Scottish health minister Sam Galbraith has announced that a steering group chaired by John Arbuthnott, principal and vice-chancellor of Strathclyde University, is to conduct a 'wide-ranging' review of NHS funding in Scotland. The group will review the 20-year-old SHARE distribution formula to see 'whether the distribution of resources can more fairly reflect the needs of local populations'. Comments to Sandra Falconer, Room 278, St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG by 10 April.

Health minister Alan Milburn has announced that 94 personal medical services pilot schemes will begin in April under the NHS (primary care) Act 1997. The pilots create a number of opportunities, including salaried GPs, nurse-led primary care services and 'one-stop shop' primary and community services.

The British Medical Association is planning to launch a telephone advice service for doctors and students with disabilities. A recent report by its disabled doctors working party found they often faced discrimination at work and lacked access to advice, help and support.

Meeting the Needs of Doctors with Disabilities. From BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP. Members pounds5.95, non-members pounds6.95.

The regional genetics laboratory at Birmingham Women's Hospital now claims to be the largest in Europe following a pounds150,000 refurbishment and the transfer of 25 staff formerly based at Heartlands Hospital.

Unison has claimed the turnover of domestic staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is 'totally unacceptable'. The union says a report by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service shows staff turnover is 72 per cent a year and has called for the 'NHS's contract culture' to be abandoned.