BBC News

BBC News - Health

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?

Martha doctor's failings 'particularly grave'

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:05:34 GMT

A medical tribunal has found a senior doctor's failings amounted to gross negligence and misconduct.

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.

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.

We quit our jobs, sold our home twice and spent 10 years fighting for the truth

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 23:53:15 GMT

A NHS trust and hospital manager have been found guilty of health and safety failings over the death of Alice Figueiredo.

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.

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.

How do heat health alerts work?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:20:01 GMT

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

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

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.

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

Some GPs to offer coaching to get sick people back to work

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:09:17 GMT

The aim is to help people return to work quicker and reduce the length of time they need fit notes - better known as sick notes.

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.

'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.

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

What in the World

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:30:00 GMT

We also discuss the risks of AI therapy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

TV doctor and IVF pioneer quits BMA over strikes

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:20:07 GMT

The Labour peer says the strikes could damage public trust in doctors.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hospital backlog drops to lowest level in two years

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:09 GMT

But the NHS in England is still well below its target for seeing patients within 18 weeks.

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.

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).

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.

Lost something? You need an 'FBI mindset' to find it...

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:57:09 GMT

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken discuss how to find something when you lose it.

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.

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.

Inside Health

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher and the panel consider if an assisted death can guarantee a peaceful end.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

'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.

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

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

Resident doctors in England to strike for five days in July

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:56:04 GMT

The medics say the walkout can still be avoided if the government enters pay negotiations.

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".

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.

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.

MPs set to vote on decriminalising abortion in England and Wales

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:50:41 GMT

Women would never be prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy under proposed new laws.

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.

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?

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?

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

Government ignoring pelvic mesh reforms - advocate

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:00:40 GMT

A campaigner says a report made recommendations to support victims, but most of them have been ignored.

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".

Surgeon banned by private practice is working for NHS

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:01:40 GMT

Marc Lamah, dropped by a private provider, continues to operate on NHS patients in Brighton.

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.

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.

'Both my daughters needed new hearts'

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:41:48 GMT

A mum from Surrey calls for more organ donors, as the waiting list reaches an all-time high.

'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.

Tom Grennan opens up about therapy and imposter syndrome

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:22:50 GMT

Roman Kemp & Tom Grennan dive into therapy on the You About? podcast.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cervical screening invites to change in England

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:24:51 GMT

Invitations be sent out by the NHS every five years instead of every three for women aged 25-49 in England, if they have a negative test.

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.

'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.

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.

Horse charity calls on NHS to fund equine services

Thu, 22 May 2025 04:58:16 GMT

Horses for Wellbeing says the funding would see children get help before they "hit crisis point".

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.

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.

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.

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.