“The mood has changed at the Department of Health. Whether that means the award will be implemented in full, I do not know.” Jon Skewes, employment relations director at the Royal College of Midwives, on pay award talks, in Nursing Standard (July 11)

“Historically, public engagement with NHS reconfigurations has not been great.” Dr Tim Crayford, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, on whether a review of the NHS will result in major policy changes, in Health Service Journal (July 12)

“Local authorities are seldom portrayed as hotbeds of innovation.” Michael O’Higgins, chair of the Audit Commission, in Local Government Chronicle (July 12)

“We’ve been debating localism for many years now. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of talking about it. I want us to get on with it – time to do, not time to talk.” Hazel Blears, Communities and Local Government Secretary, in Local Government Chronicle (July 12)

“Some people started treating me with a bit more respect.” James, aged 15, on the surprising consequences of receiving an Asbo, in Young People Now (July 11) – See In The Professional Press, p5

“Bullying is linked to suicide and it seems to me that neither schools, head teachers, teachers, school governors, nor parents care sufficiently to stop it.” Jan Bridget, of Gay and Lesbian Youth, Calderdale, on homophobic bullying, in Children Now (July 11)

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