BBC News

BBC News - Health

Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in England

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:00:09 GMT

It follows the UK's largest and fastest growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year.

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.

Mums 'left to get on with it' after C-sections

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:39:23 GMT

Mothers have described being left to recover from caesarean sections with "no support".

Migraines and acne among five more conditions pharmacists can treat

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:01:35 GMT

Pharmacies in England will soon offer treatments for a total of 12 common conditions which save people going to their GP first.

More protein or less? The foods to get you through a heatwave

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:05:56 GMT

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

Running costs of vaccine damage scheme more than double amount paid to victims

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:45:14 GMT

The cost of administration and medical checks has now topped £83m, according to new figures.

'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.

How hunger for a new weight-loss drug is feeding an industry of fakes

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:47:40 GMT

Dupes of retatrutide are flooding the black market, but the drug is yet to be approved by regulators.

Doctors vote to take strike action in row over pay

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:08:16 GMT

The British Medical Association is in dispute with Manx Care over "pay erosion since 2008".

UK wasted £10bn on PPE that left NHS staff poorly protected, Covid inquiry finds

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:12:53 GMT

Healthcare staff were unable to properly protect themselves, or those in their care, from dangerous infections, says the latest inquiry report.

Wellbeing walks praised for keeping people active

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:38:58 GMT

The free walks range from 10 to 90 minutes and are aimed at all abilities.

BBC News presenter reveals she has blood cancer

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 22:00:36 GMT

Maryam Moshiri tells the BBC she wanted to reveal her diagnosis to raise awareness about the cancer.

'My cancer spread while I waited months for surgery': The cost of England's cancer wait times

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:31:16 GMT

Cancer care has got worse since the government announced plans to speed up waiting times and save more lives, BBC analysis shows.

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".

Assisted dying: How laws differ around the world

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:46:48 GMT

About 400 million people have access to some form of assisted dying - what are the policies of other countries?

Off to Reading or Leeds? Here's your guide to festival make-up (without the toxins)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:09:54 GMT

Neon is on trend, but some make-up products pose a serious risk to your health. Here's what to check for, and how to dazzle.

Inside Health

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:12:00 GMT

Millions of people still have long Covid, yet a cure still isn't quite within reach.

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.

Powerlifter wins golds despite endometriosis pain

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:11:21 GMT

Lhamo Weston says it's important to be open about competing with endometriosis

Very hot drinks may damage the food pipe and increase cancer risk

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:30:39 GMT

Steaming hot liquid can damage the cell lining on the way down to the stomach, experts say.

Covid inquiry PPE report - key findings

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:45:44 GMT

What went wrong with the government's planning and buying of vital items like gloves and gowns that cost taxpayers billions of pounds.

A&E did not get the basics right - my son's life was ruined at 32

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 03:49:39 GMT

Oli's experience is one of a growing number of clinical negligence claims being made in England, BBC analysis shows.

Running costs of vaccine damage scheme more than double amount paid to victims

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:45:14 GMT

The cost of administration and medical checks has now topped £83m, according to new figures.

Heart trial after breast cancer has 'improved my life'

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:10:22 GMT

Lucy Shepherd is one of 90 women to take part in a trial helping cancer survivors come off medication.

'Like a hangover': Why your partner's snoring could be impacting your health

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:56:18 GMT

Sleeping next to a snorer could be having a negative effect on your health, experts tell the BBC.

How can sport help mental health?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:36:42 GMT

At the launch of On Your Side, a mental health toolkit created by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Foundation, BBC Sport's Nesta McGregor asks sporting stars, 'how has sport helped your mental health?'

New mums 'left to get on with it' as C-section numbers hit record high

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:43:16 GMT

Mothers have described being left to recover from caesarean sections with "no support".

'Game-changing' suicide prevention charity expands

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:06:05 GMT

The charity provides safe spaces for men to talk about their emotions without being judged.

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.

Fire at nursing home in Chile kills 16 residents

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 19:36:50 GMT

Ten people were evacuated from the home in Araucanía region in central Chile.

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.

Support for disability benefits 'remarkably strong' report finds

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:37:44 GMT

About 7% of those polled wanted disability benefit cuts, according to the latest British Social Attitudes survey.

Menstrual fitness: Why some women are 'cycle-syncing' their workouts

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:22:05 GMT

Menstrual cycles are highly individual, making blanket advice found on social media difficult to apply, researchers say.

Menstrual fitness: Why some women are 'cycle-syncing' their workouts

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:22:05 GMT

Menstrual cycles are highly individual, making blanket advice found on social media difficult to apply, researchers say.

'I'm on a mission to convince people to work less'

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:31:25 GMT

Jo Hooper spent her 20s chasing career success, but had two work-related breakdowns before she was 31.

UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:16 GMT

The UK medicines regulator has given approval for an experimental vaccine to be tested on healthy adults.

Train station to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:56:52 GMT

As well as offering advice, Wellbeing Week will include poetry, gardening workshops, art and music.

William and Catherine praise role of sports in suicide prevention

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:08:54 GMT

The Princess of Wales has made a surprise appearance alongside her husband the Prince of Wales, as he gave an impassioned call to the sports sector to help prevent suicides.

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

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:27:27 GMT

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

New GP and wellbeing hub 'a major milestone'

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:59:36 GMT

The £21m hub brings together primary care, community wellbeing and leisure services in one location.

Inside Health

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

How understanding inflammation could transform treatments from cancer to Alzheimer’s.

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.

Mum 'lost trust' in surgeon review hospital

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:19:39 GMT

One parent says the number of patients involved in a review is "ridiculous".

Why 'sleepmaxxing' could be making your sleep worse

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:41:27 GMT

The things you're doing to make your sleep better could actually be making your sleep worse.

UK needs new laws for AI in healthcare, says watchdog

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:48:35 GMT

The technology will soon be routinely used within the NHS, MHRA chief Lawrence Tallon tells the BBC.

What's driving men to get penis fillers, despite the risks?

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:42:33 GMT

Men who have had the procedure can expect 10-20% more girth for the next six to nine months - but it can go wrong.

Transplanted pig kidney works in US man's body for record 271 days

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:31:23 GMT

A man has lived for a record nine months with a transplanted pig kidney while waiting for a human transplant.

New home means 'big ambitions' for wood enterprise

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:11:34 GMT

Wolverhampton Wood Recycling's bigger premises will bring more volunteers together, its founders say.

Inside Health

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Also, running during pregnancy and how to recover.

Inside Health

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Plus, how much do people really change their habits for a free coffee?

What in the World

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

More people are doing it to feel confident socialising - but what are the risks?

Campaigners hold vigil as stroke unit closes

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:19:46 GMT

Patients needing urgent care will be taken to Taunton or Dorchester instead.