BBC News
BBC News - Health
Thousands of opioid deaths missed off official figures
Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:43:07 GMT
The error - affecting England and Wales - raises concerns about the impact on the government's approach to drug deaths.
Drinks that make you chill - do they really do what it says on the tin?
Sat, 09 Aug 2025 23:37:41 GMT
The wellness drinks industry is booming – but the big benefits they promise might be too good to be true.
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
Inside Health
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT
We try to figure out why drug deaths are at an all-time high - and what can be done.
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?
Why we need to talk about periods, breasts and injuries in women's sport
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 23:55:30 GMT
Understanding the pressure elite sport puts on women’s bodies is pushing athletes to new levels of excellence.
Hospital opens room for miscarriage support
Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:32:20 GMT
The space will provide "compassionate care during a profoundly difficult time", says a ward sister.
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.
The teenage caffeine pouch trend troubling US experts
Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:06:06 GMT
Some social media influencers are pushing products to young gym-goers and students, health experts warn.
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.
Trust apologises for treating A&E patients in cafe
Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:47:03 GMT
Using the cafe to treat patients "will not be allowed to happen again", the trust's boss says.
Energy drinks to be banned for under-16s in England
Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:18:26 GMT
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said he was acting on concerns for children's health.
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.
Fourteen NHS trusts' maternity care to be investigated over 'failures'
Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:15:11 GMT
Families impacted have criticised the review, calling it "not fit for purpose".
Pine nuts and goat's milk should get allergy labels, say experts
Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:58:27 GMT
Warnings for some 'emerging' food allergens should be added to food packaging, researchers suggest.
Disabled NHS medic told she's 'not a real doctor'
Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:14:05 GMT
Disabled and neurodivergent doctors say the lack of reasonable adjustments is pushing some out.
Deodorant firm sorry after 'itchy, burning armpits' claims
Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:35:26 GMT
Mitchum said a change in the manufacturing process had affected some of its roll-on products after users complained of soreness.
Students feel 'let down' by mental health support - but should it really be up to universities?
Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:24:02 GMT
The number of students reporting mental health concerns is rising. But to what extent should the onus be on universities?
What is chickenpox and how can I get my child vaccinated?
Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:51:59 GMT
The NHS in England and Wales will start offering the MMRV vaccine to young children from January 2026.
A walk-in fishermen's clinic saved Tom from sepsis - and could transform the NHS
Thu, 07 Aug 2025 23:01:41 GMT
Tom Parker was treated in one of 70 harbour health clinics after breaking his fibula fishing at sea.
Vaccination plea after baby's 'terrifying' measles
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 06:15:33 GMT
Eight areas in the North East and Cumbria have seen a slight or moderate increase in MMR jab rates.
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.
Gym with wellbeing focus welcomes lottery boost
Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:37:30 GMT
The Soma Space offers combined strength training and psychotherapy, and prospective clients can be referred.
Why did resident doctors strike and what are they paid?
Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:49:33 GMT
Resident doctors in England went on strike over pay for five days at the end of July 2025.
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.
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.
Wellbeing walking maps to encourage green travel
Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:24:10 GMT
The illustrated walking maps guide people along four car-free routes in and around Tewkesbury.
Children to be offered chickenpox vaccine on NHS
Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:18:31 GMT
All young children in England and Wales will be offered a free chickenpox vaccine by the NHS from January 2026.
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.
Turkey dental work leaves woman in constant pain
Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:05:19 GMT
Leanne Abeyance's face is constantly infected after dental work done in Turkey.
'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.
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.
I quit my job to run a silent disco exercise group
Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:55:04 GMT
The Silent Steppers began in 2024 to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Sleep, exercise, hydrate - do we really need to stick to recommended daily doses?
Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:08:06 GMT
As a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, we take a look at some other health benchmarks we’re often told to strive for.
Could RFK Jr's move to pull mRNA vaccine funding be a huge miscalculation?
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:18:05 GMT
The US is withdrawing $500m for vaccines for diseases like flu and Covid. Health correspondent James Gallagher asks if it's the right call.
What the NHS can learn from the European country that helped more people survive cancer
Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:59:05 GMT
Denmark's survival rates record for certain cancers were poor compared to some other wealthy countries. Then it came up with a bold plan
Inside Health
Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Cystic fibrosis care, AI in cancer screening & science of run clubs.
How gaming can be good for your mental health
Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:58:12 GMT
Psychologist and gaming expert Nick Ballou has five ways how gaming can boost your mental health and wellbeing.
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.
Brain image doctor banned for assault and racism
Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:51:04 GMT
Dr Sayed Talibi is told his conduct was "fundamentally incompatible" with being a doctor.
Sitting up straight isn't the only secret to good posture - here are three more tips
Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:07:22 GMT
Here are Dr Xand's three suggestions on how to look after your back without turning into a statue.
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.
Let's have a conversation about periods
Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:47:54 GMT
Three teenage girls talk to 5 Live about the importance of safe and open conversations on topics such as hormones, periods and mental health.
Will Serena Williams's weight-loss admission help shed stigma of anti-obesity drugs?
Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:34:35 GMT
Could her comments instil a new sense of confidence in those using the drugs and quieten the critics?
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".
Alzheimer's blood test could 'revolutionise' diagnosis
Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:36:00 GMT
Scientists leading the trial at University College London believe the blood test could improve the accuracy of diagnosis of the disease to more than 90%.
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
The trade in US body parts that's completely legal - but ripe for exploitation
Sat, 30 Aug 2025 23:09:47 GMT
Human remains can mean profits. But there is an emotional debate about the ethics of the industry.
Why you might not need that magnesium supplement...
Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:32:19 GMT
Drs Chris and Xand sit down with Professor Stella Volpe, the Head of the department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise at Virginia Tech in the US.
Why the world is watching RFK's fight with US health agency
Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:24:45 GMT
The US health secretary's plans could have a huge impact on health policy not just in the US, but across the globe.
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.
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.
AI stethoscope could detect major heart conditions in seconds
Sat, 30 Aug 2025 16:50:15 GMT
The new technology could be a "game-changer" resulting in patients being treated sooner, experts say.
Error leaves 55,000 diabetes patients needing new tests
Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:17:05 GMT
Errors by diabetes analysis machines mean at least 55,000 people in England will need further hospital tests.
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.
Women's healthcare chronically underfunded, says Melinda French Gates
Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:43:59 GMT
The billionaire philanthropist is donating $50m to research the issue, as part of a larger $1bn pledge.
Cut and bulk: Teenagers explain why they want to get ripped
Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:06:27 GMT
The quest for brick-like abs has become serious business - even if you're only in Year 8.
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
Seven-week wait for some red flag cancer patients 'frustrating'
Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:03:16 GMT
The target set by the Department of Health for patients red flagged for breast cancer to be assessed is 14 days.
How a 'seated salsa' can help your lower back
Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:30:51 GMT
It's hard to tone your lower back muscles, but this handy exercise can help.
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.
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.
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?
Woman loses faith in hospital after miscarriage
Sat, 13 Sep 2025 05:36:16 GMT
Emma Simmonds says she will never return to the hospital, this week rated England's worst.
Lucy Letby's new expert supporters claim no babies were deliberately harmed. Who should we believe?
Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:39:20 GMT
Barrister Mark McDonald claims to have the backing of a panel of world class experts who say there is no evidence any babies were deliberately harmed
One way Michael Rosen has coped with the death of his son
Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:51:54 GMT
"You don’t die as a human being, you live on with others," Rosen told Saturday Live.
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.
Best and worst-performing NHS Trusts in England named
Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:45:32 GMT
Critics question the usability of new league tables meant to inform the public and let them exercise choice.
The doctor strike has ended - what comes next?
Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:02:02 GMT
With doctors returning to work after five-day walkout, is there an opportunity for talks to re-start?
Fertility clinics must stop unproven treatments, watchdog warns
Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:50:22 GMT
The draft guidance advises against many popular but unproven fertility add-ons offered by clinics.
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.
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?
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
Price of Mounjaro to be discounted in UK pharmacies
Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:02:46 GMT
The rebate allays fears of a 170% price rise but patients are warned the cost of the drug will still jump.
Calls to include menopause support in cancer care
Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:01:29 GMT
A survey shows that 90% people say they are not given plans to help manage menopause.
Let's have a conversation about periods
Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:47:54 GMT
Three teenage girls talk to 5 Live about the importance of safe and open conversations on topics such as hormones, periods and mental health.
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.
AI can forecast your future health – just like the weather
Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:19:58 GMT
An artificial intelligence model can predict the risk of more than 1,000 diseases, a team of scientists say.
Inside Health
Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT
We investigate the safety of melatonin as a sleep aid, and should you eat your placenta?
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.
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.
How does the disposable vape ban work, and how harmful is vaping?
Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:56:48 GMT
The disposable vape ban is designed to reduce environmental damage and protect children's health.
Adults with learning disabilities die 20 years early, report finds
Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:55:49 GMT
People with learning disabilities and autism die almost 20 years younger than the rest of the population.
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.
Don't scrap care plans for children with special educational needs, say MPs
Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:35:46 GMT
Concerns grow over the government's plans to reform special needs education in England.
Union and government to restart talks on ending doctor dispute
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:03:52 GMT
BMA says there is window of opportunity in coming weeks to reach a settlement after 12 strikes.
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.
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.
Art charity 'buzzing' about opening of new £75m campus
Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:34:42 GMT
Art Shape works with the NHS to deliver creative courses as prescriptions.
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.
NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?
Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:38:05 GMT
Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.
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 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
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.
Organ transplants for immortality: Might Xi and Putin be onto something?
Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:25:33 GMT
The presidents of China and Russia were overheard discussing transplants as a way to prolong life.
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".
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.
Warning issued over branded kids' magnesium gummies
Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:25:06 GMT
An undeclared drug that can cause drowsiness and headaches has been found in Nutrition Ignition supplements.
Doctors' union agrees to resume talks with Streeting
Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:03:16 GMT
But the health secretary says he will not negotiate on pay, adding that the union has lost goodwill with their five-day walkout.
IT systems at major hospitals restored but disruption continues
Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:41:39 GMT
The majority of planned surgery and out-patient hospital appointments in the Southern Trust are being cancelled for Thursday.
Hospital pays out after bacteria-linked deaths
Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:19:32 GMT
Nine families receive compensation after the outbreak linked to a Cambridge-based hospital.
Inside Health
Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Shingles vaccine to reduce dementia risk? Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea & tech trousers
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.
'My son's constipation wasn't taken seriously until he reached crisis point'
Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:11:04 GMT
The number of children being admitted to hospital with constipation is at a 10-year high.
'Hoarding was a way to protect myself from the world'
Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:29:17 GMT
Hoarding is often misunderstood, but it can be a symptom of deep trauma. One woman shares how hoarding impacted her life - and her road to recovery.
