BBC News

BBC News - Health

We were not treated as parents, Covid inquiry told

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:11:38 GMT

Mum of premature twins says rigid restrictions on birthing wards during Covid were traumatic.

Babies made using three people's DNA are born free of hereditary disease

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:00:21 GMT

The method was pioneered by UK scientists to overcome devastating, often fatal inherited diseases.

'Don't tell me my baby wasn't meant to be'

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:17:42 GMT

Siobhan Gorman was 16 weeks pregnant and home alone when she gave birth to baby Archie.

My dad gave me a kidney - now I can have my dream wedding

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 08:09:18 GMT

Kieran Innes was worried he would have to curtail his future plans when his kidneys failed.

Inside Health

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher looks at the evidence for claims the benefits of sun could outweigh risks.

Johnson wanted tighter Covid rules, inquiry hears

Thu, 22 May 2025 19:11:38 GMT

In his diaries, Lord Vallance wrote that ex-PM thought rules were not ruthless enough.

How do heat health alerts work?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:49:34 GMT

The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.

Ketamine helped me escape my negative thoughts - then it nearly killed me

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:08:50 GMT

Young people are taking dangerous amounts of ket because it's cheap, easily available and helps them "disconnect", experts say.

Cash to isolate 'would have cut Covid deaths'

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:05:43 GMT

Baroness Dido Harding tells Covid inquiry Rishi Sunak blocked higher support payments.

Can (and should) we cure blindness?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:56:43 GMT

Recent years have seen incredible advances in eyesight restoration. But should we approach blindness as something that needs to be 'cured'? Comedian Tom Skelton, who started losing his sight at 21, explores. Made in partnership with UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).

Stop telling me to lower my cortisol - it's making me stressed!

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:30:41 GMT

Can social media hacks really help bring down your cortisol levels?

First place in British Isles set to approve right to die

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:02:21 GMT

Laws in the Isle of Man to let terminally ill adults end their own lives are in the last stages of debate.

What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:00:18 GMT

Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.

Are weight-loss injections the answer to obesity?

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 00:52:45 GMT

The appeal is clear - but should we be turning to appetite-suppressing injections?

Covid inquiry told top NHS doctor was terrified

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:34:34 GMT

Sir Stephen Powis says points-based tool was drawn up should need to prioritise patients have arisen.

NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:07:44 GMT

Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.

Why are pollen levels making hay fever so bad this year?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:17:40 GMT

As pollen levels rise, what are the best ways to treat hay fever symptoms, and other useful advice.

New nature health scheme aims to boost well-being

Wed, 28 May 2025 16:49:23 GMT

The RSPB, which helped draw up the scheme, says it has been a success in other parts of the UK.

Michelle Mone-linked PPE firm evidence to be heard in private

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:16 GMT

Covid inquiry says hearings into the firm, led by Michelle Mone's husband, must be held in closed session.

More than 30 poisoned after suspected fake Botox

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:03:25 GMT

Health security body UKSHA urges vigilance after 38 cases of botulism recorded in the east and north-east of England.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:21:38 GMT

How dangerous is UV radiation and how can you protect yourself when levels are high?

Vaccine roll-outs cut deaths by 60% - study

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:50:54 GMT

The study looked at vaccines deployed during outbreaks of five deadly diseases.

We always joked dad looked nothing like his parents - then we found out why

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 04:41:41 GMT

Matthew's father died late last year - before learning the truth about his family history.

Mood swings fuelled Heston Blumenthal's genius. But the highs got higher and the lows got darker

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:02:10 GMT

A new BBC documentary looks at how a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 57 changed the celebrity chef's life.

How is your hospital doing as NHS battles to bring down waiting times?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:08:44 GMT

Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital

How many of us will end up being diagnosed with ADHD?

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:36:40 GMT

Experts suggest that the number of people with ADHD is actually going to remain steady.

When a kiss can kill you…

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:19:16 GMT

The challenges of dating when you have a serious allergy.

Why are measles cases rising in the UK?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:24:54 GMT

What are the symptoms of measles and how dangerous is the disease?

I lost £15,000 after going to an IVF middleman

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:49:56 GMT

Companies that act as "middlemen" between patients and doctors are not regulated by the fertility watchdog.

Large UK-wide pandemic preparedness tests planned this year

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:36:01 GMT

The stress test will involve thousands of people to help the UK prepare for potential future threats.

Assisted dying bill: What is in proposed law?

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:30:26 GMT

The proposed law would allow some terminally ill adults to end their own lives. But there are requirements.

Is RFK Jr's divisive plan to Make America Healthy Again fearmongering - or revolutionary?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:04:11 GMT

The most powerful public health official in the US is reviled by some medics - but even some of his critics accept that he is bringing drive to healthcare areas that have long been neglected

Why we might never know the truth about ultra-processed foods

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 23:33:23 GMT

Experts can’t agree how exactly they affect us and it’s not clear that science will give us an answer.

World-first blood cancer therapy to be given on NHS

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:05:15 GMT

It sneaks toxic drugs inside cancer cells to hit them hard while minimising side-effects.

'Our sister died of cancer because of our mum's conspiracy theories'

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:05 GMT

Paloma Shemirani’s brothers say she refused chemotherapy because of their mother’s beliefs.

Why today's sunshine is more dangerous than normal

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 12:07:00 GMT

The UK could experience some of the highest UV levels ever recorded, on Thursday.

'My first cervical screening was over before I knew it'

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 01:06:51 GMT

The BBC speaks to six people about their first cervical screening, and what they wish they'd known beforehand.

New science centre aims to help fight pandemics

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:42:54 GMT

The government wants to invest billions to make the National Biosecurity Centre the largest in Europe.

Schools recognised for emotional wellbeing skills

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:10:09 GMT

Seven schools receive awards for changes they have made to help pupils and staff.

Inside Health

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

How does female physiology affect sporting performance?

Covid inquiry told of trust do-not-resuscitate rule

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:54:11 GMT

Patients' families were “horrified but not surprised” when told the blanket policy had been in place.

Why are pollen levels making hay fever so bad this year?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:17:40 GMT

As pollen levels rise, what are the best ways to treat hay fever symptoms, and other useful advice.

Is the system letting down people who were harmed by Covid vaccines?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:48:59 GMT

People affected by rare blood clots say they feel they have been airbrushed out of the pandemic.

Mone accuses Covid inquiry of 'cover-up'

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:10:36 GMT

She says husband Doug Barrowman and her are targets of a "politically motivated witch hunt".

Michael Gove denies trying to circumvent Dyson ventilator checks

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:29:20 GMT

Former cabinet minister says it would be ludicrous to suggest he tried to shortcut safety checks in the pandemic.

What should you look for when choosing sunscreen?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:55:48 GMT

What to look for when choosing sunscreen and how to apply it to get the maximum protection.

The junior doctors' strikes may be over. But is trouble ahead?

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:43:02 GMT

The end of the pay dispute sounded too good to be true. And now some are wondering if it might be.

How close were hospitals to collapse in Covid?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:06:04 GMT

The Covid inquiry restarts its live hearings this week, after senior staff in the NHS revealed just how close some hospitals were to collapse

Families failed by Covid jabs tell inquiry of pain

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:39:40 GMT

They said there was no support after the death and harm suffered by their loved ones.

Inside Health

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

The PM says it's 'reform or die' for the NHS, we discuss ambitious plans to restructure it

Cornwall theatre company awarded nearly £20,000

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:20:16 GMT

The company is getting the funding to collect local stories of experiences of menopause.

Covid inquiry told Treasury blocked NHS bed request

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:06:48 GMT

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard says the decision, in July 2020, was very disappointing.

'It's heartbreaking leaving women sleeping rough'

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:54 GMT

An outreach worker helping homeless women at risk of violence in a Somerset town.

Hancock criticises 'wholly naive' Covid inquiry

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:14:53 GMT

The former health secretary was giving evidence about medical equipment deals during the pandemic.

The Covid Inquiry Podcast: 'I wasn't the decision maker'

Sat, 31 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The Inquiry hears from the lead of the test and trace unit

Doctors strikes: BMA and Streeting talks 'constructive'

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:00:10 GMT

Resident doctors will walk out for five consecutive days from 25 July over a dispute about pay.

South Africans fear spike in HIV infections as US aid cuts bite

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:06:57 GMT

South Africa has been at the forefront of the successful battle to halt the spread of HIV/Aids - until now.

Stop telling me to lower my cortisol - it's making me stressed!

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:30:41 GMT

Can social media hacks really help bring down your cortisol levels?

Covid inquiry to look at impact on care services

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:10:05 GMT

The Covid inquiry will examine the impact of the pandemic on care services, starting on Monday.

I'm an NHS leader - but mum still suffered at hands of health service because she was black

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:06:47 GMT

NHS Confederation chair Lord Adebowale says his mother's death illustrates inequalities in the system.

How will weight-loss drugs change our relationship with food?

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 03:10:13 GMT

The rise of these treatments has major implications for how we think about obesity, says James Gallagher.

The Documentary Podcast

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:30:00 GMT

How male friendships and support groups improve relationships and mental health

Covid care home policy was 'least worst decision' - Hancock

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:27:58 GMT

Former health secretary Matt Hancock denied claims the government's attempt to throw a protective ring around care homes in early 2020 was empty rhetoric.

'Unfair' NHS wait lists revealed in official report

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:16:47 GMT

Data for the NHS in England shows the waiting list for gynaecology is one of the largest.

How does a £1.6m fine affect an NHS trust?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:25:33 GMT

How will the largest fine over maternity deaths impact the NHS and the families it failed?

How to stay safe at festivals this summer

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 06:34:59 GMT

The UKHSA and Somerset Council have put together a list on how to stay safe at festivals this summer.

Labour's plan for benefits throws up a bigger dilemma

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:06:29 GMT

The debate has sparked a wider dilemma about the broader purpose of welfare

Is the most expensive lip balm always the best?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:38:36 GMT

Do you need to spend more to get the best for your chapped lips?

Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:36 GMT

Increasing numbers of young people are using the drug, experts say. The health impacts can be catastrophic.

Premises plea as wellbeing charity told to move

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:24:38 GMT

Simply Limitless must leave its base in Kidderminster in weeks after the landlord found new tenants.

Why are disposable vapes being banned and how harmful is vaping?

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:37:32 GMT

It will be illegal to sell or supply disposable vapes from 1 June 2025.

NHS needs better plan around weight loss jabs, warn experts

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:27:18 GMT

Experts call for an urgent review of obesity treatment services amid booming demand for weight loss jabs.

Emma is doing something she swore she never would - buying her kids vapes

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 23:21:07 GMT

One month on from the disposable vape ban, one mum says it has had little impact on her children's nicotine consumption.

Covid inquiry hears of 'generational slaughter'

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:55:44 GMT

Relatives of care home residents tell the Covid inquiry they will never get over how their loved ones died.

Is there a healthy way to tan?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:04:33 GMT

Chris and Xand van Tulleken weigh up the pros and cons of being in direct sunshine.

'Unfair' NHS wait lists revealed in official report

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:16:47 GMT

Data for the NHS in England shows the waiting list for gynaecology is one of the largest.

Hot weather: How to sleep in the heat

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:59:24 GMT

Simple tips to help you get a good night's sleep during hot weather.

Support group for mums from different ethnicities

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:31:00 GMT

The group hopes to help women with newborn care, maternal health, and mental wellbeing.

Biggest human imaging study scans 100,000th person

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:40:43 GMT

UK Biobank scientists say the human body can be studied in greater detail than ever thanks to people like Steve.

The English neighbourhood that claims to hold the secret to fixing the NHS

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:04:10 GMT

With public satisfaction in the NHS just 21%, one area has a plan to shake up its services that could reduce GP waiting lists, as well as unblock hospital beds - but can it really work nationwide?

Physician associates need new job title, says review

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:02:05 GMT

It also recommends PAs and AAs wear standardised clothing and badges to distinguish them from doctors.

NHS hours from PPE running out in Covid - Hancock

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:58:34 GMT

Former health secretary tells inquiry some healthcare settings did run out - "and it was awful".

Handwritten notes reveal Churchill's penicillin concern ahead of D-Day

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:17:55 GMT

Handwritten notes show the wartime prime minister's frustration over slow penicillin production.

Alzheimer's has isolated us, says Fiona Phillips' husband

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 13:22:48 GMT

Martin Frizell has spoken of the social isolation faced by the couple since the former GMTV presenter was diagnosed.

'Parents should be told about their child's mental health'

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:51:36 GMT

Jessica Glasser's parents say families should be told if their child is struggling with their mental health.

Inside Health

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

James explores the science of a sweet tooth and then gets tips on how to brush like a pro.

What does hot weather do to the body?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:44:08 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.