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Protected time training, online reading and the skills escalator are some of the new ways that are used to meet staff training needs. Some of the innovative schemes help the nurses to work in both acute and primary care settings, rotational systems allow the new nurses to get the taste of various departments before deciding where to specialize and online resources help them in their training needs.

Annualized hours, part-time working, term-time working, self-rostering, job sharing and graduated retirement are some of the options in the NHS' new commitment to flexible working. The impact of these flexible working hours on the nurses is discussed.

The government's Improving Working Lives policy includes a wide range of initiatives in areas such as childcare, violence and flexible working. This helps the working staff to maintain a balance between their family life and their profession, so that they can work accordingly with the facilities provided.

The article discusses the different factors responsible for making for a good employer that led to Healthcare picking out the 100 best healthcare organizations in England. The key procedures followed in selection and decision about the top organizations are highlighted.

The article discusses the invaluable role that incorporating staff engagement practices plays in improving the productivity of an organization. NHS as well as private organizations across England are now involving employees in key decisions as health professionals know what needs to be done; and the benefits and advantages of staff engagement are highlighted.

The article presents the views and feelings of employees across different health care organizations on the effectiveness of employee engagement. Better communication between employers and staff on impending changes and new introductions will go a long way in making this policy effective.

The article discusses the multiplicity of employers in the health care sector which includes the NHS, independent and charitable institutions besides their role in motivating staff to improve performance. The reasons why certain organizations emerged leaders and were ranked among the top 100 healthcare providers are highlighted.

Most women do not breast feed for more than a few weeks and the Unicef baby-friendly initiative, jointly run with the World Health Organisation, aims to increase breast-feeding rates. Hospitals are trying to gain baby-friendly status under the initiative and only three have achieve it so far. One is the Jessop Hospital for Women in Sheffield which has over 3,600 births a year, dealing will all types of births. The idea of breast-feeding is introducing early on and discussions take place over several weeks, backed by antenatal class which emphasizes is the benefits of breast-feeing. In 1996 65% of women were breast feeding and 52% continued to do so after four weeks, with support after discharge.