BBC News

BBC News - Health

Morning-after pill to be made free at pharmacies in England

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:58:18 GMT

The government hopes the move will end the "unfair postcode lottery" some women face.

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.

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.

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.

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

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".

Scans in shopping centres and AI - can ideas like these help save the NHS?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:04:23 GMT

Government says more NHS funds in England will go to social care as we look at how it can deliver change.

Nurses bore the brunt of Covid, ex-chief nurse says

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:58:13 GMT

Dame Ruth May tells the Covid inquiry nurses struggled with low staffing levels and difficulties accessing protective equipment.

Doctor 'betrayed' over son's death at her hospital

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:31:46 GMT

Deborah Burns says she is unable to return to work at the hospital after the death of her son, William Hewes.

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.

'I fear I'll be dead before I get justice for my son'

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:56:44 GMT

Tony Summers' son Paul was diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis C and died in 2008 aged 44.

How does the Covid inquiry work?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:58:17 GMT

The inquiry has heard from politicians, civil servants, public health experts and bereaved families.

How are the vaping rules changing?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:06:32 GMT

Marketing rules will be stricter, nicotine vapes will be taxed and disposable vapes will be banned.

Paris: Grassroots to Glory

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:43:25 GMT

The Rugby 7s player has struggled with body image in the past, but says sport has helped

Covid inquiry rejects clinicians’ anonymity plea

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:11:07 GMT

The UK Health Security Agency argued naming the junior officials could put them at risk of abuse.

'I embrace my alopecia, but I’d love my old hair back’

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:36:30 GMT

People living with alopecia could have access to treatment on the NHS in Scotland for the first time.

Victim records claims sickening - attacks families

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:52:51 GMT

A hospital trust is investigating if medical records of the three victims were accessed "inappropriately".

Fake £4m Xanax drug gang boss jailed

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:35:28 GMT

The gang, managed from Thailand, produced 11 million pills in the West Midlands to be sold online.

Are my braids doing more harm than good?

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:03:42 GMT

Research suggests the synthetic hair used for braiding could be bad for you - but will that stop women using it?

DNA testing site 23andMe files for bankruptcy protection

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:42:23 GMT

The company said that it will now attempt to sell itself under the supervision of a court.

Baby deaths trust claimed £2m 'good care' payments

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:19:57 GMT

An NHS trust criticised over a baby's death claimed money for providing good care, the BBC can reveal.

Warning tax rises could force care homes to close

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:50:35 GMT

Social care providers say the sector is in "unprecedented danger" without more funding.

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?

Who can get an NHS Covid booster this spring?

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:58:07 GMT

The spring booster campaign starts in England on 1 April, but vaccines are also available privately.

Paris: Grassroots to Glory

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:01:00 GMT

The Paralympic Rowing Cox will compete a year after getting the all clear from cancer.

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

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.

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.

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.

How Dame Deborah James helped save a mum's life

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:06:52 GMT

A mother-of-three shared her story with Dame Deborah's mother Heather on BBC Breakfast.

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.

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.

Chris Hoy says men should talk about health issues more

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:51:18 GMT

Six-time Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy calls for more openness on health matters

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.

Can LED face masks transform your skin - here's what the experts say

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 01:37:16 GMT

The at-home light therapy treatment is increasingly being seen as a must-have skincare accessory.

Covid was like a daily terror attack, doctor tells inquiry

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:06:37 GMT

Covid inquiry hears harrowing testimony from ex-adviser in emergency preparedness at NHS England.

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.

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.

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.

Baby slings unsafe for hands-free feeding, charities warn

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:12:49 GMT

Parenting charities, including the NCT, have updated their advice saying slings and carriers are unsafe for feeding.

Fertility patients sold unproven add-ons, HFEA says

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:25:25 GMT

Despite little proof add-ons help, many IVF clinics offer them, the UK's fertility regulator warns.

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.

What does NHS England do? Your questions answered on health reforms

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:51:56 GMT

As part of Your Voice, Your BBC, we answer questions from you on government plans to scrap NHS England.

High-grade masks evidence weak, Covid inquiry told

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:39:28 GMT

UKHSA's Prof Susan Hopkins said respirator masks may have worked no better than thin surgical masks.

'It's unforgivable': The problem at the heart of the NHS's maternity care failures

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:46:42 GMT

An inquest into the death of Ida Lock has shone light on repeat mistakes - and wider failures in certain hospitals across England

Can health secretary name NHS trusts performing well?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:09:11 GMT

Victoria Atkins is challenged to name some health trusts meeting their targets to cut waiting lists.

First case of bird flu in sheep found on UK farm

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:57:28 GMT

The UK's chief veterinary officer confirms the case was discovered on a farm in Yorkshire.

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".

UK draws up new disease-threat watch list

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:38:56 GMT

Some are viruses with global pandemic potential - like Covid - others infectious illnesses with no treatments.

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.

'I had to use a goods lift to go for an abortion'

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 02:30:09 GMT

Dani Czernuszka-Watt was told the clinic she went to had never treated a person in a wheelchair before.

What is assisted dying and how could the law change?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:17:24 GMT

MPs backed a proposal to let terminally ill people in England and Wales choose to end their life.

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.

What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who is affected?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:03:20 GMT

The government has set out more details about its proposed cuts to disability benefits.

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.

Who are the millions of Britons not working?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:23:42 GMT

About a quarter of the working age population - those aged 16 to 64 - do not currently have a job.

'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.

What is assisted dying and how could the law change?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:17:24 GMT

MPs backed a proposal to let terminally ill people in England and Wales choose to end their life.

At-a-glance: Key changes to benefits in welfare shake-up

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:13:44 GMT

How Personal Independence Payments (Pip) and other health-related benefits could change under government plans.

Alarms, overdoses and saving lives: Two days in UK's first drug injection room

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:05:03 GMT

The BBC was given exclusive access to the controversial facility in the east end of Glasgow.

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.

Protests postponed after pharmacy funding boost

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:15:32 GMT

Community pharmacies have delayed protest action after the government agreed a new funding package.

Men denied life-extending prostate cancer drug

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:30:51 GMT

NHS England says it cannot afford to offer abiraterone, which is available in Scotland and Wales.

Covid ambulance crews faced 'crucial PPE delays'

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:39:04 GMT

Crews say they faced crucial delays trying to save dying patients because of the time it took to put on equipment.

Big drop in child surgery for swallowed objects

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:07:22 GMT

Cashless society may have helped, since coins were a common foreign object swallowed, surgeons say.