BBC News

BBC News - Health

Hospital doctors to strike as pay dispute continues

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:02:17 GMT

The British Medical Association says hospital doctors in Northern Ireland plan to strike in November.

Which emergency foods should you stock up on?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:22:09 GMT

The BBC's Annabel Rackham shares some dos and don'ts, following government advice in case of food supply chain disruption.

School's plan to use toilet chaperones puts pupils at risk, says campaigner

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:04:16 GMT

Some pupils will have to be escorted to the toilet over vandalism and attendance problems.

Why people who have never smoked are getting hooked on vapes

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:49:16 GMT

More than one million people now vape who have never been smokers, according to the ONS.

I lost my hair to chemo - now my wigs are worn by A-list stars

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:14:20 GMT

Antonia Okonma Shittu's wig business was launched after a shock diagnosis, and she now wants to help other women feel their best.

Inside Health

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:12:00 GMT

Millions of people still have long Covid, yet a cure still isn't quite within reach.

Ending corridor care in hospitals for children a priority, says health secretary

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:09:04 GMT

Yvette Cooper also announces £140m investment in England's urgent care system, ahead of winter.

Our business ads were taken down for saying 'pregnancy' on Instagram

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:41:32 GMT

Creators say women's health content is getting them shadowbanned on social media. So what's really happening?

Resident doctors take strike action over pay

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:45:58 GMT

The BMA said there will "undoubtedly be cancellation of operations, outpatient appointments and elective care" but "patient safety will still be prioritised".

GTA 6: Can you cheat on someone with a video game character?

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:09:25 GMT

Grand Theft Auto VI lets you build and nurture a romantic relationship but some say dates with a fictional character are a step too far.

Open wounds and eyes that can't close - women warn about cheap bleph eyelid surgery

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:00:25 GMT

A concerning number of patients are reporting problems from treatment abroad, say doctors.

The fight to say 'vagina' on social media

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:30:37 GMT

The fight to say 'vagina' on social media

Inside Health

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Plus, how much do people really change their habits for a free coffee?

Pope pictured for first time since surgery and cancer diagnosis

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:20:37 GMT

The pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer after having surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday.

I'm 12 and I want to try protein powder - should I?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:35 GMT

We asked experts how safe it is for children and teenagers to take protein supplements.

The fight to say 'vagina' on social media

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:30:37 GMT

The fight to say 'vagina' on social media

Rural lives cannot be an 'afterthought', healthcare campaigners say

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:10:13 GMT

Campaigners warn that rural communities face being cut off from vital hospital services.

Our business ads were taken down for saying 'pregnancy' on Instagram

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:41:32 GMT

Creators say women's health content is getting them shadowbanned on social media. So what's really happening?

Ten-year-old Willow among children to benefit from pioneering same-day test to spot infections

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:34:45 GMT

Metagenomics offers a new way of detecting infections in intensive care patients.

Companies exploiting welfare system by using residents as 'cash cows,' BBC finds

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:59:47 GMT

Agents try to attract people on housing benefit by using social media videos that offer free rooms and holidays.

Emotional TV plea for cancer research leads to meeting with PM

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:10:41 GMT

Swimmer Archie Goodburn has been successful in his efforts to improve brain cancer care for patients as the UK government announce new measures.

Russian man linked to deadly London hospitals hack arrested

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:31:33 GMT

The 28-year-old detained by German police is accused of being part of the cyber-crime gang that hacked blood-test firm Synnovis in 2024.

Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in England

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:00:09 GMT

It follows the UK's largest and fastest growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year.

Trans people should use hospital spaces according to biological sex, NHS England says

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:07:26 GMT

New guidance says trans patients should be cared for on single-sex hospital wards or bays that align with their biological sex.

Same-day test 'saved her life'

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:20:33 GMT

The pioneering test offers a new way of detecting infections in intensive care patients.

Calls to improve endometriosis awareness in the workplace

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:50:09 GMT

June says better workplace understanding of the impact of endometriosis might have helped her daughter.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:27:27 GMT

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others.

More protein or less? The foods to get you through a heatwave

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:05:56 GMT

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

Inside Health

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Full body scans, nutritious stockpiles and why strokes are rising in black communities.

The town swapping lie-ins for early morning raves

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 05:28:55 GMT

A seaside town is hosting an early morning alternative for clubbing fans.

Covid vaccine compensation scheme set for overhaul after Inquiry criticism

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:02:46 GMT

Ministers promise to reform the scheme that provides financial support for those injured or bereaved by vaccines in the UK.

Doctors vote to take strike action in row over pay

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:08:16 GMT

The British Medical Association is in dispute with Manx Care over "pay erosion since 2008".

Covid vaccine compensation scheme set for overhaul after Inquiry criticism

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:02:46 GMT

Ministers promise to reform the scheme that provides financial support for those injured or bereaved by vaccines in the UK.

Cut screen time in classrooms to avoid long-term health issues, clinicians urge

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:35:43 GMT

A group of clinicians warns technology use in English schools is driving a rise in health problems like short-sightedness.

Online event offers support for menopause and pain

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 06:22:40 GMT

Menopause Matters is holding a county-wide online forum on Sunday for World Menopause Day.

UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:16 GMT

The UK medicines regulator has given approval for an experimental vaccine to be tested on healthy adults.

Pope discharged from hospital days after lung cancer surgery

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:51:36 GMT

The pontiff will give the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing in St Peter's Square on Sunday.

Calls to improve endometriosis awareness in the workplace

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:50:09 GMT

June says better workplace understanding of the impact of endometriosis might have helped her daughter.

Yes, hang-xiety is a real thing

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:59:16 GMT

Waking up feeling hungover AND anxious? BBC Health's Chloe Hayward explains the science behind hang-xiety.

Covid inquiry PPE report - key findings

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:45:44 GMT

What went wrong with the government's planning and buying of vital items like gloves and gowns that cost taxpayers billions of pounds.

Charity 'terrified' closure could leave mums suicidal

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:15:43 GMT

The Happy Mums Foundation supports women experiencing postpartum mental health challenges.

'What terminal cancer has taught me about life'

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 06:16:46 GMT

A Gloucestershire man with terminal cancer shares the life lessons he wishes he'd learned sooner.

'People forget we exist': Why older LGBTQ+ people fear losing identity

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:18:46 GMT

A report suggests older LGBTQ+ people experience more social isolation than their heterosexual peers.

Service increases access to mental health support

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 07:51:12 GMT

The programme covers a range of topics, including managing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.

Health workers run out of patience with Stormont budget delay

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 11:23:18 GMT

The practical impact of Northern Ireland's budget delay seemed relatively muted until earlier this week when hospital doctors announced two strikes.

A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:17 GMT

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

New mental health directory launches

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:09:04 GMT

It provides information about a range of services to support mental health, officials say.

Inside Health

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

How understanding inflammation could transform treatments from cancer to Alzheimer’s.

School's plan to use toilet chaperones puts pupils at risk, says campaigner

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:04:16 GMT

Some pupils will have to be escorted to the toilet over vandalism and attendance problems.

Fund launched to back community wellbeing projects

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:35:58 GMT

The fund aims to attract support from individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts.

UK wasted £10bn on PPE that left NHS staff poorly protected, Covid inquiry finds

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:12:53 GMT

Healthcare staff were unable to properly protect themselves, or those in their care, from dangerous infections, says the latest inquiry report.

No money for new emergency department, says minister

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:47:43 GMT

Robbie Butler says a new ED at Altnagelvin hospital in Derry is a priority but he does not have the money to pay for it.

Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:26:34 GMT

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

NHS bosses say smaller maternity units may have to close

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 06:24:25 GMT

The NHS Alliance said "difficult decisions" lie ahead and some maternity services may have to be consolidated.

Inside Chicago's battle against the synthetic drugs flooding the US

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 21:00:22 GMT

The BBC's Quentin Sommerville reports from Chicago, where communities are battling a new wave of synthetic drugs.

Emotional TV plea for cancer research leads to meeting with PM

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:56:25 GMT

Scottish athlete, Archie Goodburn, who was diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours two years ago, met Andy Burnham after an appeal for more investment into brain cancer research.

Running costs of vaccine damage scheme more than double amount paid to victims

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:45:14 GMT

The cost of administration and medical checks has now topped £83m, according to new figures.