The crisis of winter present
The flu outbreak has not reached epidemic proportions, but is nevertheless causing widespread problems for A&E departments up and down the country.

The crises of winters past
The NHS crisis is worse this year than other years because of nursing shortages, say managers.

The crises of winters future
This year's flu outbreak is not of epidemic proportions, but it causing severe problems. News Online looks at what would happen if there was a major epidemic.

Give elderly 'fair deal'
The number of elderly people is expected to soar in the next century. Charities say they want to see a system of long-term care which is fair, practical and affordable.

What is long-term care?
Long-term care covers a broad range of services provided by a network of different, often competing, organisations. News Online explains how the system works.

The organ transplant crisis
Fewer fatal road accidents and greater patient demand have contributed to an organ transplant crisis, say doctors.

The NHS: the Conservative legacy
Margaret Thatcher declared that the NHS was safe in Conservative hands. The party oversaw far-reaching reforms during its 17 years in government.

The changing role of health authorities
The Conservatives cut the number of district health authorities. Labour will do the same as more power is put into the hands of GPs.

Hospital trusts bring internal health market
The introduction of The National Health Service and Community Act (1990) allowed hospitals and other health care providers to be given trust status and become independent of health authority control.