BBC News
BBC News - Health
Hospitals knew a heart device led to more patients' deaths - but they kept using it
Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:00:03 GMT
Almost half of patients given a heart pump, after the NHS had raised concerns about it, died soon after.
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?
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.
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.
Vapers overtake smokers for first time in Britain
Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:15:17 GMT
Some 5.4 million adults use vapes daily or occasionally compared with 4.9 million using cigarettes, figures show.
Nurses penalised for trans complaint, says lawyer
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:42:17 GMT
Closing submissions are being made in an employment tribunal brought by eight female nurses.
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.
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.
AI vs superbugs: UK invests millions to tackle drug-resistant infections
Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:10:18 GMT
The UK turns to artificial intelligence (AI) to reverse the rising numbers of infections that shrug off antibiotics.
'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.
'I didn't tell anyone about my medical cannabis prescription'
Sat, 15 Nov 2025 22:09:37 GMT
More than 50,000 people in the UK each month get a private prescription for medical cannabis.
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.
How caffeine can help you manage headaches and other tips
Thu, 06 Nov 2025 02:45:03 GMT
If you're getting a pattern of milder, recurring headaches here are four things you can do to help manage it.
Mother had 'agonising' health test without consent
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:04:43 GMT
Dawn Lord says she had no idea what was happening to her during her "traumatic" hysteroscopy.
Inside Health
Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Shingles vaccine to reduce dementia risk? Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea & tech trousers
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.
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
'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.
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.
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.
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.
Councils should not cut 'vital' physical activity - former Olympian
Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:45:50 GMT
The Accounts Commission says the amount councils are spending on culture and leisure services is not keeping up with rising costs.
Trans people could be barred from services based on appearance
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:44:53 GMT
The new code of practice on access to single-sex services cannot gain legal force until it gets sign-off from ministers.
Surgical menopause like a 'hormonal cliff edge'
Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:58:40 GMT
Surgical menopause is the immediate onset of menopause caused by the removal of both ovaries.
BMA rejects fresh offer to end doctor strikes
Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:21:00 GMT
An offer was made to avert the resident doctors' strike but the union said it did not go far enough.
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.
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.
EastEnders' Kellie Bright on the challenges of being parent of an autistic child
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:35:51 GMT
The soap actor meets families fighting for their children’s education for BBC Panorama.
Our third date was at a fertility clinic - finding love with endometriosis
Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:03:51 GMT
For Sophie Richards those early conversations were just part of the daunting prospect of finding love when you have endometriosis.
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.
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.
Our third date was at a fertility clinic - finding love with endometriosis
Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:03:51 GMT
For Sophie Richards those early conversations were just part of the daunting prospect of finding love when you have endometriosis.
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.
Eleven countries added to methanol poisoning warning list
Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:22:45 GMT
The Foreign Office list now includes India, Morocco and Nepal following a "global increase" in reported cases.
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
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.
'I missed a £100 council tax bill while in hospital – the debt ballooned to £6k'
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:18:07 GMT
The government says it is taking action to protect people from “aggressive collection practices”.
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?
Pharmacist suspended after BBC Botox sting
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:21:27 GMT
Cornelius Agoye was filmed supplying Botox to an undercover BBC researcher in a breach of the rules.
LED mask ads banned over acne and rosacea claims
Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:56:09 GMT
Adverts for cosmetic devices not registered with the medicines regulator must not make medical claims.
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?
Prostate cancer symptoms and treatment: What to check for
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:42:25 GMT
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
New flu virus mutation could see 'worst season in a decade'
Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:56:05 GMT
Leading flu experts say they will not be surprised if this year's is the worst flu season for a decade.
Inside Health
Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Cystic fibrosis care, AI in cancer screening & science of run clubs.
'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.
Pauline Quirke's family on her dementia: 'She's still funny and recognises us'
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:47:24 GMT
The family of the Birds of a Feather actress say "she's still funny, she's talking, she's happy".
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.
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.
'Traumatic wait' for women facing breast cancer diagnoses
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:04:01 GMT
Dr Jilly O'Hagan says she is "hugely concerned" after three patients in her surgery received a late cancer diagnosis.
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.
Advice for PCOS has not changed for 30 years, says patient
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:54:45 GMT
Alex Allan says she feels "sad" that treatment for the condition has not moved forward in that time.
Premature birth can be incredibly lonely, says Beatrice
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:15 GMT
The princess appeared on a podcast ahead of World Prematurity Day for premature birth research charity Borne.
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.
'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.
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.
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 complications of dating with endometriosis
Fri, 14 Nov 2025 23:15:11 GMT
Women's health advocate Sophie Richards talks about dating now fiance Dillon Lewis.
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.
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.
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.
Community health centre to open after £2.2m revamp
Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:05:22 GMT
The Grade-II listed St Dunstan's House has been converted into a health and wellbeing.
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.
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.
Non-smoker diagnosed with lung cancer at 37 demands 'urgent action'
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:04:33 GMT
Jules Fielder is using Instagram to raise awareness of lung cancer in young women.
Ultra-processed food is global health threat, experts warn
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:53:04 GMT
It is increasing our risk of a range of chronic diseases, including obesity and depression, a major review says.
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.
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.
My late husband's organs transformed the lives of four people
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:33:52 GMT
Mark Hutchinson was only 52 when he died unexpectedly last year after suffering two strokes "out of the blue".
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?
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.
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.
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.
NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:14:27 GMT
Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.
NHS waiting list down - how is your hospital doing?
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:23:12 GMT
At the end of September, the backlog stood at 7.39 million in 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.
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.
Doctor strike inflicting pain and misery on patients, says health secretary
Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:08:03 GMT
Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the five-day strike by resident doctors is "completely irresponsible".
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.
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.
'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
Fishing group 'devastated' after container fire
Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:46:58 GMT
Craig Parkins says years of hard work has "just gone up in smoke".
What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?
Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:14:03 GMT
The inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic has heard from politicians, civil servants, experts and bereaved families.
TikTok creator 'so sorry' over cancer diagnosis lie
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:36:39 GMT
Brittany Miller is known for posting food and lifestyle content to her three-and-a-half million followers.
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.
German nurse gets life in jail after murdering 10 to reduce workload
Thu, 06 Nov 2025 02:37:52 GMT
The palliative care nurse was convicted of the murder of 10 patients, and the attempted murder of 27 others.
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.
'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.
Your kid having a hard time? Dr Becky has this tip
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:03:03 GMT
Clinical psychologist Dr Becky Kennedy says resisting the urge to fix, and connecting with your child instead, is key.
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.
5 Live News Specials
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT
That Time of the Month with Leila Nathoo, Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Christine Ekechi
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.
Biggest prostate cancer screening trial in decades begins in UK
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:45:04 GMT
The study aims to find the best way to detect prostate cancer - the most common cancer in men in the UK.
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".
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.
'Price of sports bras shouldn't stop us competing'
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:18:32 GMT
A former Team GB athlete is calling for free sports bras and fittings for secondary school girls.
At 21, I was crushed by a stranger's joke about going bald. Then the way I looked at myself changed
Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:52:35 GMT
There are multiple ways for men to combat hair loss now, but should they have to?
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.
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.
Botox was like going for coffee - but I had no idea if it was genuine
Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:59:31 GMT
Rules about administering drugs such as Botox and Mounjaro have not kept up, says Wales' regulator.
Skip short strolls – a longer daily walk is better for your heart, says study
Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:49:22 GMT
Walking for at least 15 minutes without stopping is ideal, according to new research.
Nearly all NHS trusts failing to hit cancer target
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:47:24 GMT
Experts say patients are being harmed by cancer diagnosis and treatment delays.
Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:58:17 GMT
Resident doctors in England are striking between 14 and 19 November, in their 13th walkout since 2023.
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?
How do cold weather health alerts work?
Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:33:35 GMT
The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.
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.
Three easy ways to help you beat the winter blues
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:06:31 GMT
It's easy to feel gloomy in winter, but here are three ways to help you manage the darker days and even embrace them.
