BBC News
BBC News - Health
Mental health chat encouraged at coffee mornings
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:48:39 GMT
Three coffee mornings are being held in Wolverhampton as part of a national mental health event.
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.
Measles outbreak could see unvaccinated pupils excluded from schools in north London
Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:55:48 GMT
Children identified as close contacts of people with the disease could be excluded for three weeks
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
Inside Health
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT
James is joined by an expert panel to discuss NHS plans.
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
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.
'Our daughter's cancer symptoms were dismissed because she was a child'
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:24:25 GMT
Isla Sneddon died in March 2025 aged 17, just six months after she was diagnosed with cancer.
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.
More baby formula products recalled over toxin fears
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:23:22 GMT
Danone has recalled 15 more batches of Aptamil and Cow&Gate first infant milk because a toxin called cereulide may be present.
Couple to re-start trek around Britain's coastline
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:26:52 GMT
After having to halt their first attempt due to an injury, the couple are ready to set off again.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
36 UK infants ill after drinking contaminated baby formula
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:01:35 GMT
It comes after some batches made by Nestle and Danone were recalled after being contaminated with a toxin.
'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.
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.
Period blood test could offer less invasive alternative to cervical screening
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:48:42 GMT
Looking for signs of the cancer in a more convenient way could help women access the test and prevent the disease occurring, researchers say.
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.
'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' - drug side effects tearing families apart
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:02:40 GMT
Side effects of a common Parkinson’s medications had devastating consequences on one family, BBC hears.
NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:20:09 GMT
Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.
Can a pulse of electricity to the brain make us less selfish?
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:06:02 GMT
Scientists have discovered how to make people less selfish - slightly and temporarily - by stimulating two areas of the brain.
Why are fewer people donating their organs?
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:21:27 GMT
The number waiting for an organ is at a record high as loved ones increasingly block donations.
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.
'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.
Viral face depuffing tricks - skin experts reveal if they work
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:14:28 GMT
We look at three viral hacks to unpick fact from fiction - the effects are often at best, temporary, say experts.
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.
What have families told the Lampard Inquiry into mental health deaths?
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:28:41 GMT
The latest stage of the public inquiry into 2,000 deaths in Essex hears more from bereaved families.
How do cold weather health alerts work?
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:48:19 GMT
The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.
Women calling for greater support with menopause
Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:04:05 GMT
Women who experienced challenges during the menopause set up businesses to help others.
'You look like a man': How Shell Rowe discovered she had cancer
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:38:14 GMT
The TikToker tells You, Me and the Big C podcast about her cancer journey.
'I was diagnosed with OCD at 10'. Here's how to spot the signs
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:18:01 GMT
Most of us will have intrusive thoughts at some point. Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney explains when you should seek help.
'His loss is massive': Inquests show spread of deadly synthetic drugs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:03:07 GMT
A BBC investigation shows how nitazene deaths have risen and the illegal drug market is changing.
I was full of shame at being sacked after having endometriosis surgery
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:43:28 GMT
Sanju Pal wins an employment appeal tribunal that could affect how employers can treat staff with endometriosis.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
Intrusive thoughts? John has a room for that
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:04:27 GMT
John tells Elis and Dave about his mind's "resentment room".
Intermittent fasting may make little difference to weight loss, review finds
Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:38:50 GMT
But researchers say it could still improve someone's overall health through helpful changes to some body functions.
'I racked up £145k of debt' - pharmacists struggling to stay afloat as costs soar
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:13:55 GMT
With costs escalating, pharmacies are making a loss on essential items such as aspirin.
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.
Sunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:05:19 GMT
Hundreds of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook ads made misleading claims about health benefits, BBC finds.
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?
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.
What does 'quiet resilience' look like?
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:10:03 GMT
Kimberley Wilson talks to psychologist and therapist Dr Sula Windgassen on how to build "quiet" or "flexible" resilience.
'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
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.
Dad starts wargaming club for men's mental health
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:28:58 GMT
Joe founded Dad's War Room to support men struggling with mental health through tabletop gaming.
Olive oil and bone broth: Do viral gut health foods actually work?
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:56:16 GMT
Many trending foods contain a "small seed of truth" but are often oversold as miracle products.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
'The kindness of people got me to the finish line'
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:16:24 GMT
Farmer Sam Stables walks from Herefordshire to London to raise awareness of mental health.
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.
Government pledges 10,000 new foster care places in England
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:34:05 GMT
Rule changes aim to create thousands of new foster places and help full-time workers.
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?
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.
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 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.
Inside Health
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT
Is NHS dentistry on 'life support'?
Doctor who sold stolen PPE on eBay is struck off register
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:50:13 GMT
Dr Attiya Sheikh and her husband Omer Sheikh made almost £8,000 from selling personal protective equipment during the covid pandemic.
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.
I inhaled traffic fumes to find out where air pollution goes in my body
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:11:32 GMT
BBC health correspondent James Gallagher gets his blood analysed to understand how air pollution is killing us.
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.
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.
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.
Medical neglect contributed to mother's death, inquest finds
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:07:16 GMT
A doctor failed to see test results that should have alerted them to Sue Howells's blood clot, an inquest hears.
Inside Health
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT
James Gallagher is joined by a panel to explore the side effects of weight loss drugs.
Using AI for medical advice 'dangerous', study finds
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:20:48 GMT
Oxford researchers find that using AI to make medical decisions presents a risk to patients.
Boy first in UK to have pioneering leg-lengthening surgery
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:32:08 GMT
Alfie Phillips, 9, had the pioneering treatment at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
'Families have lost trust over maternity inquiry'
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:57:43 GMT
MPs are calling on the prime minister to intervene over the probe into Leeds maternity services.
Teen had to tell deaf mum her dad might die
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:24:06 GMT
NHS staff in Birmingham used Alan Graham's grandchildren to pass on information, an ombudsman finds.
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.
Health warning over Cape Verde travel after stomach bug deaths
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:23:37 GMT
Four Britons have died after contracting gut infections on the archapeligo since last year.
What are 'forever chemicals' and are they bad for us?
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:53:04 GMT
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can be found in some of the food and products we use - and even in our bodies. But what exactly are they?
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.
Death of the sex drive - and the great debate over whether testosterone can help get it back
Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:02:42 GMT
Can boosting testosterone improve libido, or is much of the attention solely hype, profit, and placebo?
Dad who nearly lost tongue to cancer urges men's virus awareness
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:57:50 GMT
A father-of-two reveals how a tumour in his tongue was caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Could weight-loss jabs be behind rising gallbladder removals?
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:03:39 GMT
Last year, there was a 15% annual increase in the operations and surgeons want more research.
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.
Bailiffs used to pursue NHS staff over pay errors
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:43:37 GMT
Thousands of NHS workers were pursued by debt collectors after salary overpayments, the BBC finds.
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.
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.
Statin pills much safer than advertised, major review finds
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:08:43 GMT
The results, in The Lancet journal, come from trials involving more than 120,000 people comparing statins with a dummy drug or placebo.
Court upholds return of surgeon who harassed staff
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:28:46 GMT
James Gilbert, who was based in Oxford, was previously suspended for sexual harassment.
'I needed a coil to ease the bleeding but I just sat on a waiting list'
Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:01:04 GMT
Elaine Gracey was in a lot of pain but says she was expected to just put up with her menopausal symptoms.
Three quarters will survive cancer by 2035, government promises
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:42:34 GMT
There are plans for earlier diagnosis and faster treatment in England but experts worry about lack of staff.
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.
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.
How to check whether you have bowel cancer
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:49:43 GMT
What are the main symptoms and causes of bowel cancer, and how can you reduce your risk of getting it?
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?
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.
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.
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, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT
How is EBV triggering autoimmune disease?