BBC News

BBC News - Health

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.

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.

What is Mpox and why are cases rising in Europe?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:38:13 GMT

UK health officials are encouraging gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to be vaccinated.

Boris Johnson left Inquiry in a hurry - he'll be pleased not to come back

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:49:01 GMT

School closures seemed the only option but lockdowns probably went "too far" , former PM tells Covid Inquiry.

First leukaemia patient to get new form of treatment on NHS says it is 'very sci-fi'

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:12:21 GMT

Oscar Murphy has an aggressive form of the blood cancer and is the first to get CAR-T therapy in the UK.

How the NHS became the battleground in the trans debate facing workplaces

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:54:39 GMT

What's next for employers and their staff in the aftermath of the Darlington nurses ruling?

What does it take to be a prison officer?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:30:37 GMT

In a recent survey, 72% of prison officers say they are frequently stressed at work, 42% say they have been assaulted at least once. So what motivates them - and how do they cope?

US officially leaves World Health Organization

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:18:30 GMT

Trump ordered the withdrawal a year ago, accusing the UN agency of failing to adopt reforms and mishandling the pandemic.

Hancock ignored call to test all NHS staff, Covid inquiry hears

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:23:21 GMT

Two Nobel prize-winning scientists worried about "asymptomatic transmission" between staff and patients.

The Covid Inquiry Podcast

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Baroness Hallett makes her second report into the UK's pandemic response. With Jim Reed.

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.

Covid inquiry hears impact on firms and staff

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:50:37 GMT

Business owners describe breaking into tears as they were forced to lay off staff, while workers feared for their jobs

Revolutionary eye injection saved my sight, says first-ever patient

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:09 GMT

Nicki's eye had collapsed in on itself, but a new gel injection method has saved her vision.

Safe spaces needed for drug-addicted children, say grieving mums

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:03:56 GMT

More children in England are in drug and alcohol treatment, but families say many cannot get help.

Flu: How are hospitals in your area affected?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:38:13 GMT

Use our interactive tool to explore the latest flu numbers in your area

Five ways weight-loss jabs are changing spending habits

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 01:11:19 GMT

With GLP-1 drugs rising in popularity, how are businesses adapting to a new type of consumer?

Trial launched to 'help spot health risks early'

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:08:48 GMT

A pilot scheme is rolled out in the north of the Isle of Man by the public health directorate.

Your nose gets colder when you're stressed. These thermal images show the change

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:28:34 GMT

Psychologists subjected a BBC reporter to a carefully designed thermal camera stress test.

How I proved hair loss and dizziness aren't just symptoms of 'being a mum'

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:28:46 GMT

Iron deficiency is a relatively common problem, especially in women. Here's how to spot the symptoms.

Could your frying pan be toxic?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:31:38 GMT

Scientist Mark Miodownik explores the potential impact of 'forever chemicals' present in some cookware. Made in partnership with the Royal Society.

NHS trust used charity funds for leaving party

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:38:06 GMT

Bosses, in a post to staff, say in hindsight, it was not a good use of charitable funds.

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

Wellbeing support for terminally-ill islanders

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:34:09 GMT

A hospice offers a free programme for those with life-limiting or serious progressive illnesses.

Inside Health

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Cystic fibrosis care, AI in cancer screening & science of run clubs.

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?

Mum, 26, 'wants to be sterilised' due to problems accessing sickness drug

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:08:15 GMT

Chloe booked an abortion because her sickness was so severe she could not look after herself.

One day of planning went into Covid school closures, inquiry hears

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:31:19 GMT

This part of the inquiry is looking at the impact the pandemic had on children and young people.

ADHD services shutting door to new NHS patients as demand soars, BBC finds

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:04:46 GMT

A BBC investigation finds that a host of areas in England are closing waiting lists and others are rationing care.

Sugar tax extended to milk-based drinks: What you need to know

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:33:18 GMT

Milkshakes and lattes to be included in UK sugar tax scheme for the first time.

'It sounds dramatic but singing class saved my life'

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 07:16:11 GMT

Hundreds of peopling attending singing groups are being taught songs and breathing techniques.

What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:02:05 GMT

The inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic has heard from politicians, civil servants, experts and bereaved families.

Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:06:44 GMT

Resident doctors in England are striking between 17 and 22 December, the 14th walkout since 2023.

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.

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.

Why doing a mix of exercise could be the key to longer life

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:17:52 GMT

Don't just focus on one activity - doing a variety every week gives you more health benefits, a study suggests.

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.

Mum with cervical cancer begged for scan after years of being 'fobbed off'

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:32:48 GMT

Jessica finally received a diagnosis after "begging" for an MRI scan revealing she needed urgent treatment.

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.

Delayed action before 2020 Christmas lockdown 'inexcusable'

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:09:37 GMT

Baroness Hallet says ministers failed to take "decisive action" against an "entirely foreseeable" variant.

Letby trust pays £1.4m damages to ex CEO

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:56:05 GMT

Dr Susan Gilby told the BBC she was relieved the case was over and that it "was never about the money."

Hospital violated trans complaint nurses' dignity, tribunal rules

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:42:51 GMT

A judge says the hospital chiefs' changing room policy created a "hostile" environment for women.

Cosmetic doctor sorry for picking apart singer Troye Sivan's looks on TikTok

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:48:19 GMT

The singer hit out at Dr Zayn Khalid Majeed - who says he will try to have a positive impact with his content.

Ambulance demand spikes as flu season worsens

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:14:11 GMT

The service says calls increased by 20% in the past week, fuelled by illnesses such as the flu.

Critical incidents declared at two hospital trusts

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:50:27 GMT

NHS bosses are urging people to only come to A&E if it is an emergency.

The hospitals where waiting times are getting worse. Is yours one of them?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:31:46 GMT

Nearly a quarter of hospital trusts in England have seen waiting times deteriorate in the past year.

Illegal teeth-whitening industry exposed by BBC

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:06:25 GMT

A BBC investigation finds kits on sale containing more than 500 times the legal limit of bleach.

Has flu peaked? What the figures tell us

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:23:10 GMT

NHS remains on high alert over flu, health bosses say, but there are signs infections are levelling off.

Streeting says NHS 'falling short' on autism and ADHD

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:54:49 GMT

Wes Streeting said he was "very worried" about the issue of rising demand for services.

'Just bad luck': The teenage cousins living with inoperable brain tumours

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:20:12 GMT

Lachlan Lindsay and Hazel Dempster were both diagnosed with brain tumours as children.

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.

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.

Why 'Blue Monday' isn't real

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:55:44 GMT

How the third Monday of January came to be known as the most depressing day of the year.

DNA pioneer James Watson dies at 97

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 07:47:13 GMT

Watson co-discover the double-helix structure of DNA, but his reputation was later damaged by his comments on race and sex.

What is chickenpox and who can get an NHS vaccine?

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:31:12 GMT

The standard NHS childhood vaccination programme will include chickenpox from 2 January 2026.

Finger-prick blood test could be early warning for children with type 1 diabetes

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:19:40 GMT

A simple finger-prick blood test can find those at risk so they can get the right treatment.

Flu jabs offered in pub in vaccination drive

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:28:38 GMT

Regular pop-up vaccination clinics are available at The Bevy community pub in Brighton.

Gove apologises after Covid report alleges 'toxic' culture

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:42:12 GMT

The ex-senior minister apologises for mistakes in the pandemic, but defends some of the previous government's actions.

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.

NHS cancer gene database to identify patients at risk

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:28:10 GMT

Thousands of people in England will be able to check whether they have genes linked to cancer.

Maternity services rated inadequate at two hospitals

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:33:59 GMT

The CQC finds that only minimal improvements have been made at two NHS hospitals.

You can now book online to see your GP. But is it any easier to get an appointment?

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:57:44 GMT

A month since GPs in England started offering online appointment bookings, patients recount their experiences.

Government racks up £100m bill responding to Covid inquiry

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:07:14 GMT

BBC analysis shows cost to taxpayer is 50% higher than thought, with inquiry's own costs at £192m.

'Since having Covid my life has completely changed'

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:05:22 GMT

A teenager has told the Covid-19 inquiry she often feels "left out" after missing so much school.

'A predator in your home': Mothers say chatbots encouraged their sons to kill themselves

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 13:20:52 GMT

In her first UK interview Megan Garcia speaks to Laura Kuenssberg about the death of her teenage son.

'We knew the truth': How parents uncovered Scottish hospital's infected water scandal

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:40:32 GMT

Dozens of patients became more unwell and some died with infections picked up at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Some schools disrupted amid rise in flu cases

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:52:04 GMT

Flu is on the rise, but ministers say schools should only close in extreme circumstances.

The rugby mum looking to get others to play

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 07:13:31 GMT

Annette Bevan and friends set up the Maa Maas club for mums who want to play rugby.

The private notes and secret documents that tell the inside story of the UK's Covid response

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:12:50 GMT

The Covid inquiry is set to publish its second set of findings looking in detail at the huge political decisions that had to be made in 2020.

How do cold weather health alerts work?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:07:19 GMT

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

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:12 GMT

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

I'm allergic to cold - anything below 12C and I break out in hives

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:31:59 GMT

Amber breaks out in hives if the temperature goes below 12C (53F) and wishes for a "normal life".

NHS funds football pitch to help boost island health

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:28:59 GMT

Carloway Football Club in Lewis has received a grant of £22,000.

What's really going on with flu this winter?

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:06:36 GMT

We've been told we're facing an unprecedented superflu. Is it?

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?

'I have a sweating problem': What Alan Carr's Traitors admission tells us about how social taboos changed

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:47:10 GMT

Let's talk about sweat... From contestants on The Celebrity Traitors and scores of celebrities openly discussing it, to the trend of professionals using saunas for business meetings

I wanted ChatGPT to help me. So why did it advise me how to kill myself?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:17 GMT

ChatGPT wrote a woman a suicide note and another AI chatbot role-played sexual acts with children, BBC finds.

Flu wave hits England's busiest A&E - hundreds of patients are arriving a day

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

The BBC visits Leicester Royal Infirmary to witness first-hand how it's coping with an early surge in cases of winter bugs.

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.

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.

Gastric sleeve surgery was 'life-changing'

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:22:25 GMT

Steph Hoy dropped from 25 stone to eight stone after surgery.

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".

Inside Health

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Should we be having regular saunas? Plus, a breakthrough result for Huntington’s disease.

How some countries are rethinking exercise

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:57:25 GMT

Dr Jo Blodgett from UCL explains an approach that considers how much you move - and don't move - across the day.

'Getting financial help through my GP has improved my health'

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:16:27 GMT

How linked are financial worries and health? GPs in London are trialling a financial support scheme.

What's in the Covid inquiry report... in 68 seconds

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:46:50 GMT

The report looks at whether lockdowns were timely and reasonable, and what impact rule-breaking at the heart of government had on public confidence.

Botched 'Turkey teeth' op victim warns of dangers

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:14:36 GMT

Leanne Abeyance, from Telford, is waiting for reconstructive surgery and remains in constant pain.

A facelift at 28? Why young people are turning to plastic surgery

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 01:05:48 GMT

Gone are the days when facelifts were for the ageing wealthy. Now younger people are going under the knife.

UK did 'too little, too late', leading to thousands more Covid deaths - inquiry

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:42:03 GMT

Report on government decision-making says delays cost 23,000 lives in the first wave in England.

Hospitals with unsafe concrete expected to miss rebuild deadline

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:12:54 GMT

Seven hospitals with Raac that were prioritised last year are not expected to be completed on time - some not until 2032/33.

Is it a cold, 'super flu' or Covid? How to tell the difference

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:28:03 GMT

How to identify whether you have cold, flu or Covid and how to look after yourself.

Toddler finally home from hospital for Christmas

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:08:34 GMT

Bertie Melly was in hospital for 18 months after his premature birth in May 2024.

Inside Health

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James inhales a lungful of fumes to see if he can see air pollution moving inside him

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.

Private flu vaccine stocks running low as cases rise

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:03:07 GMT

Those eligible for a vaccine can access jabs from the NHS, but experts say that people have turned to pharmacies for convenience.

'I spent £2,000 on one event': Why Gen Z is obsessed with Hyrox

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:45:40 GMT

How young millennials and Generation Z - people in their twenties to early forties - have become obsessed with this fitness craze.

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.

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?

'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 more women are going to rage rooms

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:16:51 GMT

Some rage rooms say most of their customers are female - we talk to women about why they pay to smash up old TVs.

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.

Prostate cancer screening: What you need to know

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:47:11 GMT

Everything you need to know about the decision on who should be screened for prostate cancer.

Hospital alert after fake doctor-endorsed videos

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:39 GMT

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust says online videos falsely show clinicians promoting weight loss patches.

Much of £11bn Covid scheme fraud 'beyond recovery', report says

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:48:32 GMT

The response to the pandemic led to "enormous outlays of public money which exposed it to the risk of fraud and error", a report says.

Ever feel the need to switch off? Your vagus nerve might hold the key

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 02:04:22 GMT

You might not have heard of it, but can training your vagus nerve give you a moment or two of peace?

Families 'failed' by trust meet ahead of inquiry

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:26:52 GMT

Families and patients will discuss what want raised by an inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys Trust.

Lockdown could have been avoided - key findings from Covid inquiry

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:01:47 GMT

The long-awaited report is published into how well or badly the government handled the Covid 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.

Life-extending prostate cancer drug to be offered to thousands in England

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:00:47 GMT

Abiraterone will be available in a matter of weeks and will be offered to 7,000 men a year.

NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:15:44 GMT

Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.

Abortion at 15 'changed my life', says Senedd candidate

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:59:25 GMT

Tessa Marshall has shared the experience to highlight issues such as women's rights and sex education.

Libraries to host community events over winter

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:46:30 GMT

The sessions in December and January aim to bring people in Wolverhampton together during the colder months.

Thousands of children facing 'catastrophic' waits for NHS community care

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:37:45 GMT

A quarter of the 300,000 children waiting for community NHS care have spent more than a year waiting.

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.

Magnesium: Can this 'miracle mineral' really help us sleep?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:04:39 GMT

The global market in this supplement is worth almost £3bn - a figure set to nearly double over the next decade.

My eating disorder made me good at lying, says Victoria Beckham

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:08:18 GMT

The former Spice Girl's new Netflix documentary has landed - under the shadow of a reported family feud.

Inside Health

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Shingles vaccine to reduce dementia risk? Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea & tech trousers

'Toxic' No 10 culture harmed Covid response, inquiry finds

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:32:49 GMT

Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings and Matt Hanock are all criticised for contributing to poor Covid decision-making.

Is fibre the new protein? The surprising health benefits of the latest wellness trend

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:34:11 GMT

It was once seen as an "unsexy nutrient" but its health benefits beyond the bowel are now in the spotlight.

What is happening to flu this winter - and should you buy a vaccine?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:12:50 GMT

Flu has come early this year with a new mutated version of the virus circulating.