Midwives have welcomed moves to allow women to choose to give birth by caesarean section on the NHS even if there is no medical need to carry out the operation.

A draft report by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) states healthy women can now choose to undergo the procedure, as caesarean sections are safer than before.

Until now, caesarean sections were usually only taken up by women who for medical reasons could not give birth naturally. While some doctors have carried out the operation when it was not medically required, in line with the patient`s wishes, this is not the norm.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has embraced the paper for opening up discussions of the options available to women.

The ratio of natural births to caesarean sections handled by nurses in midwives` jobs could be dramatically altered by the move.

Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the RCM, said: "We are pleased to see the focus on a good discussion of the evidence that includes the risks of caesarean section and the implication for future pregnancies, and we are confident that when women are fully aware of the evidence they will not be asking for inappropriate caesarean sections."

The report is due to be published next month.

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As economic times get tougher, it seems it has made people more reluctant to call in sick at work.

A survey of 2,000 adults by Lloyds Pharmacy found that because of the faltering economy more than half said they would still soldier into work if they were ill.

The survey included employees a range of industry sectors, including those in certain NHS jobs, who feel more insecure of late about their positions amid the ongoing economic uncertainty. 

A third of workers said they were worried their employer may think they were skiving off.

Nitin Makadia of Lloyds Pharmacy said the results of the survey are worrying.

She said: "It`s worrying to hear that people are concerned about taking time off work when they`re genuinely ill for fear of repercussions from their employer.

"Times are hard for many people, but your health is really important too. Especially in the case of flu, it`s vital that people protect both themselves and those who might be more vulnerable to infection."

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The Government is to invest £32 million in talking therapies for youngsters with mental health problems.

Statistics show more than a million children will have a diagnosable mental health disorder and mental illness in childhood, costing up to £59,000 per child every year. To tackle this the programme will adapt, for children, successful parts of a psychological therapy programme that helps treat adults with anxiety and depression.

 Allied health professionals, who will be at the forefront of the programme, hope the chances of mentally ill youngsters ending up in prison will be reduced by the programme, and the likelihood of affected youngsters gaining a job enhanced.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: "This pioneering work will focus on early and effective treatment.

"We know psychological therapies work. Our aim is to transform existing mental health services for children so our children get the best treatment possible, from services that are more responsive to their needs."

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Budding researchers working in NHS Scotland look set to see their careers flourish, thanks to a new funding scheme.

A £3 million NRS Career Researcher Fellowship will offer support to those at early consultant level or equivalent, and with limited research experience. The scheme, which funds `protected time` for research activities, strives to allow clinical staff to carve out a career in this field.

The scheme promises to open a wealth of opportunities to successful applicants, arguably awarding them one of the most desirable NHS jobs. They will be trusted to conduct and lead their own projects, either funded by a non-commercial or industry partner. They will also contribute to ongoing clinical research.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Targeting the scheme at individuals at relatively early stages of their career will allow the benefits to be seen for many years to come within the NHS, and will help to encourage a culture within the NHS which recognises research as a vital and important part of healthcare".

Running for three years from 2012, the scheme will make around 25 awards in the first year across Scotland at a cost of £1 million.

The minister said: "I am delighted to be able to announce this targeted investment as the latest NRS initiative.

"It will improve the ability and capacity of NHS Scotland to participate in high quality research relevant to the people of Scotland, which will contribute to making the Scottish people healthier and wealthier - two of the Scottish Government`s strategic aims."

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