The NHS in England generated a surplus of more than £2bn in 2007/08, according to the Department of Health and Monitor.
NHS clinical education funding is to be reformed under proposals put forward by Lord Darzi in his workforce review.
The Healthcare Commission has announced changes to the financial management element of its annual health check for 2008/09.
The new NHS performance system aims to be tough but it is as much about aiding turnaround as punishing poor performers.
The Department of Health and drugs manufacturers have agreed a deal that could save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds.