The Health service journal
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The poor reputation of the NHS in dealing with domestic violence is not helped by a lack of evidence on effective approaches to it. Screening programmes modestly increase disclosure of abuse but few studies measure outcome. Healthcare professionals should be alert to the possibility of domestic violence if the path to homelessness is to be avoided.
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If a board is to be effective its members must understand their roles and share trust with their colleagues. Members must be prepared to challenge colleagues, conventions and their own assumptions. Individual responsibility dissolves in large groups. Successful boards avoid this phenomenon.
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There is urgent need for reform in the care of acutely ill medical patients. Problems are being compounded by rising admissions, the reduction in junior doctors' hours and changes in training. Care should be delivered in acute medical or assessment units by dedicated teams specialising in acute care, according to a new report by the Royal College of Physicians.