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Measles fades out: The British chief medical officer, Dr Kenneth Calman, says that there have been only 21 confirmed cases of measles in Britain this year, compared with an expected 200000, and the disease could be eradicated after last year's immunisation campaign of 5 to 16 year olds.

Dutch court rules in test case: A Dutch court has laid down conditions whereby a doctor could end the life of a seriously handicapped baby without being prosecuted: the baby must be suffering unbearably, and any action must be at the consistent, repeated, and express request of the parents.

Royal College of Surgeons elects new president: The Royal College of Surgeons of England has elected Sir Rodney Sweetnam as president to succeed Professor Sir Norman Browse from July.

Compulsory HIV tests ruled out: A report from the Greater Glasgow Health Board has rejected compulsory testing of health workers for HIV after investigating the case of a surgeon diagnosed as HIV positive last December. But it recommends a review of the guidelines which place an onus on health workers to consult occupational health services if they know they are infected with HIV.

London ambulance staff reject changes: Changes to the London ambulance service will go ahead despite staff voting to reject them by 764 to 421. Emergency crews will be concentrated on busy areas at busy times, and health authorities have promised funding to recruit 300 extra staff.

Richard Horton becomes the editor of the Lancet: Richard Horton, currently North American editor of the Lancet, has been made the new editor. At 33, Dr Horton is the journal's youngest editor since Thomas Wakley, founded the journal in 1823.

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