allow it to respond to touch and sound. It can show emotions such as surprise, happiness and anger, can learn its own name and learns to respond to words that its owner uses frequently.
Read more at:

http://www.mtbeurope.info/news/2013/1306028.htm

GPs to be held accountable for any future 'Mid-Staffs', says health secretary

In Pulse:
"GP commissioners will be held accountable for the failure of hospital services in the case of another Mid Staffs-style scandal, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said."

So not the secretary of State himself, CQC, Monitor, DH etc ...

Interesting comments under the article also

See http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/commissioning/commissioning-topics/secondary-care/gps-to-be-held-accountable-for-any-future-mid-staffs-says-health-secretary/20003507.article#.UdbSpW3t46Y

Longer Lives map of health outcomes across England

Public Health England's Longer Lives interactive map highlights premature mortality across every local authority in England, giving people important information to help them improve their community’s health.

See http://longerlives.phe.org.uk/