BBC News
BBC News - Health
Free sauna has become a 'real community hub'
Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:56:37 GMT
The free-to-use sauna in Margate is built in the style of a 19th Century bathing machine.
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.
'I've had 100 operations and will never stop' - inside China's cosmetic surgery boom
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:08:23 GMT
Face-scanning apps, social media influencers and toxic beauty standards are fuelling China's cosmetic surgery boom.
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.
What goes on inside toddlers' brains?
Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:13:02 GMT
A unique study is tracking the development of hundreds of babies whose parents have also been studied since birth.
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.
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.
California man invites BBC to witness his death as MPs debate assisted dying
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:10:48 GMT
Wayne Hawkins believes terminally ill people should be able to die when they choose, but others in the state disagree.
'I could live 30 years but plan to die': How assisted dying law is dividing Canadians
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:24:38 GMT
BBC News reports on assisted dying in Canada, where some say it's now easier to choose to die than get support to live
Charity's wellness sessions take to the road
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:26:58 GMT
The iCan organisation's van is offering support to "hard-to-reach" people in parts of Cumbria.
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".
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.
Doctors in two end-of-life cases can be named
Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:22:54 GMT
Those involved in caring for Isaiah Haastrup and Zainab Abbasi can be named, the Supreme Court rules.
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.
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.
'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.
Why RFK Jr wants American cereal to be more Canadian
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:43:58 GMT
The US health secretary on Tuesday announced the country would ban eight commonly used artificial food dyes, many found in breakfast cereals.
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?
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.
Premenstrual disorder hits relationships - study
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:10:14 GMT
PMDD sufferers expressed a lower sense of intimacy, researchers at Durham University say.
'My peanut allergy nearly killed me - now I eat them every day for breakfast'
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:03:24 GMT
Just a few years ago, Chris Brookes-Smith could have died from eating peanuts - but taking part in a clinical trial has changed his 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.
Exhausted hospital staff putting patients at risk, says watchdog
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 01:15:48 GMT
NHS safety body wants a focus on staff fatigue as it warns of mistakes and impaired decision-making.
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.
Doctors back total ban on smacking children in England
Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:15:51 GMT
Smacking is legal in some cases in England and Northern Ireland, but is banned in Scotland and Wales.
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.
North Scotland among highest rates of Huntington's
Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:59:26 GMT
The statistics are five times higher than the world figure, a University of Aberdeen study says.
New device gives female patients more dignity
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 14:17:36 GMT
A urinary bottle initially designed for men has been adapted to work for women in hospital.
Disposable vape use falling in UK ahead of ban
Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:23:05 GMT
The number of people vaping in the UK has stalled, while disposable vape usage has fallen, a study suggests.
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.
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.
Woman contacted by stranger on DNA site - and the truth about her birth unravelled
Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:20:36 GMT
An NHS trust has paid compensation after a woman, now in her 70s, discovered she had been swapped at birth.
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.
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.
Plan for GPs to keep millions out of hospital
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:48:37 GMT
GPs will work more closely with specialists to support patients closer to home, the government says.
Loud
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Is noise an invisible killer? James Gallagher investigates.
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.
Taxi driver gives free ride for mental health chat
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:42:50 GMT
A taxi driver from Farnborough has undertaken mental health training with the Samaritans.
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.
Wellbeing strategy aims to increase life expectancy
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:20:04 GMT
A public consultation on the project by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council will run until 16 May.
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.
'Why I want an IVF baby to screen out gene that made me go blind'
Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:04:43 GMT
Blind influencer Lucy Edwards on choosing IVF which will screen out the gene that made her who she is.
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.
Millions of vapes seized in illegal trade crackdown
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 02:29:13 GMT
Single-use vapes are among the main driving forces of the black market, the BBC is told.
Supported housing in crisis, groups tell Starmer
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 01:19:55 GMT
Supported housing for vulnerable or disabled people is in crisis, a letter to the prime minister says.
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.
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.
Woman 'keeled over in agony' from endometriosis
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:19:28 GMT
Bekki Thomas is calling for more research into the condition.
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
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.
GPs and sports centre join forces
Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:01:57 GMT
A group of GP practices join up with a sports centre operator to open a new healthcare service.
Why men are so unhealthy - and what can be done
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:40:30 GMT
Men are more likely to die prematurely than women - and worse at seeking care when they need it.
'I didn't know I was pregnant until I gave birth'
Sat, 12 Apr 2025 06:07:21 GMT
Bryony had no pregnancy symptoms when she went into labour at the beauty salon she worked at.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's the point of the menopause?
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:14:08 GMT
Why do women go through the menopause - are there any evolutionary benefits?
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.
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.
'My long Covid turned out to be terminal cancer'
Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:39:19 GMT
Olivia Knowles noticed something "wasn't quite correct" while competing in an ironman competition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inside Health
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT
James Gallagher and the panel discuss the safeguarding implications of the proposed bill
The Supreme Court ruling gives clarity - but now comes the difficult part
Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:51:21 GMT
The judgement provides a clear framework for what equality laws mean, but it remains to be seen what will change.
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
'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.
Inside Health
Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT
In the first of our mini-series we discuss who could get an assisted death under the rules
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.
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.
WHO agrees legally binding pandemic treaty
Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:40:46 GMT
The agreement is designed to ensure more cooperation between nations in the event of another pandemic.
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".
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.
'One-of-a-kind' girl born with heart outside chest has pioneering surgery
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:38:20 GMT
Vanellope, now seven, undergoes more surgery to reconstruct a "cage" around her heart, using her ribs.
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?
