Some NHS staff have accepted a pay rise, whilst some others are still striking for better pay and conditions. In the meantime, the NHS has revealed its plans for what is set to be another challenging winter for the health service.

This issue of HB looks at how to overcome the barriers which are preventing the transition of care out of hospitals and into homes and investigates how digital technology can improve social care.

Amidst staffing concerns, APSCo looks at ways to address the skills gap and Dr Jane Howarth from the University of Bolton explains how organisations across the city are working together to train the next generation of healthcare staff.

We will also explore what to consider when implementing charge point infrastructure for electric vehicles and look at what is being done about RAAC in hospital buildings.

There are plenty of other features and event previews included as well.

Polly Jones, editor