BBC News

BBC News - Health

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

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.

Families of children with cancer to have travel costs covered

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:35:52 GMT

The government sets aside £10 million a year to help families and young people under 24 access cancer treatment.

Inside Health

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

How is EBV triggering autoimmune disease?

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Inside Health

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Is NHS dentistry on 'life support'?

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.

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.

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.

Deaf patients condemn lack of NHS interpreters

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:02:01 GMT

Members of Hull's deaf community say they are "misunderstood" and face regular delays to treatment.

'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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

Sepsis mistakes killed our daughter - we fear it could happen again

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:04:28 GMT

Grieving parents call for better sepsis training to be introduced urgently so no family goes through what they did.

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.

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.

'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

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".

'Weight-loss jab helped me find my cancer'

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:21:01 GMT

Rebecca Combellack says she found out she had breast cancer after losing weight and finding a lump.

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.

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.

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.

How do cold weather health alerts work?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:43:14 GMT

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

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.

Could this spider's silk help repair nerves?

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:47:44 GMT

Scientists are developing nerve repairing surgical devices from the silk of spiders.

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.

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".

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.

Like a screwdriver in my face - Life with 'the world's most painful known medical condition'

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:09:52 GMT

Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition where something as simple as a gust of wind can cause excruciating pain.

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 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.

Autism and ADHD assessments are a 'postcode lottery'

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:44:18 GMT

A Scottish Parliament committee is calling for urgent action to improve assessments for autism and ADHD.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hospital to be UK's largest robotic surgery centre

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:42:38 GMT

The Denise Coates Foundation has donated £12m towards robotic surgery capabilities at the hospital.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hospital disruption continues after fire

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:42:56 GMT

Southampton General Hospital limits A&E admissions and cancels operations following blaze.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Alleged bullying, harassment and toxic culture at hospital revealed in leaked report

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:57:23 GMT

A leaked review uncovers "bullying and harassment" and "violent behaviour" at Wales' largest hospital.

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.

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.

Health warning over Cape Verde travel after stomach bug deaths

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:23:22 GMT

Four Britons have died after contracting gut infections on the archapeligo since last year.

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.

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.

Trust's maternity care 'exemplary', say inspectors

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:58:28 GMT

Maternity services at Lancaster Royal Infirmary are rated "good", but improvements must be made in A&E.

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.

'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.

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.

No-one knows what to expect when you're dying, but hospices are helping me

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:17:56 GMT

Hospices caring for people at the end of their lives are at risk because funding is "unsustainable".

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seven million cancers a year are preventable, says report

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:13 GMT

Scientists say there is a powerful opportunity to save lives because nearly 40% of cancers are preventable.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Inside Health

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James is joined by an expert panel to discuss NHS plans.

'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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

'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.

UK launches plan to tackle 'forever chemicals' amid growing concerns

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:06:49 GMT

Increasing testing for PFAS is part of the UK's first ever national plan for tackling the substances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

'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.