Watchdog healthcheck.

The five items in this programme are all of some medical interest:- 1. CPS AT RISK OF VIOLENCE ON NIGHT VISITS GPs are in dispute with the government - not only over pay but over the future of night visits to patients. One doctor asks her husband to accompany her; some North Staffs. GPs pooled resources to pay for a person to accompany them. Doctors describe the violent attacks they suffered when responding to patients' requests for night visits. Home visits at night can no longer be taken for granted; patients may have to go to a casualty department or health centre. 2.AN ALTERNATIVE TO INJECTIONS A powdered drug fired by laser jet through a nozzle could replace needle injections. This method could also be useful in dentistry. As well as being an advantage for patients who fear needles, the developing world could benefit as powdered drugs last better in storage. 3.PREVENTING DEATH OF BABIES DURING LABOUR The stress of labour can cause babies' bowels to open, releasing myconium which fills their lungs and other organs and can cause them to disintegrate, while those who survive this disaster may suffer permament impairment. Prof. Philip Steer developed a sensor to detect the presence of myconium but has run into funding problems over its development. 4.EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZING AND REPROCESSING THERAPY Invented by Dr. Francine Shapiro (US), these eye exercises are intended to relieve stress. Therapists visit offices by their own bus, where treatment is given. Dr. Shapiro sells the practising rights. 5.NHS ORGAN DONOR REGISTER Launched in 1994, this is intended for people to record their own wishes about organ donation to avoid placing relatives in a dilemma. However, there has not been a good response.