BBC News

BBC News - Health

The hidden cost of the night shift and how to sleep it off

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:01:55 GMT

More than three million people in the UK work night shifts, which can greatly impact their health. What can be done to help them?

I had to stop modelling because I kept passing out from crippling endometriosis

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:12:23 GMT

Three women describe how endometriosis has affected their careers, as an inquiry takes place.

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.

Inside Health

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Does the success of the HPV vaccine mean that cervical screening can be reduced?

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:29:06 GMT

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

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.

Fighting the world's most deadly animal… in an unexpected way

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:16:28 GMT

Mosquitoes aren't just annoying - they kill around 700,000 people a year via the diseases they spread. But scientists are developing new, counterintuitive ways to tackle them.

Artificial Intelligence used to design brand new viruses

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:01:52 GMT

Scientists made 16 successful viruses that had their genetic code designed by artificial intelligence.

Top-rated mental health trust asked to save £24m

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:55:45 GMT

An NHS trust could lose up to 330 posts and a union says there will be "consequences" for patients.

Charity using art to help rehabilitate inmates

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:05:41 GMT

Inmates say it is "rewarding" to create artwork and sell it online with the help of a charity.

What your summer reading list says about you

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:26:02 GMT

Just picked your holiday book? Our choices can subconsciously reveal important parts of our personality, studies show.

How to do neon festival make-up without harming your skin

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:22:27 GMT

Neon is on trend, but some make-up products pose a serious risk to your health. Here's what to check for, and how to dazzle.

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.

Breast cancer checks missing most women under 50 who are at risk, says study

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 01:08:13 GMT

Up to 95% of younger women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer are being missed by current NHS checks, researchers warn.

Student quits university due to epilepsy medicine shortages

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:14:30 GMT

Jack Tolley says he found it difficult to find supplies of the key medicines he needs.

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.

National Trust expands park by 32 hectares

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:08:28 GMT

Former agricultural land is turned into a public park in Plymouth, the National Trust says.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

US reports first two deaths linked to parasitic infection outbreak

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:46:32 GMT

Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak

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.

What are the 'luteal uglies'?

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:14:03 GMT

The luteal phase occurs in the second half of a woman's cycle when they experience a huge drop in oestrogen.

'It was heartbreaking to attend a fertility appointment in a maternity unit'

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:43:54 GMT

Niamh Smyth and her husband Justyn have spent over a decade trying to start a family, undergoing four rounds of IVF, with three unsuccessful attempts and one pregnancy which ended in miscarriage.

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:08 GMT

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

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.

Sunshine to meal times: How to beat jet lag

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:49:46 GMT

With bags packed and boarding passes at the ready, what can you do to keep your body clock on track?

What does hot weather do to the body?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:18 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

Walk-in mental health centres to open in banks and libraries across England

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:28:08 GMT

Government plans network of nearly 200 specialist services to help those facing mental health crises.

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".

Initiatives aim to help breastfeeding difficulties

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:35:31 GMT

The scheme is part of World Breastfeeding Week, from 1 to 7 August, organisers say.

NHS must plan for heatwaves like it does for winter, health secretary says

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:05:00 GMT

The warning comes after the NHS sees a surge in patients and problems with equipment in high temperatures.

Holidaymakers warned about 'explosive diarrhoea' cyclospora parasite infection

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:10:02 GMT

The UK is seeing a sharp rise in cases - 67 since April - with many of them among travellers returning from Mexico.

What are the 'luteal uglies'?

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:14:03 GMT

The luteal phase occurs in the second half of a woman's cycle when they experience a huge drop in oestrogen.

Inside Health

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

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.

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".

Inside Health

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Also, running during pregnancy and how to recover.

Moment earthquake shakes hospital operating room in Japan

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:46:34 GMT

Security camera footage shows doctors shielding a patient on the operating table as last month's magnitude 6.8 quake shook Kumamoto General Hospital.

'It can be isolating' - how does heat impact anxiety?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:04:28 GMT

Southampton woman Lauren has health anxiety that gets worse during the hot weather.

Doctors failed to spot my hidden condition for so long I was left permanently disabled

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:21:57 GMT

Actor Daneka Etchells is performing in a show which reflects her experiences of "medical gaslighting".

There's a reason child vaccination rates are falling - and it's not social media

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:10:05 GMT

As child immunisation rates fall across the UK, one clinic in west Yorkshire is taking aggressive steps to boost immunisations

'Things need to change': The campaign for women's minister

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:45:16 GMT

Eimear, Pearse, Aoísha and Devyn from Ballycastle want to see a change in how women are protected in NI.

'You are not alone with endometriosis pain'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:02:03 GMT

Endometriosis wellbeing hubs are being called for by a Medway woman.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:43:26 GMT

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

What are the 'luteal uglies'? And how they're affecting women

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:57:22 GMT

More women than ever are talking about the luteal phase on social media, but how does it actually affect you?

From flip flops to fisherman's sandals: How to look after your feet this summer

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:39:16 GMT

They may keep your feet cool but some styles could be doing more harm than good.

Are current breast cancer checks good enough?

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:14:51 GMT

Up to 95% of younger women at higher risk of developing breast cancer are being missed, researchers say.

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.

Woman has pioneering womb surgery to fix 'miracle' baby with intestines outside its body

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:02:25 GMT

Theo became the first British baby to be operated on in the womb to correct complex gastroschisis, as part of a pioneering clinical trial.

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.

Health service reviews cost almost £188,000

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:14:37 GMT

There were 20 independent investigations or reviews between 2021 and 2025.

Hundreds of thousands of women get morning-after pill via free pharmacy service

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:14:41 GMT

Since October, the morning-after pill has been made available free-of-charge at high street pharmacies under a new scheme in England.

Half of vaccines are binned - 'fridge-free' versions could change that

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:14:22 GMT

Scientists have kept vaccines stable at room temperature for a year, which could transform global vaccination.