BBC News

BBC News - Health

Flesh-eating bug made my skin look like roadkill

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:39:04 GMT

Caroline Fonjock says she owes her life to the medics who quickly diagnosed and treated her.

Many fear the NHS will continue to fail mothers and babies unless there's a cultural shift

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:06:11 GMT

Families will continue to be failed unless the NHS makes meaningful changes, BBC's Michael Buchanan writes.

What is meningitis B and why is a vaccine only being offered to some teenagers?

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:40:50 GMT

Only select groups of teenagers and some young people will be eligible for the vaccine. Here's why.

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:27:32 GMT

Researchers launch a "Laughter Lab" to explore how laughing can improve wellbeing and health.

Minimum age of 11 set for UK puberty blocker trial

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:18:49 GMT

Gender-questioning children will have to be at least 11 years old to take part in a clinical trial of puberty-blocking drugs.

Inside Health

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher finds out how a hot flush feels - and delves into a new treatment.

Want to feel happier at work? Take a five-minute walk

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:50:12 GMT

Sitting for prolonged periods is associated with health complications – but you can counteract the risks of a sedentary life.

What does hot weather do to the body?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:18 GMT

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

'Normal birth drive' criticism removed from maternity report, expert claims

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:04:28 GMT

Dr Bill Kirkup says he resigned from a government-commissioned review into NHS maternity services over the omission.

Loved and loathed: The making of India's viral liver doctor

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:11:12 GMT

Dr Cyriac Abby Philips has built a large online following, but often clashes with India's traditional medicine specialists.

Draining your lymphatic system

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:05:39 GMT

Draining your lymphatic system

Can a 10-second finger workout help keep your brain healthy?

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:02:31 GMT

Dr Oscar is back with the latest health headlines.

Swim club calls for more school water safety lessons

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:08:04 GMT

From the autumn a new Water Safety Forum is being introduced to primary and secondary schools.

Catherine completes Three Peaks Challenge to 'explore life beyond' cancer diagnosis

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 02:41:26 GMT

The Princess of Wales did the endurance event to raise awareness about "holistic healthcare" for cancer patients.

Why women are more affected by hot weather than men

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:39:05 GMT

Why are women’s bodies impacted by heat differently to men’s?

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:29:06 GMT

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:43:26 GMT

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

Over one million children referred for mental healthcare - with anxiety the main reason

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:58:15 GMT

Demand is soaring beyond capacity, meaning children in England wait years for help with various conditions.

Rollout of Covid vaccines extraordinary feat - inquiry report

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:39:07 GMT

Covid vaccines saved hundreds of thousands of lives, but a small minority harmed need better support, says report.

Why is pregnancy sickness drug not easily accessible to all?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:11:00 GMT

BBC journalist Linzi Kinghorn finds out why a pregnancy sickness drug is not always accessible on the NHS.

Cancellations 'unavoidable' during hospital strike

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:03:33 GMT

The British Medical Association has announced more strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay.

Excessive social media 'negatively impacts wellbeing'

Sat, 23 May 2026 06:27:17 GMT

The World Happiness Reports finds the more time spent on social media the greater loss of wellbeing.

Inside Health

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher examines the outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent.

A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:17 GMT

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

Even young and fit urged to skip runs and too many beers in heatwave

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:24:26 GMT

Cardiac arrests have gone up during very hot weather, and it's not just among the elderly and frail, experts are warning.

First drug to delay onset of type 1 diabetes made available on NHS

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:44:41 GMT

The immunotherpay can give children and adults three extra years before they need to use insulin.

How can we help our fathers live longer?

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:23:36 GMT

One in five men dies before the age of 65 but getting help sooner could save lives.

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:08 GMT

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

Woman's Hour

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:23:00 GMT

A new report highlights growing demand and long waits in child mental health services.

Obesity cases rising fastest in young adults

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:11:14 GMT

Experts say the cost of living, pandemic and boom in unhealthy food are behind the rise in cases.

How to treat bloodshot eyes

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:05:01 GMT

How to treat bloodshot eyes

What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:20:11 GMT

The fourth report from the inquiry into the pandemic said the vaccine roll-out was an "extraordinary feat".

Is watching England in the World Cup bad for your health?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:30:14 GMT

Watching football is an emotional rollercoaster - but is it good or bad for your health?

Resident doctors take strike action over pay

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:45:58 GMT

The BMA said there will "undoubtedly be cancellation of operations, outpatient appointments and elective care" but "patient safety will still be prioritised".

Government promises to act on maternity care failings which 'shame our society'

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:25:42 GMT

An independent inquiry has found "unacceptable racism and discrimination" is affecting patient safety.

Resident doctors in England accept pay deal and end strikes

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:45:16 GMT

Doctors have been locked in a three-year dispute with the government, resulting in several rounds of strikes.

Women with PMOS should have yearly NHS checks, says health watchdog

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:04:58 GMT

Despite affecting millions of women in the UK, PMOS is still under-diagnosed and inconsistently managed, say experts.

'I forgot what it's like to be outside': Intensive care ward opens on rooftop

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:10 GMT

The outdoor ward, at King's College Hospital in London, will monitor how much it boosts the recovery of seriously ill patients.

Jeremy Clarkson in remission from prostate cancer

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 01:48:33 GMT

The presenter shared his "aggressive" cancer diagnosis on an episode of Clarkson's Farm earlier this week.

Amos: There needs to be a 'set of standards' for care

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:03:07 GMT

Review chair Baroness Valerie Amos recommends changes to overhaul the NHS maternity care system.

Puberty blocker trial will help reduce harm, says Cass report author

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:30:41 GMT

Dr Hilary Cass says she is "absolutely convinced that more children will be harmed if we don't do the trial than if we do."

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

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:05:28 GMT

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

Woman found cancer after requesting mammogram at 79

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:26:17 GMT

Carol Turansky says it was only discovered after she contacted the breast cancer screening unit.

Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:26:34 GMT

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Islanders' lifestyle views could help shape future

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:09:32 GMT

The results could help the government plan and deliver services in the future, officials say.

Vaccines a huge success, but public trust must be earned - key findings from Covid report

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:02:12 GMT

Immunisation saved hundreds of thousands of UK lives, but vaccine hesitancy remains an issue.

Tributes paid to pioneering gynaecological surgeon

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 06:07:18 GMT

Prof Christopher Balogun-Lynch was "pivotal" in the development of Milton Keynes University Hospital.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:03:05 GMT

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others.

Inside Health

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher is joined by experts to answer key questions on the meningitis outbreak.

Women with PMOS should have yearly NHS checks, says health watchdog

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:04:58 GMT

Despite affecting millions of women in the UK, PMOS is still under-diagnosed and inconsistently managed, say experts.

Inside Health

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James visits Hackney, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.